The United States and Iran have made significant progress in indirect negotiations through their respective diplomatic channels in Pakistan, according to a statement made by US President Donald Trump. Trump, speaking to reporters on a plane, expressed optimism that a deal with Iran would be reached soon. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi responded by saying that US experts should be informed about the reality of the anti-regime protests in Iran. Raisi also stated that Iran has allowed 20 ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which is a significant increase from previous numbers.
Trump contradicted Raisi’s statement, claiming that the Iranian Speaker of Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, was responsible for allowing the ships to pass through the strait. The US President also stated that the US could seize Iranian oil, and potentially take control of the Kharg Island. Furthermore, Trump mentioned that the US would soon assist Cuba when it becomes necessary.
Meanwhile, a report by a US newspaper stated that hundreds of US Special Operations Forces have arrived in the Middle East. Trump stated that new people in Iran have been acting more reasonably than before. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Iran must stop producing missiles, drones, and supporting terrorist groups. A former director of the US Counterterrorism Center, Ken Cuccinelli, urged the US to refrain from sending ground troops to Iran.
Iran’s Aerospace Force Commander, Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, posted a video on social media that showed him displaying a “crying mother” gesture. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US President’s clear goals are to bring about action in the operation. An Arab media report stated that Iran has carried out over 5,200 attacks on Gulf states over the past 30 days. According to ship-tracking data, the two container ships from the Cosco company have crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are heading towards Malaysia. Heavy rainfall has caused significant destruction in several provinces of Afghanistan since Thursday. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin stated that the US will regain control of the Strait of Hormuz in due time. Israel’s military has confirmed that 261 of its soldiers have been wounded since the start of the conflict, although the number of fatalities is unknown. Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry stated that it had ordered Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Reza Sheibani to leave the country, citing him as an undesirable figure. European Council President Antonio Tajani expressed congratulations to Pakistan for its diplomatic efforts to resolve the Middle East crisis. He made this statement during a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
