Overview
- President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on any country trading with Iran, drawing a formal rebuke from China and a warning from Russia of “disastrous consequences.”
- Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed active communications with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, while the White House says diplomacy remains on the table.
- U.S. officials reviewed options including cyberattacks and targeted strikes against Iranian security and missile infrastructure, though analysts note the absence of a U.S. carrier in the Gulf and risks to regional bases.
- NGO Iran Human Rights reports at least 648 confirmed deaths in the crackdown, with far higher unverified estimates, as authorities enforce internet restrictions.
- Iran organized pro-regime rallies and summoned UK, French, German and Italian envoys; the U.S. urged Americans to leave Iran, and Bloomberg reports Starlink access is being offered to Iranians.