Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dismissed US President Donald Trump’s warnings, stating that the Strait of Hormuz will not be closed due to Trump’s “amusing” claims. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has also called Trump’s statements about seeking peace “baseless and unfounded.” Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has reported a drone crash in the Al-Qayyamah state, while Kuwait’s airport has been hit seven times since the start of the conflict.
In a move to protect civilians, the US has reportedly divided targets in Iran for attacks, with Israel focusing on targeting Iranian leaders. The US has threatened to destroy Iran’s civil infrastructure, including all desalination plants, if a deal is not reached. Iranian leaders have changed locations since the assassination of their top leaders, making targets harder to reach.
US President Donald Trump is set to address the nation on Iran at 6 am local time, as the US and Israel continue their military operations against Iran. The US and Israel have been working together to gather intelligence, including using advanced AI platforms, which are only accessible to a limited number of Israeli intelligence officials. Iran’s use of its own AI system to protect its citizens has backfired, as the system has been used against the country’s leaders.
The conflict has also seen the involvement of other countries, including Jordan, which has assisted Israel in the past in targeting Iranian drones and missiles. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has denied that the current conflict is Israel’s last war, stating that they cannot promise that.
The French Navy’s head has stated that the number of Chinese ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz is not sufficient to restore normal traffic flows. Meanwhile, the US has been criticized by US Democrat Senator Chris Coons for his comments on Iran’s new President, stating that he is less extreme and more intelligent than his predecessors.
In a separate incident, a tanker off the coast of Qatar was hit by a missile, but all crew members were safe, and an investigation has been launched into the incident. The conflict has led to a move by Uzbekistan to protect the environment and improve air quality, with government officials and employees banned from using state transport for two days.
