Iran has disputed claims by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) that Iran’s armed forces have begun a de-mining operation in the Strait of Hormuz. The head of the Khadim al-Anbia Central Headquarters denied the CENTCOM’s claims, stating that Iranian armed forces have full control over any vessels passing through the strait. In contrast, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) clarified that only non-military vessels are permitted to cross the Strait of Hormuz. US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, asserted that two US ships have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Arabian Gulf. The IRGC warned that any attempt by military vessels to pass through the strait would be met with a strong response.
This comes after the US CENTCOM claimed earlier that two guided-missile US warships had participated in the operation. Additional US troops and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are expected to join the operation in the coming days. Hegseth also stated that the US warships, USS Frank E. Petersen and Michael Murphy, conducted the operation to protect the waterway. Former US President Donald Trump mentioned that a meeting with Iranian officials began at dawn and lasted for approximately 20 hours. US officials confirmed that the entire US negotiating team has left Islamabad.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. In a social media post, Trump stated that the meeting between the US and Iran was productive, with many points of agreement reached. However, Trump also mentioned that the most contentious issue – Iran’s nuclear program – remained unresolved.
The UK and Australia expressed disappointment over the failure of the Islamabad talks between Iran and the US to reach a deal. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Israel of an impending attack, likening Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to Adolf Hitler. Pope Francis delivered his weekly prayer address from the Vatican City.
Former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif stated that the US needs to understand that Iran will not be dictated to. Abraham Azizi added that Iran cannot trust the US and that it is now time for the Americans to decide if they can regain Iran’s trust. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf mentioned that a portion of the Lavan Refinery will resume operations within 10 days.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged the US and Iran to return to negotiations and maintain a ceasefire. Former US diplomat Mark Bullen, who was critical of Pakistan’s media coverage, had his passport revoked under national security laws. Bullen stated that this round of talks was the longest in a year, lasting around 24-25 hours.
Former US President Donald Trump mentioned that the meeting between the US and Iran began at dawn and lasted for approximately 20 hours. In a social media post, Trump stated that the meeting between the US and Iran was productive, with many points of agreement reached. However, Trump also mentioned that the most contentious issue – Iran’s nuclear program – remained unresolved.
Details have emerged regarding the traffic jam on Shah Faisal Bridge in Karachi’s Korangi area. Senator Sajid Mir, leader of the opposition in the Senate, stated that the US believed it could seize control of Iran after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The US official confirmed that the entire US negotiating team has left Islamabad.
