Investment Flows: Iran warned it could impose a 30‑day deadline before reopening the Strait of Hormuz; Iranian lawmakers said the country is collecting $1.5‑2 million per vessel transiting the strait, with some payments in cryptocurrency. The U.S. Central Command reported that 132 commercial vessels have been redirected under a naval blockade.
Geopolitical Conflict: President Donald Trump called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging “not to attack Iran in response” to Iranian missile strikes, warning that Israeli retaliation would extend the conflict. Iran fired three waves of ballistic missiles at Israel’s Ramat David air base; the Israeli Defense Forces intercepted all missiles, confirming at least ten were shot down. Iran’s IRGC claimed the missiles targeted the base and warned of a “more crushing response” if Israel retaliates. Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf labeled U.S. bases as “legitimate targets.” Israel had notified the Trump administration before striking a Hezbollah command centre in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district, prompting the Iranian missile response. At least two people were killed and a dozen wounded in Lebanon.
Sanctions & Asset Issues: Trump rejected Tehran’s demand for an immediate $24 billion asset release, calling it “fresh impudence.” Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that redirecting frozen Iranian assets to Gulf allies would provoke an “appropriate response.”
U.S. Military Commitment: Trump reiterated that 50,000 U.S. troops would remain in the region until the nuclear agreement is completed, describing an early withdrawal as “foolhardy.” He also said he would seize and destroy Iran’s enriched uranium with or without a deal.
U.S. Official Comments: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a deal was “likely coming soon.” Republican Senator James Lankford described Iran as “trying to string us along.”
Diplomatic Activity: Pakistan’s interior minister arrived in Tehran as a mediator; Iran’s foreign minister confirmed the meeting.
