Overview
- CENTCOM released photos and issued a Strait of Hormuz caution to the IRGC ahead of live‑fire drills, as reinforced U.S. forces including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group remain on station.
- Ali Larijani said a framework for negotiations with Washington is being developed, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi welcomed Turkish mediation, demanded an end to threats and sanctions pressure, and vowed a harsh response to any strike.
- President Trump said he believes Iran wants a deal and acknowledged setting an undisclosed deadline, while touting a large naval presence he says could act quickly if required.
- The Wall Street Journal reported White House advisers have prepared graded military options ranging from limited precision strikes to broader attacks on regime capabilities.
- U.S. allies voiced concern to Politico that the rhetoric and buildup could harden a path toward conflict, as a partial U.S. government shutdown began and may complicate decision timelines until the House votes on funding.