The latest statements by US President Donald Trump only adds to the confusion, and may have been intended to do exactly that. In the absence of an official Iranian response, attention is shifting to developments on the ground: If there is indeed a significant increase in the movement of ships and tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, that could point to advanced contacts.
Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz is pushing Gulf states to advance massive plans for alternative oil and gas export pipelines, the Financial Times reported. Despite costs running into the tens of billions of dollars and major security hurdles, Middle East officials believe this is the best path under current conditions.
The decision could leave Tehran in control of one of the world's most important trade routes. According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump wants to meet the operation's core objectives, damaging Iran's navy and missile stockpile, within four to six weeks, and then scale back the fighting while shifting to diplomatic pressure.
Amid secret contacts between Washington and Tehran, Iran is trying to tempt the US with a foothold in the oil industry. Diplomatic sources told Israel Hayom that the US is demanding guarantees from the heads of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who in turn oppose the talks. The American plan: direct sanctions targeting the regime elite’s “pockets.”
The US president warned US will "blow up" Iranian oil wells, power plants and desalination facilities if diplomacy fails – even as he insisted negotiations are on track.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, No final order has been given, US officials say, as the president weighs the dangers of a complex, multi-day mission that would require American forces to operate inside Iran.
Iran is nearing the limits of its economic and military capacity, but internal divisions and stalled contacts with the US are delaying any settlement. In the background, the economic crisis is worsening and the regime is under heavy pressure.
As Islamabad hosts de-escalation talks and Iran sits on an American ceasefire proposal, Ghalibaf warns Washington that armed Iranian forces are ready to punish US troops and their regional partners.
A Yemeni journalist tells Israel Hayom that Riyadh has been quietly paying Houthi-controlled salaries – and the group waited until the funds arrived before joining the fight.
The E-3 AWACS – one of only 16 still in service with no active production line – was photographed in ruins at Prince Sultan Air Base, adding to a growing list of US military assets degraded since the war began.
