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us48Trump cancels Iran strikes, Ceuta migrant crisis eases, FIFA scraps World Cup stake sale
US President Donald Trump canceled planned military strikes against Iran after Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries requested time to finalize a peace deal framework, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. Nearly 69,500 migrants have returned to Morocco from Spain's Ceuta enclave following mass crossings, with European leaders urging emergency EU talks. FIFA President Gianni Infantino abandoned plans to sell a stake in a $20 billion World Cup subsidiary after backlash, including a senior adviser's resignation. Other developments include Saudi Crown Prince's concerns over Iran strikes, a tanker attack off Oman, a Moscow bombing, Kuwait's destruction of Iranian drones, and Türkiye-Iraq pipeline agreement.
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Trump cancels Iran strikes, Ceuta migrant crisis eases, FIFA scraps World Cup stake sale
US President Donald Trump canceled planned military strikes against Iran after Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries requested time to finalize a peace deal framework, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. Nearly 69,500 migrants have returned to Morocco from Spain's Ceuta enclave following mass crossings, with European leaders urging emergency EU talks. FIFA President Gianni Infantino abandoned plans to sell a stake in a $20 billion World Cup subsidiary after backlash, including a senior adviser's resignation. Other developments include Saudi Crown Prince's concerns over Iran strikes, a tanker attack off Oman, a Moscow bombing, Kuwait's destruction of Iranian drones, and Türkiye-Iraq pipeline agreement.
US President Donald Trump canceled planned military strikes against Iran after Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries requested time to finalize a peace deal framework, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. Nearly 69,500 migrants have returned to Morocco from Spain's Ceuta enclave following mass crossings, with European leaders urging emergency EU talks. FIFA President Gianni Infantino abandoned plans to sell a stake in a $20 billion World Cup subsidiary after backlash, including a senior adviser's resignation. Other developments include Saudi Crown Prince's concerns over Iran strikes, a tanker attack off Oman, a Moscow bombing, Kuwait's destruction of Iranian drones, and Türkiye-Iraq pipeline agreement.
us45US embassies issue alerts after Trump vows to hit Iran 'hard'
Background: Trump had suspended planned strikes on Iran after Gulf states signaled a deal was near. Today, US embassies across the Middle East issued security alerts following President Trump's statement that the US 'will be hitting Iran hard', warning of possible escalation. However, reports indicate there are no clear signs that a strike is imminent.
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US embassies issue alerts after Trump vows to hit Iran 'hard'
Background: Trump had suspended planned strikes on Iran after Gulf states signaled a deal was near. Today, US embassies across the Middle East issued security alerts following President Trump's statement that the US 'will be hitting Iran hard', warning of possible escalation. However, reports indicate there are no clear signs that a strike is imminent.
Background: Trump had suspended planned strikes on Iran after Gulf states signaled a deal was near. Today, US embassies across the Middle East issued security alerts following President Trump's statement that the US 'will be hitting Iran hard', warning of possible escalation. However, reports indicate there are no clear signs that a strike is imminent.
us43IRGC Claims Ballistic Missile Strike on Jordan's Al-Azraq Base, Destroying F-35s
Background: Iran's Revolutionary Guards had previously claimed strikes on US bases in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, and a retaliatory attack on Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Today, the IRGC claimed a new ballistic missile attack on Al-Azraq Base in Jordan, stating it destroyed three F-35 fighters and damaged three others in response to US strikes on Qeshm Island that killed a family. The claim is unverified, and the extent of damage is unclear. The IRGC's Aerospace Force claimed it targeted the US F-35 repair hangar and ramp at Al-Azraq Base in Jordan with multiple ballistic missiles on Sunday morning, destroying three F-35 fighters and damaging three others. The attack was described as retaliation for US strikes on Qeshm Island that killed a couple and their two-year-old child and injured two other children. The claim remains unconfirmed by Jordan or the US.
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IRGC Claims Ballistic Missile Strike on Jordan's Al-Azraq Base, Destroying F-35s
Background: Iran's Revolutionary Guards had previously claimed strikes on US bases in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, and a retaliatory attack on Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Today, the IRGC claimed a new ballistic missile attack on Al-Azraq Base in Jordan, stating it destroyed three F-35 fighters and damaged three others in response to US strikes on Qeshm Island that killed a family. The claim is unverified, and the extent of damage is unclear. The IRGC's Aerospace Force claimed it targeted the US F-35 repair hangar and ramp at Al-Azraq Base in Jordan with multiple ballistic missiles on Sunday morning, destroying three F-35 fighters and damaging three others. The attack was described as retaliation for US strikes on Qeshm Island that killed a couple and their two-year-old child and injured two other children. The claim remains unconfirmed by Jordan or the US.
Background: Iran's Revolutionary Guards had previously claimed strikes on US bases in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, and a retaliatory attack on Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Today, the IRGC claimed a new ballistic missile attack on Al-Azraq Base in Jordan, stating it destroyed three F-35 fighters and damaged three others in response to US strikes on Qeshm Island that killed a family. The claim is unverified, and the extent of damage is unclear. The IRGC's Aerospace Force claimed it targeted the US F-35 repair hangar and ramp at Al-Azraq Base in Jordan with multiple ballistic missiles on Sunday morning, destroying three F-35 fighters and damaging three others. The attack was described as retaliation for US strikes on Qeshm Island that killed a couple and their two-year-old child and injured two other children. The claim remains unconfirmed by Jordan or the US.
us40Iran's Foreign Ministry Vows Continued Strikes and Defiance Against US Blockade
Background: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had previously warned that any aggression against Iran, including against its infrastructure, would be met with a 'powerful and decisive' response, and that supporters of such strikes would be legitimate targets. Today, Iran's foreign ministry escalated its rhetoric, vowing to use all means to defend the nation's rights and security, and declaring that defensive strikes by the 'brave Iranian armed forces will continue with full might' as the US maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports. The ministry accused the US of bad faith in implementing the agreement to end the war, citing brutal attacks, intensified economic pressure, and illegal threats, and reaffirmed Iran's commitment to resistance until the 'complete elimination of the enemies' malice.'
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Iran's Foreign Ministry Vows Continued Strikes and Defiance Against US Blockade
Background: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had previously warned that any aggression against Iran, including against its infrastructure, would be met with a 'powerful and decisive' response, and that supporters of such strikes would be legitimate targets. Today, Iran's foreign ministry escalated its rhetoric, vowing to use all means to defend the nation's rights and security, and declaring that defensive strikes by the 'brave Iranian armed forces will continue with full might' as the US maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports. The ministry accused the US of bad faith in implementing the agreement to end the war, citing brutal attacks, intensified economic pressure, and illegal threats, and reaffirmed Iran's commitment to resistance until the 'complete elimination of the enemies' malice.'
Background: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had previously warned that any aggression against Iran, including against its infrastructure, would be met with a 'powerful and decisive' response, and that supporters of such strikes would be legitimate targets. Today, Iran's foreign ministry escalated its rhetoric, vowing to use all means to defend the nation's rights and security, and declaring that defensive strikes by the 'brave Iranian armed forces will continue with full might' as the US maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports. The ministry accused the US of bad faith in implementing the agreement to end the war, citing brutal attacks, intensified economic pressure, and illegal threats, and reaffirmed Iran's commitment to resistance until the 'complete elimination of the enemies' malice.'
us39Iran plotted wider war with proxy forces during ceasefire, officials say
During a fleeting ceasefire this spring, Iran secretly devised a step-by-step plan to escalate attacks through its proxy militias if the United States intensified its assaults, according to two senior Iranian officials. The goal was to make the war as costly as possible for President Trump. Recent attacks include a drone strike on a Saudi oil facility, attacks on tankers at an Egyptian port, and missiles toward a U.S. base in Jordan, part of the 'Axis of Resistance' strategy. The plan reflects Iran's capacity to regroup and gain leverage despite heavy blows since 2023.
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Iran plotted wider war with proxy forces during ceasefire, officials say
During a fleeting ceasefire this spring, Iran secretly devised a step-by-step plan to escalate attacks through its proxy militias if the United States intensified its assaults, according to two senior Iranian officials. The goal was to make the war as costly as possible for President Trump. Recent attacks include a drone strike on a Saudi oil facility, attacks on tankers at an Egyptian port, and missiles toward a U.S. base in Jordan, part of the 'Axis of Resistance' strategy. The plan reflects Iran's capacity to regroup and gain leverage despite heavy blows since 2023.
During a fleeting ceasefire this spring, Iran secretly devised a step-by-step plan to escalate attacks through its proxy militias if the United States intensified its assaults, according to two senior Iranian officials. The goal was to make the war as costly as possible for President Trump. Recent attacks include a drone strike on a Saudi oil facility, attacks on tankers at an Egyptian port, and missiles toward a U.S. base in Jordan, part of the 'Axis of Resistance' strategy. The plan reflects Iran's capacity to regroup and gain leverage despite heavy blows since 2023.
us38Rubio says Iran faces 'different kind of US president' as Trump warns of imminent strikes
Background: President Trump previously stated the US has no interest in meeting with Iran until Tehran is ready for meaningful nuclear talks, and indicated possible strikes on areas where Iran moved nuclear centrifuges. Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is confronting a 'different kind of US president' under Trump, adding that Tehran can no longer rely on negotiations without consequences. In a Fox News interview, Rubio elaborated that the Iranian regime has never faced a president like Trump who actually takes action, criticizing Iran's past behavior of lying and breaking deals. Rubio's comments come as Trump warned on Friday that he will hit Iran 'very hard,' amid reports of considering renewed heavy attacks as soon as this weekend, including against Iran's energy infrastructure.
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Rubio says Iran faces 'different kind of US president' as Trump warns of imminent strikes
Background: President Trump previously stated the US has no interest in meeting with Iran until Tehran is ready for meaningful nuclear talks, and indicated possible strikes on areas where Iran moved nuclear centrifuges. Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is confronting a 'different kind of US president' under Trump, adding that Tehran can no longer rely on negotiations without consequences. In a Fox News interview, Rubio elaborated that the Iranian regime has never faced a president like Trump who actually takes action, criticizing Iran's past behavior of lying and breaking deals. Rubio's comments come as Trump warned on Friday that he will hit Iran 'very hard,' amid reports of considering renewed heavy attacks as soon as this weekend, including against Iran's energy infrastructure.
Background: President Trump previously stated the US has no interest in meeting with Iran until Tehran is ready for meaningful nuclear talks, and indicated possible strikes on areas where Iran moved nuclear centrifuges. Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is confronting a 'different kind of US president' under Trump, adding that Tehran can no longer rely on negotiations without consequences. In a Fox News interview, Rubio elaborated that the Iranian regime has never faced a president like Trump who actually takes action, criticizing Iran's past behavior of lying and breaking deals. Rubio's comments come as Trump warned on Friday that he will hit Iran 'very hard,' amid reports of considering renewed heavy attacks as soon as this weekend, including against Iran's energy infrastructure.
us36Iran warns Gulf states against aiding US or Israeli attacks
Background: Iran's foreign ministry previously condemned US attacks on Qeshm Island and Goruk as ceasefire violations, warning of regional security risks and urging regional states to prevent use of their territory for aggression. Today, Iran issued a new warning to Gulf states, citing a legal, religious, and moral duty to block the US and Israel from using their territory or facilities to attack Iran. The statement, made after President Trump threatened new strikes, asserts Iran's right to self-defense under the UN Charter and calls the maritime blockade and attacks an act of aggression. In a subsequent statement circulated via Fars news agency, Iran reiterated this warning, emphasizing that the continuation of the maritime blockade and attacks on Iranian military targets, civilian areas, and infrastructure constitutes an act of aggression and a violation of the UN Charter, and that Iran will exercise its right to legitimate self-defense. This follows US President Donald Trump's Friday threat to hit Iran 'very hard' with a new wave of attacks in the coming days.
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Iran warns Gulf states against aiding US or Israeli attacks
Background: Iran's foreign ministry previously condemned US attacks on Qeshm Island and Goruk as ceasefire violations, warning of regional security risks and urging regional states to prevent use of their territory for aggression. Today, Iran issued a new warning to Gulf states, citing a legal, religious, and moral duty to block the US and Israel from using their territory or facilities to attack Iran. The statement, made after President Trump threatened new strikes, asserts Iran's right to self-defense under the UN Charter and calls the maritime blockade and attacks an act of aggression. In a subsequent statement circulated via Fars news agency, Iran reiterated this warning, emphasizing that the continuation of the maritime blockade and attacks on Iranian military targets, civilian areas, and infrastructure constitutes an act of aggression and a violation of the UN Charter, and that Iran will exercise its right to legitimate self-defense. This follows US President Donald Trump's Friday threat to hit Iran 'very hard' with a new wave of attacks in the coming days.
Background: Iran's foreign ministry previously condemned US attacks on Qeshm Island and Goruk as ceasefire violations, warning of regional security risks and urging regional states to prevent use of their territory for aggression. Today, Iran issued a new warning to Gulf states, citing a legal, religious, and moral duty to block the US and Israel from using their territory or facilities to attack Iran. The statement, made after President Trump threatened new strikes, asserts Iran's right to self-defense under the UN Charter and calls the maritime blockade and attacks an act of aggression. In a subsequent statement circulated via Fars news agency, Iran reiterated this warning, emphasizing that the continuation of the maritime blockade and attacks on Iranian military targets, civilian areas, and infrastructure constitutes an act of aggression and a violation of the UN Charter, and that Iran will exercise its right to legitimate self-defense. This follows US President Donald Trump's Friday threat to hit Iran 'very hard' with a new wave of attacks in the coming days.
us35Justice Department Subpoenas NYT Freelance Reporter Over North Korea Covert Mission Story
Background: The U.S. Department of Justice had previously subpoenaed The Wall Street Journal over Iran war leaks, escalating a crackdown on press freedom, and Senate Democrats had launched an investigation into DOJ subpoenas of New York Times reporters. Today, the New York Times revealed that freelance journalist Matthew Cole has been subpoenaed by the DOJ over his reporting on a secret Navy SEAL mission in North Korea. FBI agents visited his home demanding he reveal his sources, drawing condemnation from the Times and press freedom advocates. This latest action underscores the administration's escalating attacks on journalists and raises concerns about the chilling effect on investigative reporting.
Update: The Justice Department subpoenaed freelance journalist Matthew Cole, who co-reported with the New York Times on a failed 2019 Navy SEAL covert mission in North Korea. FBI agents visited his home in February to demand he reveal his sources; the subpoena was later sent to his lawyer. The Times condemned the action as a brazen attack on press freedom, and his lawyer David O'Neil called it an intimidation attempt. This is part of a broader pattern of DOJ actions against journalists, including recent subpoenas of Times reporters over Air Force One coverage, which were withdrawn, and similar attempts against the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post.
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Justice Department Subpoenas NYT Freelance Reporter Over North Korea Covert Mission Story
Background: The U.S. Department of Justice had previously subpoenaed The Wall Street Journal over Iran war leaks, escalating a crackdown on press freedom, and Senate Democrats had launched an investigation into DOJ subpoenas of New York Times reporters. Today, the New York Times revealed that freelance journalist Matthew Cole has been subpoenaed by the DOJ over his reporting on a secret Navy SEAL mission in North Korea. FBI agents visited his home demanding he reveal his sources, drawing condemnation from the Times and press freedom advocates. This latest action underscores the administration's escalating attacks on journalists and raises concerns about the chilling effect on investigative reporting. Update: The Justice Department subpoenaed freelance journalist Matthew Cole, who co-reported with the New York Times on a failed 2019 Navy SEAL covert mission in North Korea. FBI agents visited his home in February to demand he reveal his sources; the subpoena was later sent to his lawyer. The Times condemned the action as a brazen attack on press freedom, and his lawyer David O'Neil called it an intimidation attempt. This is part of a broader pattern of DOJ actions against journalists, including recent subpoenas of Times reporters over Air Force One coverage, which were withdrawn, and similar attempts against the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post.
Background: The U.S. Department of Justice had previously subpoenaed The Wall Street Journal over Iran war leaks, escalating a crackdown on press freedom, and Senate Democrats had launched an investigation into DOJ subpoenas of New York Times reporters. Today, the New York Times revealed that freelance journalist Matthew Cole has been subpoenaed by the DOJ over his reporting on a secret Navy SEAL mission in North Korea. FBI agents visited his home demanding he reveal his sources, drawing condemnation from the Times and press freedom advocates. This latest action underscores the administration's escalating attacks on journalists and raises concerns about the chilling effect on investigative reporting. Update: The Justice Department subpoenaed freelance journalist Matthew Cole, who co-reported with the New York Times on a failed 2019 Navy SEAL covert mission in North Korea. FBI agents visited his home in February to demand he reveal his sources; the subpoena was later sent to his lawyer. The Times condemned the action as a brazen attack on press freedom, and his lawyer David O'Neil called it an intimidation attempt. This is part of a broader pattern of DOJ actions against journalists, including recent subpoenas of Times reporters over Air Force One coverage, which were withdrawn, and similar attempts against the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post.