US President Donald Trump has announced the postponement of planned military strikes against Iran, citing requests from key Gulf allies including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. These allies reportedly believe a peace deal with Iran is “very close.” Trump, however, issued a stern warning that if an acceptable deal is not reached, the US military is prepared for a “full, large scale assault of Iran” at a moment’s notice.
Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei affirmed Tehran’s commitment to serious diplomacy but warned that the Islamic Republic “will not be subdued by contradictory behavior and threats.” Iran’s top joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya, further stated that its armed forces are “ready to pull the trigger” in response to any renewed US aggression, promising a “quick, decisive, powerful, and extensive” retaliation.
In related developments, oil prices saw a significant drop following Trump’s announcement, reflecting a de-escalation of tensions. Iran has also announced the formation of a new body to manage the vital Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane. Reports emerged claiming Israel built two covert military bases in Iraq’s desert to support its strikes on Iran, with one base reportedly discovered by a shepherd who was later killed. An Iranian MP warned of a “severe” response to any new attacks, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz would not return to its previous state without Iran’s consent.
Regional dynamics continue to shift, with Pakistan deploying 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets, and an air defense system to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defense pact. This comes as Pakistan also mediates in the Iran conflict. Elsewhere, supporters of the Iran-backed Houthi movement rallied in Yemen in solidarity with Lebanon. India, meanwhile, raised fuel prices for the second time in a week, partly attributing it to disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. In the UAE, power was restored to the Barakah nuclear power plant after it was hit by a drone, with authorities confirming no radioactive material release.
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