Overview
- Iran’s supreme leader Modschtaba Chamenei warned on Saturday that any attack would be met with an “immediate, effective and geographically unrestricted” response, and he ordered military commanders to prepare to deter further strikes.
- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi publicly threatened Germany and Europe with a “devastating blow,” said Tehran sees no need for direct talks with U.S. officials for now, and confirmed the leadership received a letter from U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
- President Donald Trump publicly named the suspected underground site known as Pickaxe Mountain as a potential U.S. target and said strikes could be carried out “in ten minutes,” while senior U.S. officials, including Marco Rubio, said no final decision has been made.
- Reports from regional authorities and maritime monitors describe new attacks and explosions on tankers and possible mines in the Strait of Hormuz, increasing risks to shipping, crew safety, and global energy flows.
- Regional governments are intensifying diplomacy and military preparations as Gulf states consider new defense purchases and Europe warns of economic fallout, making talks through intermediaries the key avenue to avert a fast, wider war.