US President Donald Trump has stated in an interview that the US military is gearing up for intensified strikes against Iran in the coming days. Speaking on Fox News Radio, Trump claimed that the war will escalate in the next week, with the US military launching a series of tough attacks on Iran. When questioned about the potential US takeover of Iran’s Kharg Island, where most of the country’s oil exports are routed, Trump dodged a direct answer, saying that he would not comment on such a sensitive issue.
Trump stated that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is improving, and that commercial vessels should begin operations, adding that the US needs to complete this task to prevent war with Iran in five years. However, when asked about the possibility of taking control of the Kharg Island, Trump replied that he would not answer such a question, as it is not a priority, but one of many options, and that he could change his decision at any moment. Trump also referred to the question regarding the Kharg Island as “foolish,” adding that if the US were to consider such a plan, it would not be publicly disclosed.
The Kharg Island is a 45-kilometer-long island located near Iran’s coast in the Persian Gulf, and is considered the country’s central hub for oil exports. Experts estimate that around 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports pass through this island. Military experts believe that taking control of this island or targeting it would require a large number of ground troops, but the US has so far avoided deploying ground troops in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Iran has proven that it can control global oil prices and even block the Strait of Hormuz, which would disrupt oil tanker traffic. Despite the challenges, there has been no significant disruption to public services.
The death toll has been revealed in the 15-day US and Israeli attacks on Iran, with 106 children and 65 women among the fatalities. Iranian officials reported that 43,600 buildings, mostly residential units, have been destroyed. The situation has created a severe crisis in the region, including a shortage of LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) in India.
For the second time, the US embassy in Baghdad has been attacked since the start of the war. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to move towards an immediate ceasefire, resolve their differences through dialogue, and for China to play an active role in reducing tensions between the two countries.
The ongoing conflict has worsened the situation for Palestinians in Gaza, who are struggling with the effects of a recent sandstorm. The US Senate has stated that the US military launched a major operation on Kharg Island, targeting Iranian naval bases and destroying explosive-laden installations. Iranian officials have informed the United Arab Emirates about the operation.
Operations on the island are proceeding as usual, with oil companies continuing their normal activities. The Iranian government has reported that Hamas has stated that Iran has the right to defend itself against aggression, and that Arab countries’ reluctance to join the conflict is causing them deep disappointment.
North Korea fired several missiles towards Japan, shortly after the US and South Korea began their annual joint military exercises. In a social media post, Trump expressed hope that China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain, and other countries would provide warships to support the US.
The International Cricket Council has officially reprimanded Pakistani batsman Salman Ali Agha for breaching the ICC’s Code of Conduct Level 1, and has awarded him one demerit point.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the government will impose a 5-30% salary cut on employees of independent institutions, with the aim of using the saved funds for public relief. The Pakistan Cricket Board has reported that Hussain Talat has suffered a dislocated left shoulder during the second one-day match against Bangladesh.
Operations in the region are ongoing under the Ghadab-al-Haq campaign, with security sources stating that operations will continue until the objectives are achieved.
