US President Donald Trump stated that 1,000 missiles are aimed at Iran and ready for deployment. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump warned that thousands more missiles would be launched if Iran attempted to assassinate him. He declared that the US military had already received orders and was prepared, willing, and capable of completely destroying Iran if such an attack occurred.

Trump’s comments followed an interview with the New York Post, where he claimed that Iran had long sought to kill him. His latest warning, sourced from Al Jazeera, underscores escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with Trump framing the threat as a direct response to alleged Iranian plots.

The remarks signal a sharp rhetorical escalation in US-Iran relations, though no immediate military action was reported in the source. The situation remains tense as both sides exchange warnings over potential acts of aggression.

New satellite images analyzed by CNN and the Institute for Science and International Security indicate that Iran is rebuilding parts of its suspected nuclear facilities. The images show reconstruction efforts at the Parchin site, which was damaged earlier this year by joint US-Israeli airstrikes. The activity appears to have taken place in June and July, shortly after Iran signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding with the United States pledging not to develop nuclear weapons.

Analysts cited in the report say the reconstruction could violate the terms of the June agreement, which aimed to end hostilities and ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The memorandum also included commitments by Tehran to refrain from nuclear weapons development and to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency on uranium down-blending. Despite the new findings, the report notes that Iran’s main nuclear sites at Isfahan, Fordow, and Natanz remain untouched.

The satellite data also show Iran repairing some of its missile storage bases, raising renewed concerns in Washington and among its allies about Tehran’s broader military capabilities.

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, killing 4,118 people and injuring 16,740, according to official figures. Thousands remain homeless as 856 buildings were damaged, including 190 that completely collapsed. Rescue teams have so far pulled 6,462 people from the rubble, and 89 temporary shelters have been opened for displaced residents.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said that 86,794 families have received assistance. The United Nations has appealed for about 300 million US dollars in emergency funds to support relief efforts for those affected by the disaster.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has urged the release of Venezuelan assets frozen abroad so that the funds can be used for reconstruction and recovery work.

Israeli authorities have imposed a one-week ban on Jerusalem’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Mohammad Hussein, preventing him from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. According to the Jerusalem Governorate, he was detained by Israeli forces on Friday after leading the weekly sermon and prayers at the mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. He was later released under the condition that he not enter the mosque area for seven days.

The governorate’s statement noted that Israeli forces detained the Grand Mufti immediately after the Friday prayers. Israeli police did not issue any immediate comment on the matter. The report added that such restrictions on Al-Aqsa preachers have been frequent in recent years.

The move comes amid heightened Israeli activity around the holy site. The Palestinian Ministry of Waqf and Religious Affairs reported that Israeli forces entered the Al-Aqsa compound 26 times in June, with 4,212 Israeli settlers entering under military protection through the Mughrabi Gate.

Cuba experienced a nationwide power outage on Friday afternoon, marking the second such incident in less than a week. The state-run electricity company Unión Eléctrica de Cuba confirmed that electricity supply had been cut off across the country but did not provide an official explanation for the disruption. A similar blackout occurred earlier in the week on Monday, and this latest incident is the fourth nationwide outage reported this year.

The report attributes the worsening situation to an energy blockade linked to policies under former U.S. President Donald Trump. Cuba’s aging power infrastructure, much of which was built between the 1960s and 1980s during the Cold War, has long been vulnerable to breakdowns. The country has been under a U.S. trade embargo since the 1960s, which has further limited access to modern equipment and maintenance resources.

The repeated blackouts highlight the fragility of Cuba’s energy system and the growing impact of external restrictions on its already strained economy.

The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for killing a Hezbollah fighter and another suspect in southern Lebanon. The strikes took place near an underground tunnel in the Ali al-Taher mountainous area, which Israel has declared a security zone. According to the military, the Hezbollah fighter posed an immediate threat to Israeli troops stationed nearby and was eliminated through a targeted airstrike.

The army further stated that a separate airstrike was carried out in the same security zone, targeting a vehicle carrying a suspect who allegedly posed a threat to Israeli soldiers. The military asserted that both individuals were neutralized to prevent imminent danger to its forces.

The Israeli military also warned that Hezbollah members would not be allowed to emerge from underground infrastructure or conduct any operations in the designated security area, signaling continued enforcement of its declared restrictions in southern Lebanon.

A Qatari mediation team has arrived in Tehran to help revive stalled discussions between Iran and the United States. The delegation is holding meetings with Iranian officials aimed at reducing tensions and creating conditions for broader dialogue with Washington. The diplomatic effort comes amid heightened strain following recent military incidents and the collapse of previous agreements.

Iranian officials have expressed deep skepticism about Washington’s intentions, questioning the U.S. commitment to implementing a memorandum of understanding brokered earlier through Pakistan’s mediation. The distrust intensified after U.S. airstrikes in five Iranian provinces damaged military and civilian infrastructure, causing casualties, and after President Donald Trump unilaterally canceled the memorandum.

Iran’s parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, declared that Iran would never surrender in the current conflict and is fully prepared for “total war.” Tehran insists that Washington must honor specific clauses of the memorandum, including ceasefire terms across all fronts, Iran’s sovereign rights in managing the Strait of Hormuz, and its right to export oil.

The Trump administration has expressed growing frustration over Iran’s conduct, saying the chances of reaching a nuclear agreement are diminishing. According to a Wall Street Journal report cited by Al Jazeera, Washington believes a peaceful resolution to limit Tehran’s nuclear program may no longer be possible. Senior US officials said Iran continues to violate interim maritime agreements, leaving little hope for a broader deal. President Donald Trump recently remarked that he was uncertain whether any agreement would be reached.

Officials warned that for a nuclear deal to proceed, Iran must hand over control of its underground enriched uranium to the United States. Failure to do so would mean no agreement. They also indicated that Washington has low-cost military options ready to permanently block Iran’s access to its nuclear materials.

The report underscores a deepening stalemate between the two countries, with the US signaling readiness to pursue alternative measures if diplomatic efforts fail.

The United States has attached several conditions to any future agreement with Iran, according to a senior U.S. official. Washington has made it clear that Iran must meet all American demands related to nuclear restrictions and hand over nuclear materials as required. Without fulfilling these conditions, no agreement will be signed. Despite these firm terms, diplomatic discussions between the two sides are continuing and have been described as positive and productive.

The development follows recent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, where a memorandum of understanding was allegedly violated and a ship was fired upon. Iranian officials explained to the U.S. that a faulty component in their system caused the incident. However, Washington rejected this explanation and issued an ultimatum to Tehran. The U.S. demanded that Iran publicly declare it will never again fire on any vessel and ensure that all maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, remain fully open.

The U.S. official warned that failure to comply with these conditions and maintain open sea routes would bring serious consequences for Iran.

During an official visit to Turkey, Iceland’s Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir expressed admiration for the country’s Muslim population, highlighting their tolerance, warm hospitality, and the spiritual atmosphere she experienced. In a post on social media platform X, she said she was deeply moved by the sound of the Azan, describing it as a profound and heartfelt melody.

Frostadóttir also noted the warm welcome she received throughout her visit and shared her appreciation for the positive experiences in Turkey. She stated that she intends to return to Turkey soon, emphasizing the impression the country and its people left on her.

The remarks reflect a tone of cultural appreciation and mutual respect between Iceland and Turkey, as conveyed through the Prime Minister’s personal reflections during her trip.

Ireland’s parliament has approved a bill banning the import of goods produced in Israeli settlements located in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, according to a report by the Times of Israel. The measure, titled the “Israeli Settlements” bill, will now move to the upper house of parliament for final approval. Dublin’s decision marks one of the toughest trade actions in Europe concerning Israeli-controlled territories.

The bill prohibits the entry of products from residential, agricultural, and business establishments situated outside Israel’s recognized borders. Although Ireland is the first EU country to propose such a ban, Spain implemented a similar restriction package in October of the previous year. Economically, the impact is expected to be minimal, as total imports from those areas between 2020 and 2024 were valued at less than one million euros.

Opposition politicians criticized the bill for excluding the services sector, arguing it would limit its effectiveness. The government responded that restricting services trade is legally more complex. Ireland has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza since October 2023 and formally recognized a Palestinian state in 2024.

Turkey’s importance in Europe’s defense and security architecture is rapidly increasing, driven by its expanding military capabilities, self-reliant defense industry, and active diplomacy. Hosting the latest NATO summit, Ankara showcased its emergence as a key partner in European security. Turkey, which has NATO’s second-largest army, now meets about 80 percent of its own defense needs and recorded over 10 billion dollars in defense exports last year. Its Bayraktar TB-2 drones, used effectively in Ukraine, have been purchased by several European nations.

Turkish defense firms such as Roketsan and Aselsan are now part of major NATO projects, developing missile and air defense systems. Diplomatically, Turkey has played mediator roles in conflicts involving Ukraine, Syria, and the Middle East. During the summit, the UK and Turkey announced a new defense and security cooperation agreement to institutionalize intelligence sharing and joint defense efforts.

Analysts cited Europe’s growing reliance on Turkey amid rising security threats from Russia. However, Turkey’s deepening defense ties with Europe may create new geopolitical challenges, including tensions with the United States and Israel over advanced fighter jet programs.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is considering selling advanced F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. He made the remarks during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara. Trump stated that a decision on whether to proceed with the sale would be made soon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opposed the potential sale, urging Trump not to sell the advanced aircraft to Turkey. Netanyahu argued that such a move could endanger Israel, given the strained relations between Turkey and Israel. His office also reported that Trump briefed him on U.S. actions in the Gulf region amid ongoing tensions with Iran.

The discussions highlight the complex regional dynamics involving the United States, Turkey, Israel, and Iran, as Washington weighs its defense commitments and alliances in the Middle East.

Several regional countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, are attempting to mediate between the United States and Iran to reduce escalating tensions and restart discussions on the nuclear agreement. According to Axios, officials from these nations held multiple phone calls with both sides on Wednesday to calm the situation and encourage renewed dialogue.

A regional source involved in the mediation said the first goal is to persuade both parties to de-escalate, followed by setting a date for expert-level talks on the nuclear deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Pakistan’s army chief that recent US attacks violated a memorandum of understanding between the two countries. Mediators believe recent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz were carried out by Iranian hardliners opposed to the US-Iran agreement.

Axios reported that despite recent clashes, the situation was calmer on Thursday. US officials said no new strikes occurred that day, attributing the pause to ongoing de-escalation efforts. The US administration remains committed to finding a resolution and continuing technical discussions on the nuclear issue.

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza City’s Sabra area killed Mohammed al-Wahidi, a senior official of the Egyptian Relief Committee, along with three others earlier this week. The attack targeted a taxi on Tuesday, a day before the Egypt vs Argentina World Cup match. Among the dead were two child siblings aged 10 and 8, and another man identified as Ahmed Jihad Rajab Dagmoush. Hundreds of Palestinians attended al-Wahidi’s funeral on Wednesday, where his body was wrapped in Palestinian and Egyptian flags.

Al-Wahidi served as the public relations director of the Egyptian Relief Committee in Gaza, leading efforts to clear debris, reopen roads, and set up shelters for displaced families. He was known for organizing public screenings of World Cup matches to bring joy to war-weary Gazans. Egyptian security sources confirmed that he was responsible for logistics within the committee and said a senior Egyptian official raised his death with Israel, condemning continued killings and obstruction of relief work.

Despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in October 2025, Israeli airstrikes have persisted, killing at least 1,092 Palestinians and injuring over 3,507 since then, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.