Trump Announces Iran Ceasefire Extension But Says Blockade Remains The United States President Donald Trump has announced an extension to the ceasefire with Iran, stating that the US military will delay its planned attack to allow Tehran more time to submit a proposal for ending the conflict. The decision, made on Tuesday, came at the request of Pakistani mediators, according to Trump. The original ceasefire, which was set to expire on Wednesday, now faces an open-ended extension, with Trump emphasizing that the US will maintain its naval blockade while awaiting Iran’s proposal. In a social media post, Trump declared, “I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.” This marked a significant reversal from his earlier stance, as Trump had previously expressed opposition to extending the truce, warning Iran that time was running out before a major US attack on its infrastructure. The abrupt change in position followed hours of conflicting statements, with Trump initially signaling his resistance to prolonging the ceasefire. Iran did not issue an immediate response to Trump’s announcement, though the semi-official Tasnim news agency noted that Tehran’s position would be “officially announced later.” The extension of the ceasefire comes amid heightened tensions, as Iranian officials condemned the US naval blockade on the country’s ports, casting doubt on their willingness to participate in scheduled talks. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Trump’s decision, expressing hope that the prolonged truce would enable a negotiated settlement.#pakistan #iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #abbas_araghchi
Another Catastrophe on Wednesday: Trump's Shocking Statement Washington: Tensions between Iran and the United States continue to escalate as President Donald Trump issues a new warning regarding the potential resumption of military action. The situation remains volatile, with Trump reiterating his threats to restart bombing operations if a ceasefire agreement is not reached. The dispute centers around the Hormuz Strait, a critical maritime passage, and ongoing negotiations between Iran and the U.S. regarding its control. Iran has recently opened the Hormuz Strait, which had been closed since the outbreak of hostilities between Iran, the U.S., and Israel. However, the country has emphasized that it will maintain its blockade unless a formal agreement is reached. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that commercial and civilian vessels can pass through the strait during the ceasefire period, but military ships are prohibited. This decision aligns with the terms of the ceasefire agreement, which Iran claims is being upheld. Trump, however, has warned that if Iran fails to reach a deal, the U.S. will resume bombing operations. In a statement, he said, "Maybe I won't extend the ceasefire. But the blockade is going to remain. So you have a blockade, and unfortunately, we'll have to start dropping bombs again." This remark has intensified fears of renewed conflict, with analysts and officials expressing concerns about the potential for further escalation. Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Ghailibaf, has criticized Trump's statements, calling them "lies." He accused the U.S. of attempting to manipulate the situation through false claims and warned that Iran will not allow its naval forces to be restricted.#iran #united_states #donald_trump #abbas_araghchi #mohammad_ghailibaf
Key US-Iran Talks In Pakistan Today Could End The War The long-awaited U.S.-Iran peace talks are set to take place in Islamabad today, marking a critical moment in the ongoing conflict. Iranian officials have emphasized the importance of the meeting, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf leading the 70-member delegation. The Iranian side has expressed cautious optimism, though they remain skeptical of U.S. intentions. Qalibaf stated that Tehran’s willingness to engage is clear, but trust in American commitments remains low. As a result, Iran has proposed several conditions for the talks, including halting Israeli aggression in Lebanon, ceasing military expansion in the Middle East, and addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear program. The U.S. delegation includes Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witty, and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law, who is expected to play a key role in negotiations. Both sides have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, creating a window for dialogue. However, tensions remain high, with Iran demanding guarantees that the U.S. will not escalate military actions in the region. The talks are expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear activities, the security of the Hormuz Strait, and broader regional stability. Pakistan has taken extensive security measures to ensure the safety of the delegates. Thousands of police and military personnel have been deployed, with strict checkpoints and curfews in place. Schools, colleges, and markets have been closed, and private vehicles are banned in designated “red zones” near key government buildings, embassies, and hotels. The Pakistani government has also declared official holidays on Thursday and Friday to facilitate the talks. Despite the logistical efforts, skepticism persists.#pakistan #us #iran #abbas_araghchi #mohammad_bagher_qalibaf
US-Iran War: Has The War Given Pakistan A Diplomatic 'Lifeline' In The Middle East? Pakistan has emerged as a pivotal mediator in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, leveraging its strategic position to broker a 14-day ceasefire between the two warring nations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's announcement of the truce, coupled with his invitation for US and Iranian delegations to Islamabad for further negotiations, marks a significant diplomatic milestone for the country. This move has been hailed as a redemption for Pakistan, which had faced a major fallout with its Gulf patrons a decade ago during the 2015 Yemen conflict. The ceasefire, announced on Wednesday, comes amid heightened tensions following President Trump's warning that "an entire civilization will die tonight" if the conflict escalated. Pakistan's role in facilitating this truce has drawn praise from both Tehran and Washington. Trump credited Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts, while Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, expressed gratitude for Pakistan's tireless mediation. The gesture has also earned endorsements from China, Turkey, and Egypt, underscoring Pakistan's growing influence in regional diplomacy. The 2015 Yemen conflict serves as a critical backdrop to Pakistan's current diplomatic resurgence. At the time, Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, intervened militarily to support the internationally recognized government against Iran-backed Houthis. Pakistan, which had previously provided military and policing services to Gulf monarchies in exchange for financial aid, hesitated to commit. Domestic opposition and fears of sectarian divisions within Pakistan constrained the then-government of Nawaz Sharif, who had strong ties to Saudi Arabia through marriage and political asylum.#pakistan #trump #abbas_araghchi #shehbaz_sharif #asim_munir
L&T stock price rallies 7% on Iran-US ceasefire; Middle East exposure back in focus Shares of Larsen & Toubro surged more than 7% on March 8, 2026, following the announcement of a US-Iran ceasefire in the ongoing West Asia conflict. The engineering major’s stock climbed to Rs 3,991.30, up Rs 268.00 or 7.20% on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), marking a sharp reversal from earlier in the month. This rally came after months of investor concerns over project disruptions and geopolitical risks in the Middle East, which had previously pressured L&T’s stock. At the height of tensions, the company’s market capitalisation had slipped below the Rs 5 lakh crore mark on March 13, making it the top loser on the Nifty index that day. The newly announced two-week ceasefire, declared in the early hours of March 8, is expected to alleviate fears of project delays and geopolitical instability, which had weighed heavily on investor sentiment. Larsen & Toubro’s international business remains a cornerstone of its operations, with international orders accounting for over half of its total inflows. For the nine months ended December 31, 2025, the company secured international orders worth Rs 1,91,084 crore, representing 55% of total order inflows. In the December quarter alone, international orders reached Rs 66,848 crore, contributing 49% of inflows, while international revenues totaled Rs 38,775 crore, making up 54% of total revenue. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is highlighted as a key growth driver, with strong investment momentum in AI infrastructure, data centres, and large-scale urban development projects. These projects have positioned L&T as a major player in the region’s infrastructure expansion, despite the volatility of the geopolitical landscape.#donald_trump #abbas_araghchi #gulf_cooperation_council #larsen_toubro #us_iran_ceasefire
Asia-Pacific Markets Rally Following Trump's Ceasefire Agreement with Iran Asia-Pacific markets surged on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary suspension of planned attacks on Iranian infrastructure, citing a potential two-week ceasefire. The decision, outlined in a post on his Truth Social platform, was conditional on Iran agreeing to the "COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking on behalf of the country’s Supreme National Security Council, confirmed that Tehran’s armed forces would "cease their defensive operations" in response to the U.S. proposal. Both sides emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to ensure safe passage through the strategically vital waterway during the ceasefire period. The announcement triggered a sharp decline in U.S. crude oil prices, with the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) contract for May delivery plummeting over 16% to $94.23 per barrel by 7:15 p.m. ET. This drop reflected investor optimism that reduced geopolitical tensions could ease supply constraints in the region. Meanwhile, Asian equity markets rebounded strongly, with South Korea’s Kospi index rising 5.3% and the Kosdaq small-cap index gaining 3.4%. Major South Korean tech firms, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, saw their shares surge by 7.25% and 9.2%, respectively, as investors anticipated renewed economic stability. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index extended its gains to 4.5%, while the Topix index climbed 3.2%, driven by renewed confidence in global trade dynamics. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 also rose 2.7%, reflecting broader regional optimism. Hong Kong markets, which had been closed for a holiday, were poised for a sharp rebound, with Hang Seng Index futures trading at 25,233—up from its previous close of 25,116.53.#iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #south_korea #abbas_araghchi
Russia’s military aid to Iran remains a subject of debate, with U.S. President Donald Trump describing it as “a bit” while Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called Moscow’s cooperation “good.” The extent of Russia’s support, however, is complex and multifaceted, involving intelligence sharing, satellite data, and advanced weaponry. Moscow’s assistance to Iran includes critical intelligence on U.S. military assets, likely sourced from its Liana spy satellite system, designed to monitor U.S. carrier strike groups and naval forces. Experts suggest Russia shares data from its satellites with Iran, though the effectiveness of this aid is questioned. Meanwhile, Russia has also contributed to Iran’s space program, including the development of the Khayyam satellite, launched in 2022 from Baikonur. This satellite, with a one-meter resolution, provides Iran with orbital imaging capabilities, though its utility in military operations remains unclear. Beyond intelligence, Russia has supplied Iran with advanced weaponry, including air defense systems, fighter jets, helicopters, and sniper rifles, worth billions of dollars. Since the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran began in February 2026, Russia has reportedly provided Iran with “intelligence, data, experts, and components” for its military operations. However, the two nations lack a formal mutual defense agreement, and Russia has not directly intervened in the conflict. Instead, their relationship is characterized by mutual aid, with Iran supplying Moscow with ammunition, artillery, and short-range missiles in return. Iran’s use of Russian-supplied Shahed drones has become a focal point of the conflict. These drones, initially developed by Iran but modernized by Russia, have been used in attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets.#iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #russia #abbas_araghchi
Iran US war LIVE updates: US says Iran Revolutionary Guards' Navy commander killed in strike | World News The United States has claimed that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards killed its Navy commander during a recent strike. Meanwhile, US special envoy Steve Witkoff signaled potential progress in negotiations, stating that Washington sees “strong signs” Tehran might agree to a ceasefire. Despite this, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, emphasized that Tehran is reviewing a US peace proposal but has no intention of engaging in talks to end the escalating regional conflict. The exchange of messages through med...#us #iran #abbas_araghchi #steve_witkoff #revolutionary_guards
Iran War News: India, 5 Others On Iran's "Friendly Nation" List For Safe Hormuz Passage Iran has confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for India despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The waterway, a critical passage for a fifth of the world’s oil shipments, has been under Iranian control since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran last month. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed Iranian State TV, clarifying that the strait is not fully closed and that safe passage is being provided to vessels from friendly nations. Araghchi stated that many shipowners have requested assurances for their vessels’ safe transit through the strait. He emphasized that countries deemed friendly, such as China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iraq, and Bangladesh, have been granted passage. “Two of its ships passed through a few nights ago, and some other countries, and even Bangladesh, I believe,” he said, according to Reuters. He noted that this arrangement would continue even after the conflict. The minister also warned that vessels linked to adversary nations, including the United States, Israel, and certain Gulf states involved in the conflict, would be denied passage. “We are in a state of war. The region is a war zone, and there is no reason to allow the ships of our enemies and their allies to pass through,” he said. Earlier this week, Iran halted a Pakistan-bound container ship, the SELEN, from crossing the strait. The vessel, en route from the United Arab Emirates’ Sharjah to Karachi, was redirected at the entrance due to lack of transit authorization. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the incident, highlighting Iran’s continued control over the waterway. Iran’s restrictions on the strait have significantly disrupted global energy shipping.#iran #united_states #israel #strait_of_hormuz #abbas_araghchi
Iran-Israel War Escalates as Talks and Strikes Intensify U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Iran was participating in peace talks, suggesting that Tehran’s refusal to acknowledge the negotiations stemmed from fears of internal opposition. “They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly. But they’re afraid to say it, because they figure they’ll be killed by their own people,” Trump stated during a dinner for Republican lawmakers. He also warned that Iran’s reluctance could lead to further escalation, stating, “If Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment... Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before.” The White House echoed this stance, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt asserting that Iran should not reject a potential deal to end the war in West Asia. “President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again,” Leavitt said, while emphasizing that “talks continue.” However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the U.S. overture, declaring, “We do not intend to negotiate.” He framed Iran’s position as one of resistance, stating, “Our policy is the continuation of resistance,” and warned that Washington’s push for talks was an “admission of defeat.” Iran has outlined its own conditions for a ceasefire, including a mechanism to prevent Israel and the U.S. from resuming hostilities, compensation for war damages, a halt to regional conflicts, and international recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. These demands reflect Tehran’s insistence on ending the war on its terms, as stated by an Iranian official quoted by Press TV. Meanwhile, Israel’s military confirmed it had launched “wide-scale” strikes across Iran, targeting infrastructure in the central city of Isfahan.#iran #israel #donald_trump #abbas_araghchi #karoline_leavitt
US-Iran Negotiations Proceed Amid War Tensions The White House confirmed that diplomatic talks with Iran are ongoing, despite Tehran’s refusal to immediately accept a 15-point plan to end the conflict. Two administration officials told CNN that the U.S. is working to arrange a meeting in Pakistan to discuss a potential resolution, or “off-ramp,” to the war. However, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, denied that negotiations are taking place, stating that the U.S. shift in tone represents an admission of failure after previously demanding “unconditional surrender.” Araghchi emphasized that messages exchanged between the two sides through mediators do not constitute negotiations. “The fact that they are talking about negotiation now is exactly an admission of defeat,” he said during a televised interview. He also criticized the U.S. for sending multiple messages to Tehran via “friendly countries,” calling the communication an exchange of ideas rather than dialogue. Meanwhile, Iran has been preparing for a potential U.S. military operation by deploying military personnel and air defenses to Kharg Island, according to U.S. intelligence reports. The island, strategically located near the Strait of Hormuz, has become a focal point of the conflict. Iran also announced plans to charge countries a fee for safe passage through the strait, as tracking data shows multiple vessels have passed through the waterway. Congressional frustration over the war effort has grown, with members of the House Armed Services Committee expressing dissatisfaction with a recent briefing by Trump administration officials. Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican, claimed she felt “misled” during the session and warned that prolonged conflict would erode public support. Rep. Clay Higgins acknowledged the briefing was “contentious,” while Rep.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #white_house #abbas_araghchi #kharg_island
Iran fires ballistic missiles at US-UK Diego Garcia military base, does not hit it — report Iran launched ballistic missiles at the US-UK Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean but did not strike the target, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The attack, which involved two intermediate-range missiles, failed to hit the base, with one missile failing in flight and another intercepted by a US warship. The exact timing of the attack remains unspecified, though the incident highlights Iran’s growing missile capabilities. The Islamic Republic’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, previously claimed Iran’s missiles have a maximum range of 2,000 kilometers, but the attack on Diego Garcia—located approximately 4,000 kilometers from Iran—suggests a longer reach. The strikes come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Iran retaliating against US and Israeli strikes that have intensified since late last month. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting at least 22 Iranian drones in the eastern part of the country, while Kuwait’s military confirmed its air defenses were engaged by missile and drone threats. These attacks have raised concerns about a potential global energy crisis, as Iran’s targeting of oil infrastructure in the region disrupts critical supply routes. In response to the ongoing conflict, Israel’s military announced it is conducting airstrikes on Iranian regime targets in Tehran. No further details were provided, but the strikes underscore the escalating military confrontation between the two nations. Meanwhile, the Israeli military also reported sirens across central and southern Israel following the detection of Iranian ballistic missile fire, marking the second such attack since midnight.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #abbas_araghchi #wall_street_journal #diego_garcia
Iran allows Indian oil tankers to pass through Strait of Hormuz after S Jaishankar's call with Abbas Araghchi India’s efforts to secure safe passage for its oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz have yielded results following diplomatic talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. The decision comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and rising energy prices in India, which have placed significant pressure on the country’s economy. Sources close to the situation confirmed that Iran has agreed to permit Indian oil tankers to transit through the strategically vital waterway, a move that has been widely seen as a breakthrough in regional diplomacy. The agreement is expected to alleviate supply chain disruptions and stabilize fuel prices in India, which have been volatile due to the ongoing conflict in the region. The development follows a series of high-stakes diplomatic engagements between New Delhi and Tehran, with Jaishankar’s recent discussions with Araghchi playing a pivotal role in resolving the impasse. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil exports, has seen increased tensions due to geopolitical rivalries and military posturing, making the agreement a significant step toward de-escalation. India’s reliance on Middle Eastern oil imports has made the region’s stability crucial for its energy security. The recent crisis, exacerbated by attacks on shipping routes and military confrontations, has disrupted supply chains and driven up costs. By securing safe passage for its tankers, India aims to mitigate these challenges while reinforcing its strategic partnerships in the region.#iran #india #strait_of_hormuz #abbas_araghchi #s_jaishankar
Iran's clearance of Indian tankers through the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a significant development amid escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel. At least two Indian-flagged vessels, the Pushpak and the Parimal, have reportedly navigated the strategically vital waterway without incident, while ships from the US, Europe, and Israel continue to face restrictions. This breakthrough follows diplomatic talks between India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to reports from the news agency IANS. The move has been highlighted by BJP leader Amit Malviya, who shared a news clipping on X with the caption "India First," underscoring the perceived diplomatic success. Additionally, a Liberian-flagged tanker carrying Saudi Arabian crude, captained by an Indian national, successfully transited the strait and docked in Mumbai. This marked the first India-bound vessel to pass through the waterway since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, which have severely disrupted maritime traffic. Iran's naval commander had previously stated that vessels seeking passage through the Strait of Hormuz must secure Tehran's approval to avoid being targeted. The current situation reflects Iran's broader strategy to restrict traffic deemed supportive of the US and Israel, while allowing neutral or allied vessels to proceed. The Strait of Hormuz, a 55-kilometre-wide channel between Iran and Oman, is a critical artery for global energy trade. Approximately 13 million barrels of oil flow through the strait daily, accounting for 31% of global oil shipments. Restrictions on this route have disrupted major ports in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran itself, with ripple effects on global markets and supply chains.#iran #india #strait_of_hormuz #abbas_araghchi #s_jaishankar
Israel-Iran war LIVE: Consequences for global oil markets could be 'catastrophic' if Hormuz closure continues, Aramco chief says The escalating conflict between Iran and the United States, along with its allies, has raised alarms about the potential collapse of global oil markets. Saudi Arabia’s state oil company, Aramco, warned that prolonged disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could lead to "catastrophic" consequences for energy supplies. The strait, a critical chokepoint for oil exports, has seen near-total shutdowns in commercial traffic due to rising tensions in the region. Aramco’s chief executive, Amin Nasser, emphasized that this crisis surpasses past disruptions, highlighting the severity of the situation. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have vowed to block oil exports from the Middle East as long as the war continues, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to threaten harsher military strikes if Tehran disrupts oil flows. The U.S. leader also announced plans to ease certain oil-related sanctions to stabilize global supply chains, though the effectiveness of this measure remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, reiterated that the country would continue its missile attacks on Gulf Arab nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, as long as the conflict persists. The war has intensified with Iran launching new attacks on Gulf countries, including multiple waves of drone and missile strikes. These assaults have targeted infrastructure and civilian areas, with reports of explosions in Doha, Qatar, following U.S. evacuation orders for residents near the embassy. The violence has also spilled into Iraq, where Iranian-backed militants were reportedly killed in an airstrike, and the Revolutionary Guards claimed to have struck a U.S.#donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #abbas_araghchi #iranian_revolutionary_guards #aramco
Diplomats claim Trump’s special envoy undermined Iran talks A Persian Gulf diplomat with direct knowledge of U.S.-Iran negotiations told MS NOW that Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, misrepresented key details of a critical conversation during talks. The diplomat described Witkoff’s account of the discussions as false, highlighting a stark divergence between the envoy’s public statements and the reality of the negotiations. Witkoff, speaking on Fox News, claimed Iranian negotiators boasted to him that Iran had enough enriched uranium to produce nearly a dozen nuclear bombs. He described the conversation as the starting point of Iran’s negotiating stance, with Iranian officials expressing pride in their ability to evade international oversight protocols. According to Witkoff, the Iranians stated they possessed 460 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium, which could be used to build 11 nuclear weapons. However, the Persian Gulf diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity, refuted Witkoff’s account. The diplomat said Iranian officials had actually offered to relinquish the enriched uranium as part of a potential agreement with Trump. They also claimed the uranium was enriched after Trump withdrew from the 2017 nuclear deal under the Obama administration. The diplomat emphasized that Witkoff’s description of the conversation was inaccurate, stating that the envoy had misrepresented the Iranians’ willingness to compromise. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly dismissed the claims, accusing critics of spreading “false, anti-American propaganda.” She asserted that Trump and Witkoff had acted in good faith to address threats posed by Iran, including its nuclear program and support for terrorist proxies.#iran #abbas_araghchi #steve_witkoff #abraham_lincoln #jared_kushner
Israel-Iran war LIVE: Fresh wave of Israeli strikes hit oil depot in Tehran; Netanyahu says will carry on war 'with all our force' Israeli and U.S. forces launched strikes on an oil depot in Tehran on Saturday, marking the first reported attack on Iran’s oil infrastructure, according to the IRNA news agency. The attack, which occurred during a week of escalating tensions, targeted facilities in the Iranian capital, though Iranian officials stated the refinery’s infrastructure remained undamaged. In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed they had struck Israel’s Haifa oil refinery, framing the attack as retaliation for the Israeli strikes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Saturday that Israel would continue its military campaign against Iran “with all our force,” asserting that the U.S. and Israel had gained near-total control of Iranian airspace following a week of strikes. Netanyahu’s televised address emphasized a “systematic plan” to dismantle the Iranian regime and achieve broader strategic goals. Meanwhile, Iran continued its missile and drone attacks on Gulf nations hosting U.S. military bases, with reports of explosions and missile launches in the region. The conflict saw additional developments as Katyusha rockets targeted the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, though it was unclear if the attack caused damage or casualties. Israeli military officials confirmed that approximately 3,400 strikes had been conducted on Iran since the war began a week prior, with around 7,500 munitions deployed. Air defense systems in Baghdad intercepted several rockets aimed at the U.S. Embassy, with reports indicating that most were neutralized before reaching their targets. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized U.S.#iran #israel #benjamin_netanyahu #abbas_araghchi #tehran
Senior Khamenei aide says Iran won’t negotiate with US Mohammad Mokhbar, a senior adviser to the late Iranian supreme leader Khamenei, stated that Iran does not trust the United States and has no intention of engaging in negotiations with Washington. He emphasized that Iran could sustain a prolonged conflict, drawing parallels to the eight-year war with Iraq. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, who led the country’s nuclear talks with US officials before recent hostilities, accused Trump of “betraying diplomacy” by launching attacks during negotiations. In a post on X, he criticized the approach of treating complex nuclear discussions like a real estate transaction, warning that such tactics would lead to unrealistic expectations and the destruction of diplomatic efforts. The Israeli military claimed an F-35 fighter jet shot down a manned Iranian warplane in Tehran, identifying the target as a YAK-130 fighter jet. Iran did not immediately respond to the claim. Meanwhile, Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, reiterated the country’s stance against war, stating that Madrid would not support actions harmful to global interests. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed concerns that US-Israeli strikes on Iran “appear inconsistent with international law,” despite initial support for the actions. He criticized the lack of consultation and warned of the broader implications for the international order. The conflict has intensified, with Israel launching strikes on Iranian targets in Tehran and Lebanon, while Iran retaliated with missile attacks. A funeral ceremony for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in the US-Israeli strikes, is set to begin in Tehran.#abbas_araghchi #israel_katz #mohammad_mokhbar #pedro_sanchez #mark_carney
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Warns of Iran's 'Self-Destructive' Strategy Amid Regional Conflict The Turkish foreign minister emphasized that a potential shift in Iran’s leadership could offer a rare chance to end the ongoing conflict in the region, while condemning Tehran’s “self-destructive” approach of indiscriminately attacking Gulf neighbors. Fidan described the Middle East as facing one of its most volatile periods in decades, but highlighted that Iran’s political transition might create a diplomatic opportunity absent since the war began. “A new leadership structure may reshape Iran’s decision-making and create an opportunity to stop the war,” he stated during a live broadcast on TRT Haber news channel. Fidan noted that Iran’s current leadership, operating under a temporary three-member council, may exhibit greater flexibility in addressing the crisis. “This could be a window of opportunity, if used wisely,” he said, stressing that any diplomatic framework must balance the concerns of all parties. “It must be a formula that does not humiliate the Iranians, while also addressing the legitimate worries of others,” he warned. He argued that prolonging the war would lead to “far worse consequences than any concession that might be made.” Fidan criticized Iran’s strategy of bombing Gulf states, including Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, as an “unbelievably wrong strategy.” He pointed out that many Gulf nations had made significant efforts to prevent the conflict, with Qatar’s leaders still attempting to avert escalation hours before the attacks. Despite this, Iran launched widespread strikes without distinction, heightening regional risks and undermining its own interests.#iran #turkey #abbas_araghchi #hakan_fidin #recep_tayyip_erdoan
