US-Israel-Iran War News Highlights: Donald Trump reiterates Iran ‘decimated’, defends US strikes to stop nuclear threat

At least 14 members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were killed and two others injured in an explosion during ordnance clearance operations in northwestern Iran, according to state-linked media.

The Fars News Agency reported that the incident occurred in Zanjan province when unexploded ordnance detonated during a specialised clearance mission.

The personnel were part of a unit tasked with locating and neutralising leftover munitions in the area, which authorities say continues to pose a safety risk to civilians and farmland. According to Fars, nearly 1,200 hectares of agricultural land in the region remain threatened by unexploded ordnance.

US president Donald Trump said the United States was “sort of like pirates” as he described a recent naval incident involving an Iranian cargo vessel.

“We have such a great military, a great Navy,” Trump said at an event on Friday night, as cited by CNN.

He recounted US forces firing into the engine room of a ship that was attempting to ram what he referred to as the “iron wall.” He appeared to be referring to an incident last month in which the USS Spruance intercepted the Iranian-flagged vessel “Touska” as it was heading towards an Iranian port in alleged violation of a blockade.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has told his Iranian counterpart that Moscow is ready to assist efforts to end the war and restore peace in the region.

The remarks came during a phone call with Iran’s top diplomat, where Russia reiterated its willingness to play a role in de-escalation and a political settlement.

Moscow has consistently pushed for resolving the conflict through diplomatic channels and international law.

Iran has lost an estimated $4.8 billion in oil revenue due to the US naval blockade of its ports, according to an Axios report citing Pentagon officials.

The Pentagon assessment also noted that 31 tankers carrying around 53 million barrels of oil are currently stranded in the Gulf, highlighting the scale of disruption to Iran’s exports.

Officials said at least two tankers have been seized, while others are taking longer, more expensive routes — particularly towards China — to avoid US maritime interdiction.

The blockade was imposed during a temporary ceasefire, aimed at pressuring Tehran to accept a Pakistan-brokered deal to end the conflict.

Despite briefly reopening the Strait of Hormuz following a truce, Iran reinstated restrictions after the US refused to lift its blockade without a permanent agreement.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran’s naval forces have been completely destroyed, saying “every single ship is at the bottom of the sea,” while reiterating that Tehran must not obtain nuclear weapons.

He argued that Iran would quickly use a nuclear weapon against Israel, the Middle East, and potentially Europe, adding that such a scenario “is not going to happen.”

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has sharply escalated rhetoric against Tehran, describing Iranian leaders as “rats in a sewer pipe” while reaffirming that the US naval blockade will remain in place.

In a post, Bessent said Iran’s leadership was disconnected from reality, claiming Washington has “complete control” over the Strait of Hormuz and warning that the blockade would continue until pre-February 27 “freedom of navigation” is restored.

He also pointed to mounting economic pressure inside Iran, citing a shortage of US dollars and reports of food and fuel rationing.

The US Department of the Treasury has additionally warned shipping companies of sanctions risks if they pay Iran for safe passage through the Strait, amid allegations that Tehran is demanding “tolls.”

Iran hit back with a strongly worded response through its embassy in South Africa, dismissing Bessent’s remarks and accusing Washington of defeat.

At least 12 people were killed in Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon on Friday, according to the country’s health ministry, as violence continued despite an existing ceasefire.

Eight people, including a child and two women, were killed in Habboush, where Israel had issued an evacuation warning shortly before the strikes. Another four people, two of them women, were killed in Zrariyeh, with several others injured.

Lebanon’s state media reported that the strikes came less than an hour after the evacuation order, with heavy bombardment also hitting other areas, including the coastal city of Tyre.

The Israel Defense Forces has said it would act “forcefully” against Hezbollah over alleged ceasefire violations, citing the need to counter imminent threats.

Hezbollah, in turn, claimed attacks on Israeli positions in response.

Since the conflict escalated in March, Lebanon’s health ministry says more than 2,600 people have been killed. Aid groups have raised alarm, with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warning that even emergency responders now fear for their lives during rescue operations.

US President Donald Trump has defended his administration’s actions against Iran, claiming the country’s military capabilities have been severely weakened.

Speaking on the conflict, Trump said Iran has “no Navy, no Air Force,” and that its leadership has been largely eliminated, describing them as “pretty evil people.”

He argued that US intervention was necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, warning that without action, “the Middle East would have been blown to pieces” and Europe could have faced similar risks.

Trump also alleged that Iranian authorities had killed thousands of protesters, as he continued to justify the military campaign and broader pressure strategy against Tehran.

The US department of state has approved military sales worth over $8.6 billion to key Middle Eastern allies, including Israel, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

The move comes as the US-Israel conflict with Iran enters its ninth week, with a fragile ceasefire holding for more than three weeks.

The Israel Defense Forces said it intercepted multiple drones launched from Lebanon by Hezbollah targeting northern Israel.

According to the military, at least four drones were launched. Two were shot down after triggering sirens in the Galilee Panhandle and Golan Heights, though they did not cross into Israeli territory and the alerts were later deemed unnecessary.

Shortly after, two more suspected drones were intercepted before entering Israeli airspace, with no sirens activated.

Separately, the IDF said it fired interceptor missiles following alerts of rocket fire near Kiryat Shmona. The outcome of those interceptions is still under review.

The military added that all incidents are being investigated, as tensions continue to flare along the Israel-Lebanon border despite ceasefire conditions.

The United States has ordered the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany, signalling rising tensions with European allies over the Iran conflict.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the move, with the Pentagon saying the drawdown will take place over the next six to 12 months.

The decision follows sharp exchanges between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as divisions widen over handling of the Iran war and stalled peace talks.

Officials said the move reflects growing friction within NATO, with some European countries resisting involvement in US-Israel military actions against Iran.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has said it will enforce “new rules” over waters near its coastline, including the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement, the IRGC Navy said it would exert control over nearly 2,000 km of Iran’s coastline along the Arabian Gulf and the Strait, projecting the move as a step towards ensuring regional stability.

It described the waters as becoming “a source of pride and power” for Iran and a “source of security and prosperity” for the wider region.

US President Donald Trump has said Washington will not end the conflict with Iran prematurely, stressing that any resolution must meet US objectives.

Speaking in Florida on Friday, Trump said Iran was “not coming through with the kind of deal that we have to have,” adding that the US is determined to “get this thing done properly.”

He ruled out a quick exit from the conflict, warning against a temporary solution that could lead to renewed tensions. “We’re not going to leave early and have this kind of problem arise in three more years,” he said.

Rocket sirens have been activated in Kiryat Shmona and nearby towns along the Lebanon border, shortly after earlier warnings of a suspected drone infiltration, according to Times of Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces said it is investigating the incident, with no immediate confirmation of impacts or interceptions.

Sirens warning of a suspected drone infiltration from Lebanon were activated in northern Israel, including the Galilee Panhandle and the Golan Heights, according to Times of Israel.

The Israel Defence Forces said it is investigating the incident, with no immediate details on interceptions or damage.

US President Donald Trump has acknowledged rising fuel prices amid the Iran conflict, but defended the situation as necessary to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

“Gasoline is high… but when this is over, you will have a world without nuclear weapons with Iran,” Trump said, adding that allowing Iran to develop such weapons would put the world in “great jeopardy.”

His remarks come as global oil prices have surged due to tensions in the Middle East, with disruptions around key supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz driving costs higher.

Trump has repeatedly argued that the spike in oil and fuel prices is temporary and justified, maintaining that prices will fall once the conflict ends and Iran’s nuclear ambitions are curtailed.

US President Donald Trump has informed Congress that hostilities with Iran have “terminated,” a move that effectively bypasses a key legal deadline under US law.

In a letter to lawmakers, Trump said the conflict that began on February 28 had ended, even as US forces remain deployed in the region and tensions persist.

The assertion allows the administration to sidestep requirements under the War Powers Resolution, which mandates congressional approval within 60 days of military action. That deadline fell on May 1.

However, Trump’s letter also made clear the situation remains volatile, warning that Iran still poses a “significant” threat to US forces.

Fourteen Iranian soldiers were killed during operations to defuse unexploded ordnance in the country’s northwestern Zanjan province, according to local media reports.

The incident occurred as teams from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were clearing areas contaminated by cluster munitions following recent airstrikes.

Authorities said large parts of the province, including around 1,200 hectares of agricultural land, had been affected. More than 15,000 explosive items had already been neutralised before the deadly incident.

“During one of these missions, 14 of these dedicated forces were martyred and two were injured,” officials said.

Cluster munitions, which disperse smaller bomblets mid-air, can leave behind unexploded devices that pose long-term risks to civilians and demining teams. Iran has accused the US and Israel of using such weapons, while Israel has made similar allegations against Iran.

None of the three countries are signatories to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans the use and stockpiling of these weapons.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has urged citizens to wage an “economic battle” against the country’s adversaries as the ongoing conflict and sanctions strain the economy.

In a statement for Labour Day in Iran, Khamenei said Iran had already demonstrated its strength militarily but must now “disappoint and defeat” its enemies through economic and cultural resilience.

The Islamic republic "has proven to the world in a military battle with the enemies its progress and excellence", Khamenei said in a written statement, but "it must also disappoint and defeat them in the stage of economic and cultural jihad".

He called on people to prioritise domestically produced goods and urged business owners to avoid layoffs despite mounting pressure.

The remarks come as Iran faces severe economic challenges, with inflation reportedly crossing 50% in recent weeks and the rial hitting record lows against the dollar.

The situation has worsened due to a continued US blockade of Iranian ports, disrupting oil exports, alongside years of sanctions. Officials say around 191,000 people have filed for unemployment as the impact of the war ripples through businesses and livelihoods.

The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on China-based Qingdao Haiye Oil Terminal Co., Ltd. as part of a wider crackdown on Iran’s oil trade.

The US Department of State said the terminal had imported “tens of millions of barrels” of Iranian crude, helping Tehran generate billions in revenue. The move criminalises US-linked transactions involving the operator.

Washington also warned of consequences for vessels paying “tolls” demanded by Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, signalling tighter enforcement of sanctions.

Additionally, the US Department of the Treasury sanctioned three Iranian currency exchange houses accused of converting oil revenues into usable foreign currencies.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US would “relentlessly target” Iran’s financial networks and those helping it evade sanctions.

The United States has said its forces are continuing to patrol international waters and enforce the ongoing naval blockade against Iran, as tensions in the region remain elevated despite parallel diplomatic efforts. The enforcement measures are part of Washington’s broader strategy to maintain pressure on Tehran amid an unresolved conflict and fragile ceasefire conditions.

According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), multiple commercial vessels have already been affected by the restrictions put in place. “US forces continue to patrol international waters and enforce the ongoing naval blockade against Iran. As of now, 45 commercial vessels have been directed to turn around or return to port to ensure compliance,” CENTCOM said, highlighting the scale of the operation.

The directive underscores the extent of US maritime control in key regional waterways, particularly as the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of the standoff. The blockade, coupled with Iran’s own actions in the strait, has significantly disrupted commercial shipping routes, raising concerns about global trade flows and energy security.

The development comes amid ongoing diplomatic manoeuvres aimed at de-escalation, though both sides continue to adopt firm positions on key issues, including maritime access and economic restrictions, suggesting that a resolution remains distant.

US President Donald Trump has reiterated his firm opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, while also criticising key European allies for what he described as insufficient support for Washington’s military operations linked to the ongoing conflict with Tehran. His remarks underscore growing friction not only between the US and Iran, but also within Western allies over the approach to the crisis.

Speaking to reporters, Trump took aim at Spain and Italy, suggesting that their level of backing for US actions reflects a lack of urgency in addressing the Iranian nuclear issue. “I’m not happy with Italy and I’m not happy with Spain,” Trump said, indicating dissatisfaction with their stance amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

He went on to frame the issue in stark terms, warning of severe global consequences if Iran were ever to develop nuclear weapons. “Anybody who feels it’s okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon is not very smart,” he added. “If they were ever allowed to have a nuclear weapon, you would have problems the likes of which the world has never seen before, and it’s not going to happen.”

Trump’s comments come at a time when diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations with Iran remain uncertain, with divisions persisting over the terms of any potential agreement. His strong rhetoric signals that preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state continues to be a central priority for the US administration, even as differences with allies complicate a unified international response.

US President Donald Trump has expressed scepticism over the prospects of a potential agreement with Iran, indicating that while negotiations may be under consideration, significant differences remain unresolved. His remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, with diplomatic efforts continuing alongside a fragile ceasefire and competing strategic demands.

Speaking about the state of discussions, Trump suggested that Iran is eager to reach an agreement but indicated that the terms currently on the table do not meet US expectations.

“They want to make a deal, but I'm not satisfied with it, so we'll see what happens. Iran wants to make a deal because they have no military left, essentially. They wanna make a deal, but I am not satisfied with it,” he said, reiterating his reservations about the proposed framework.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei sharply criticised the United States’ military presence in West Asia, referring to American bases in the region as a “paper tiger” and questioning their ability to ensure even their own security.

The remarks come at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, alongside parallel but uncertain diplomatic efforts to ease the standoff.

In a post on X, Khamenei mocked the defensive capabilities of US installations, while also appearing to aim at Washington’s regional allies in what was seen as a veiled reference to Israel and several Arab countries that have backed the United States during the ongoing conflict.

“America's paper tiger bases can't even secure themselves, let alone the regional American-worshippers,” the Iranian Supreme Leader stated in his post, underscoring Tehran’s increasingly confrontational rhetoric.

His comments are being viewed as part of a broader messaging strategy by Iran’s leadership, aimed at projecting confidence and challenging US influence in the region amid ongoing military and geopolitical friction. The statement also reflects growing tensions involving not just Iran and the United States, but also Israel, with the situation remaining volatile despite diplomatic channels still being explored.

In a separate post, Khamenei also emphasised the strategic and civilisational importance of the Persian Gulf, portraying it as far more than a geographic entity and reinforcing Iran’s long-standing position on the region’s significance to its national identity and security calculus.

Iran has reportedly destroyed majority of the US military sites in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict that started February 28, when Washington launched series of strikes jointly with Tel Aviv on Tehran.

According to a congressional aide familiar with damage assessments, these affected sites make up a significant share of US military positions in the region. “There has been a spectrum of assessments,” the source said., adding, “From a pretty dramatic side, of the whole facility is destroyed and needs to be shut down, to leaders who say these things are worth repairing due to the strategic benefit they give the US.”

A CNN investigation says Iran and its allies have damaged at least 16 US military sites across eight Middle Eastern countries, with some rendered unusable. Key assets like radar and communication systems were targeted, causing costly losses. Estimates put the war’s cost between $25 billion and $40–50 billion. Gulf allies, heavily impacted, have also privately criticised the US, questioning the reliability of the alliance.

Uncertainty continues to surround the prospects of renewed negotiations between the United States and Iran, with the latest diplomatic overtures yet to produce a clear pathway back to the table. Despite signs of potential movement, significant gaps remain between the two sides, particularly over conditions tied to maritime access and economic restrictions.

Tehran may be open to restarting talks under specific conditions that address its key concerns, CNN reported citing Iranian sources.

The source indicated that Iran could consider re-engaging in negotiations if the United States lifts its blockade of Iranian ports, coupled with a full reopening of the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz by Iran, suggesting a possible framework for de-escalation if reciprocal steps are taken.

However, Washington’s position on the matter appears more stringent, with US officials maintaining that Iran must allow the unconditional passage of all vessels through the strait, a demand that underscores ongoing disagreements over freedom of navigation and regional security. It remains unclear whether Iran’s latest proposal aligns with this expectation or falls short of US requirements, leaving the outcome of the diplomatic effort uncertain.

The source also highlighted a deeper underlying issue shaping Tehran’s approach, stating that Iran remains deeply distrustful of the US and questioning Washington’s past conduct in the negotiations. The lack of clarity over why the US withdrew from the previous round of talks held in Pakistan has further contributed to scepticism within Iranian circles, complicating efforts to rebuild confidence and resume dialogue.

White House envoy Steve Witkoff has put forward a set of amendments aimed at reintroducing the nuclear issue into the draft framework of ongoing negotiations with Iran, according to a source familiar with the matter, signalling Washington’s intent to refocus discussions on Tehran’s nuclear programme amid a fragile diplomatic environment.

The proposed changes are understood to centre on tightening conditions around Iran’s nuclear activities, particularly in the context of facilities that have been damaged in recent hostilities.

According to the source, the amendments seek to ensure that nuclear concerns remain a central pillar of the negotiations, even as broader geopolitical tensions continue to shape the talks.

The source said one of the amendments included a demand that Iran commit not to try to move any enriched uranium out of its bombed nuclear facilities, or restart any activity at those sites, as long as negotiations continue. The condition is seen as an effort to prevent any escalation or irreversible steps by Tehran while diplomatic efforts are still underway.

The development highlights the complexities surrounding the negotiations, with both sides attempting to balance strategic leverage and diplomatic engagement. Analysts suggest that the inclusion of such provisions could prove contentious, as Iran has historically resisted constraints it views as limiting its sovereignty, particularly in relation to its nuclear infrastructure.

The USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier has departed the Middle East following its involvement in operations linked to rising tensions with Iran, a US official confirmed on Friday, marking a shift in the American naval presence in the region. Despite the carrier’s exit, a significant US military footprint remains in place, with two other aircraft carriers continuing to operate in the area as part of ongoing strategic deployments.

According to the official, the Ford has now moved into the US European Command area of responsibility, bringing an end to a lengthy and eventful deployment. The number of US Navy vessels in the Middle East currently stands at around 20, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carriers, both of which remain stationed in the region to support American military objectives and maintain a deterrent posture.

The Ford’s deployment has spanned more than 10 months, during which it participated in a wide range of operations across multiple theatres. Earlier in its mission, the carrier was involved in US activities in the Caribbean, where American forces carried out strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats, interdicted sanctioned tankers, and conducted operations targeting assets linked to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, underscoring the vessel’s multi-role operational capacity.

However, the deployment has not been without challenges. A fire broke out in a laundry room aboard the carrier on March 12, injuring two sailors and causing significant damage to approximately 100 beds, according to the US military, raising concerns about onboard safety and operational strain during extended missions. Additionally, the carrier has reportedly faced persistent technical issues, particularly with its toilet system, with US media highlighting recurring clogs and long queues for restrooms, pointing to logistical difficulties faced by crew members during prolonged time at sea.

The redeployment comes against the backdrop of an open-ended ceasefire between the United States and Iran, although tensions between the two countries remain unresolved. The situation continues to be volatile, with Tehran blocking the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route, while US forces maintain a blockade on Iranian ports, reflecting the fragile and uncertain nature of the current standoff.

The Israeli army has issued a fresh forced displacement order for residents of Habbouch, a town in southern Lebanon, signalling a continuation of its pressure tactics in the region despite the existence of a ceasefire. The warning has raised concerns among local authorities and humanitarian observers, who say such directives risk escalating tensions and exacerbating civilian distress in already volatile border areas.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Israeli army’s Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee directly addressed residents, urging them to leave their homes immediately and move to safer locations away from the town. “For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and move away from the village to a distance of at least 1,000 meters, toward open terrain,” he said, framing the move as a precautionary measure amid ongoing security concerns.

Adraee further warned of the risks associated with remaining in areas allegedly linked to Hezbollah activity, reinforcing Israel’s longstanding position regarding the presence of militant infrastructure in civilian zones. “Anyone in the vicinity of Hezbollah operatives, facilities, or combat assets places their life in danger!” he added, without providing specific details about imminent military action in Habbouch.

The directive is being viewed by many analysts as part of a broader strategy of mass displacement through military warnings, a tactic that has drawn widespread criticism in the context of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Observers note parallels between such warnings and earlier evacuation orders issued during the Gaza conflict, where large-scale civilian displacement took place under similar circumstances.

Israel intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in the Mediterranean, detaining about 175 activists and taking two organisers to Israel for questioning. Israel alleges security-related suspicions, while organisers accuse Israeli forces of violence and illegal interception in international waters. Several countries have condemned the action, calling it a breach of international law.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has hit out at the United States over its military campaign against the Islamic Republic, dismissing Washington's justification for the strikes.

In a post on social media, Baghaei condemned the US for its war of "aggression" and challenged the narrative that the operations were a matter of "self-defence".

To support his argument, he highlighted a US State Department document which claimed that: "The United States engaged in this conflict at the request of and in the collective self-defense of its Israeli ally, as well as in the exercise of the United States' own inherent right of self-defense."

The US Navy's blockade of Iran has built economic pressure on Tehran that continues even though the ceasefire has led to a temporary pause in fighting, according to a new report.

The blockade has also hit China’s purchases of Iran’s oil, at discounted prices, deals for which were being carried out through a covert financial system and a fleet of ghost tankers.

According to an article in Sky News Australia, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has sustained itself through shell companies, rotating ship identities, and shadow banking corridors that kept oil revenue flowing outside the formal financial system.

The article highlights that earlier, the US kept targeting individual aspects of this covert system put in place by China and Iran to circumvent western sanctions. However, this time around, the US is aiming to dismantle the entire network that in the past has managed to survive the limited action.

A dozen members of the French navy scour screens for blinking lights indicating movement thousands of kilometres away near the Strait of Hormuz.

Since the start of the Iran war in late February, staff at a maritime security centre in western France have been helping merchant ships trapped in the Gulf.

Twin Iranian and US blockades of the Strait of Hormuz have left more than 750 civilian ships stranded on the Gulf side of the passageway, through which a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas transited before the conflict. Only a handful have managed to leave in recent weeks.

If the Maritime Information Cooperation and Awareness Center (MICA center) detects any form of bombardment, it immediately sends nearby ships -- container ships, cargo vessels and cruise liners -- an encrypted message.

Iran has submitted a new proposal for talks with the United States through mediator Pakistan, state media reported on Friday.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran delivered the text of its latest negotiating proposal to Pakistan, as the mediator in talks with the United States, on Thursday evening,” the official IRNA news agency reported, without providing further details.

Iran’s Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei has said that Tehran has never stopped engaging in negotiations with the United States.

“We do not welcome war, but we are not afraid of it,” he said, according to IRIB news agency. “If our dignity is threatened, we will fight for our dignity; this is the firm position of our nation.”

He added that Iran has always supported dialogue, but stressed that diplomacy must be “based on logic and rationality.” He also rejected what he described as attempts at coercion in negotiations.

“We certainly do not accept imposition. An enemy that has not achieved any of its goals and objectives through aggression and threats cannot be imposing or demanding at the negotiating table either,” he said.

Mohseni-Ejei also said Iran intends to pursue legal action against the United States.

“We will pursue and punish war criminals and obtain compensation from them,” he added.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has criticised the United States over what he described as a “war of aggression,” challenging Washington’s claim that its actions against Iran were carried out in self-defence.

In a post on social media, Baghaei referred to a US State Department document that justified the operation by stating that the United States acted “at the request of and in the collective self-defense of its Israeli ally, as well as in the exercise of the United States’ own inherent right of self-defense.”

Responding to this, Baghaei wrote, “‘Self-defense’ against what?” and questioned whether there had been any armed attack by Iran that could justify such a claim.
“Was there any ‘armed attack’ by Iran to justify ‘self defense’? Definitely not!” he said.

He concluded that the operation “was absolutely NOT ‘self-defense’ — it was an act of AGGRESSION against the nation of Iran.”

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said that no unilateral Iranian arrangements can be trusted or relied upon regarding freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, following what he described as Iran’s “treacherous aggression” against its neighbours.

In a post on X, Gargash stressed that commitments made by Iran on its own cannot ensure stability or safe passage through the strategic waterway.

Ayatollah Mohsen Qomi, a member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts and deputy for international affairs in the office of the Supreme Leader, has dismissed claims circulating in the US regarding the health of Mojtaba Khamenei, according to Fars News Agency, as cited by ANI.
Qomi said such reports are part of what he described as Western attempts to provoke reactions and spread rumours. He stated that questions about the leader’s health are being used to pressure Iranian officials into responding publicly.
“Some people ask about the health status of His Eminence the Leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Khamenei. This is a trick used by the enemy,” he was quoted as saying, adding that the aim is to generate speculation and force official responses.
Qomi also said Iranian authorities are focused on preserving the Supreme Leader’s life, describing him in highly symbolic terms. He further claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei was present in a building that was bombed but was unharmed.
“He was in that very building that was bombed, where others were martyred. Just minutes before the explosion, by God’s will he had gone into the courtyard,” he said.
Qomi added that Mojtaba Khamenei is currently in “perfect health” and actively involved in overseeing state affairs, including monitoring negotiations and operational matters.

The Trump administration has maintained that the United States is “not at war” with Iran, even as military engagement approaches a key legal threshold under the War Powers Resolution, raising the prospect of a standoff between the White House and Congress.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said that congressional authorisation is not required at this stage, according to NBC News. He argued that the US is not engaged in active hostilities.
“I don’t think we have an active, kinetic military bombing, firing, or anything like that. Right now, we are trying to broker a peace,” Johnson told reporters at the Capitol, as quoted by ANI.
When asked about the 60-day limit under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which expires on Friday, he was firm in his response, saying, “We are not at war.”
The law requires a president to withdraw US forces from hostilities within 60 days unless Congress grants authorisation or approves an extension.
President Donald Trump reportedly informed lawmakers of the military campaign on 2 March, making 1 May the key deadline.
With no formal authorisation secured, the situation has raised concerns about a potential constitutional standoff between the executive and legislative branches.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has affirmed that he will continue working to “reclaim every inch of our occupied land.”

In a post on X on the occasion of Labour Day, Salam also said the government will “continue the hard work to improve your living conditions… and revive the economy in a way that creates new job opportunities, restores stability, and sets the country on the path to genuine recovery.”

Two people were killed and 10 others injured in a strike in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.

The ministry said the strike hit the town of Nabatieh al-Fawqa early Friday, causing both fatalities and multiple injuries.

On Thursday, the ministry also reported that strikes across several towns in the Nabatieh district killed at least 14 people.

The latest attacks come despite an extended ceasefire in Lebanon, with continued exchanges of fire reported between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah forces.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are reportedly dissatisfied with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s handling of diplomacy and negotiations and are calling for his dismissal, according to a report by London-based Iran, as cited by the Jerusalem Post.

The sources claim both leaders believe Araghchi has been acting more as an assistant to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Ahmad Vahidi than as a foreign minister implementing government policy.

According to the report, Araghchi has allegedly been coordinating directly with Vahidi and acting without the president’s oversight or knowledge. The sources added that Pezeshkian has told associates he may remove Araghchi if the situation continues.

Air defence systems in Tehran were activated to counter small aircraft and reconnaissance drones, according to Iranian media reports, as the White House signalled it would not be constrained by a congressional deadline on the Iran conflict.

The Tasnim and Fars news agencies, as cited by AFP, said the systems were engaged in parts of the capital for around 20 minutes in response to unidentified small aircraft and surveillance drones. They added that the situation later returned to normal.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is severely disrupting the global economy. In a social media post, he said the inability of ships to safely navigate the vital waterway is affecting energy, transport, manufacturing and food markets, effectively straining global economic stability.

Guterres said the consequences of the broader Middle East crisis are worsening rapidly, noting that the situation is becoming more serious with each passing hour. He called for urgent dialogue between the parties involved and urged the pursuit of solutions that could help de-escalate tensions and prevent further escalation.

US President Donald Trump received a briefing on new potential strike plans against Iran from US Central Command (CENTCOM), according to Axios. Two US officials told the outlet that CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff briefed the president in a session lasting around 45 minutes.

Axios reported that the proposed options include a “short and powerful” wave of strikes targeting infrastructure in Iran, aimed at increasing pressure amid a stalled ceasefire. Another scenario reportedly involves efforts to take control of the Strait of Hormuz and reopen it for commercial shipping. A further proposal includes a special operations mission to secure Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Earlier, in an interview with Axios, Trump suggested that maintaining pressure through a blockade could be more effective than direct bombing, arguing it was already having a severe economic impact on Iran. He also reiterated that Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.

According to the report, Trump rejected Iran’s proposal to first ease tensions in the Strait of Hormuz before nuclear negotiations begin, instead insisting that Tehran address US concerns first.

While the administration currently views economic and strategic pressure as its main leverage, officials have indicated that military action remains a possible option if Iran refuses to engage in talks.

Separately, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assessed that Iran is unlikely to soften its position, noting that hardline voices within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continue to dominate decision-making in Tehran.

US Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has warned that a possible military strike against Iran may be imminent, citing briefings and other sources during an interview with CNN.

Blumenthal said he has the “impression from some of the briefings” that “an imminent military strike is very much on the table.” He described the prospect as “deeply disturbing,” warning it could put US troops in danger and potentially lead to “massive casualties.”

He also cautioned that any escalation could directly involve American service members in harm’s way, underscoring concerns over a possible widening of the conflict.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a US naval blockade of Iran’s ports amounts to an “extension of military operations,” despite the ongoing ceasefire between the two countries.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian said, "The world has witnessed Iran’s tolerance and conciliation. What is being done under the guise of a naval blockade is an extension of military operations against a nation paying the price for its resistance and independence."

"Continuation of this oppressive approach is intolerable," he added.