Iran is tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz, forcing ships to share detailed data, reroute into its waters, and sometimes pay for passage—creating what analysts call a “toll booth” system.

Source: AP

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on Iran:

We cannot agree with the accusations that we are helping Iran by providing intelligence data.

The coordinates of American military bases in the region are known to everyone — this is open information.

Hezbollah used an FPV drone for the first time to hit an Israeli Merkava tank.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov:

Iran did not violate anything.

Ukraine has violated everything that could be violated.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov:

Every time the United States and its allies interfere, the situation becomes more and more depressing.

Iraq has been destroyed, Syria has been destroyed, Libya has been destroyed.

Now the same thing is happening with Iran.

Senior Iranian official to Jeremy Scahill:

Trump is not being truthful. We have not submitted any request regarding potential U.S. attacks.

Despite publicly rejecting the U.S. proposal, Iranian officials have signaled interest in negotiations.

Senior Iranian officials have not yet given a final answer on holding a high-level meeting with the United States in the coming days.

Mediators are pressuring Tehran to agree, but Iranian officials say the country’s top leadership—reportedly Mojtaba Khamenei—has not yet decided.

The main obstacle remains deep mistrust and Iran’s suspicion that the United States may be trying to mislead them again.

Source: Barak Ravid

Trump on Iran:

You can't let a madman or a mad ideology have a nuclear weapon.

Trump on Iran:

I gave them a 10-day period. They asked for 7, and I said I am gonna give you 10 because they gave me ships.

Q: Did the CIA tell you that Ayatollah Jr. is gay?

Trump: They did say that— a lot of people are saying that.

That is a bad start in that particular country.

Trump on Palestine:

When I look at “Gays for Palestine,” but they kill gays instantly, who are the gays for Palestine?

Trump on Chuck Schumer:

Schumer’s a great Palestinian; he’s no longer Jewish, I guess.

Trump on himself:

I think I am more popular than I have ever been.

Trump on Iran:

You could really say we have regime change—because they are all dead.

The U.S. Treasury announced that new dollar bills will feature Trump’s signature to mark America’s 250th anniversary—making him the first sitting president to appear on U.S. paper currency.

The U.S. has confirmed it is using uncrewed drone speedboats for patrols in its operations against Iran—marking the first known use of such vessels in an active conflict.

The Pentagon said the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) drones have logged over 450 hours and 2,200 nautical miles during “Operation Epic Fury.”

These boats can be used for surveillance and potential strike missions.

Source: Reuters

READ MORE

Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, writing in Bari Weiss’s Free Press, argues that the U.S. should seize Kharg Island.

He acknowledges the operation would be massive—requiring thousands of troops, sustained air and naval support, and likely costing lives—but still considers the risk worth taking.

The burden of that risk would fall on U.S. soldiers landing on the island.

Trump:

I am going to sign an Order instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, to immediately pay our TSA Agents in order to address this Emergency Situation, and to quickly stop the Democrat Chaos at the Airports.

It is not an easy thing to do, but I am going to do it! I want to thank our hardworking TSA Agents and also, ICE, for the incredible help they have given us at the Airports.

I will not allow the Radical Left Democrats to hold our Country hostage any longer.

Iran hasn’t asked for a pause in strikes on its energy sites, according to mediators, contradicting Trump’s claim that Tehran requested a 10-day halt.

Source: WSJ

BIG: The White House and Pentagon are considering sending 10,000 more U.S. combat troops to the Middle East.

The decision is expected next week and comes as the administration weighs military options against Iran, including possible ground operations.

Source: Axios

The UAE is pushing to form a multinational naval force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

It’s willing to deploy its own navy and is lobbying allies and the UN for support.

Only Bahrain has backed the plan so far, while others remain cautious.

Source: FT