US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced an intensification of strikes inside Iran, signaling a broadening of the conflict. Concurrently, US President Donald Trump's remarks suggesting the war could end soon led to a drop in oil prices, though this decline remains volatile due to ongoing regional instability.
Australia granted humanitarian visas to two more members of the Iranian women's football team, bringing the total number staying in the country to seven. This decision followed protests by activists fearing for the team's safety in Iran after they declined to sing the national anthem. The visas permit work and study rights in Australia.
US Central Command claimed to have eliminated 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting heightened military activity in the critical waterway. Trump denied reports of Iranian mining, but US media alleged such actions had begun, threatening one-fifth of global oil shipments and exacerbating economic uncertainties.
The Pentagon reported approximately 150 US troops wounded in the war with Iran, most with minor injuries. Additionally, US special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Russia had pledged not to share intelligence with Iran, a claim that contrasts with US media reports alleging Moscow's support for Tehran, raising doubts about diplomatic assurances.
EU lawmaker Hannah Neumann warned of unclear US-Israeli objectives, deep divisions within Europe, and growing global risks, including energy shocks. G7 energy ministers deferred a decision on releasing oil reserves, tasking the International Energy Agency with an assessment, which underscores market instability and the regime's hesitant response.
Iran's Intelligence Ministry announced the arrest of 30 individuals, including one foreign national, on espionage charges. Meanwhile, Israel launched a new wave of strikes on Tehran, and Lebanon was drawn into the conflict after Iran-backed Hezbollah attacks, resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties and displacement, illustrating the war's expanding humanitarian toll.
Source: www.dw.com