More than 3,400 Iranians have been killed in the ongoing conflict, according to Iran’s state-run Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs. The Foundation head, Ahmad Mousavi, reported 3,468 “martyrs” in the recent conflict, while a previous toll cited 3,375. The US-based Human Rights Activists news agency (HRANA) put the figure higher at 3,636, including 1,701 civilians.
The crisis intensified as Iran reversed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, reimposing restrictions on the vital shipping lane after the US maintained its blockade of Iranian ports. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that approaching the strait would be considered cooperation with the enemy, and any offending vessel would be targeted. Reports emerged of IRGC ships firing at tankers, including an Indian-flagged vessel, attempting to pass through. Iran justified its actions by stating the strait was under its “strict management and control” and would remain restricted if Washington did not ensure full freedom of navigation for Iranian vessels. The EU’s foreign policy chief emphasized that transit through waterways like Hormuz must remain open, to which Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson responded, asserting Iran’s right to take necessary measures against military aggression.
Diplomatic efforts appear stalled, despite Saturday morning meetings convened by Donald Trump in the White House Situation Room to discuss the crisis and negotiations with Iran. Senior US officials indicated that without a breakthrough in peace talks, the war could reopen within days. Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, stated that a second round of talks could not be set until a framework agreement was reached, accusing the US of holding “maximalist” demands. He also firmly rejected claims that Iran would ship enriched uranium to the US. Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, acknowledged progress in negotiations but noted significant gaps remained, also revealing a near-escalation with a US minesweeper in Hormuz.
Regionally, a deadly attack against UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon killed a French soldier and injured three others. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) attributed the attack to “non-state actors,” while Hezbollah denied any involvement. In northern Gaza, the Israeli military killed two UNICEF-contracted truck drivers at a water point, forcing the UN agency to suspend operations in the area.
Other developments include Pope Leo XIV stating his disinterest in debating Trump about the Iran war, preferring to preach peace. Trump, meanwhile, played golf despite the escalating crisis. The Wall Street Journal reported that the US military is preparing to board Iran-linked oil tankers and seize commercial ships in international waters. Furthermore, an analysis revealed suspicious, well-timed bets totaling $855,000 on Polymarket predicting US strikes on Iran, raising ethical and legal concerns. Trump also publicly criticized Spain’s financial situation and its contributions to NATO.
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