Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced that the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s key oil transport routes, will remain open to ships that are not linked to aggressor nations. In an interview with Newsroom Africa, spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said vessels will be permitted to pass through the strait after necessary coordination with Iranian authorities.

Baghaei commented on the broader regional conflict, stating that Iran would not tolerate what he described as a recurring cycle of war, negotiation, ceasefire, and renewed conflict. He referred to a 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June, during which the United States targeted several Iranian nuclear and military facilities.

The statement underscores Iran’s attempt to balance its strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz with assurances of continued maritime access for neutral nations, while signaling frustration over repeated escalations involving Israel and the United States.

An Iranian military spokesperson has accused the United States and Israel of carrying out attacks on what he described as 'trivial' targets. In a statement published by the IRGC-linked Tasnim news agency and the semi-official Fars News Agency, he warned that a 'catastrophic, more extensive and destructive' response could follow.

The spokesperson said both countries possess 'incomplete' information about Tehran’s military capabilities and equipment. He added that Iran’s military production takes place in undisclosed locations and rejected former US President Donald Trump’s claim that Iran’s arsenal had been significantly depleted. The spokesperson further warned that the United States and Israel would have to 'pay the price for the aggression they started.'

The statement reflects heightened rhetoric amid ongoing regional tensions, though no specific details about the timing or nature of the alleged attacks were provided in the report.

A severe humanitarian and economic crisis has emerged in the Persian Gulf as Iran’s blockade has trapped at least 2,190 commercial vessels, including 320 oil and gas tankers, in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. According to the latest marine data released Wednesday, the ships are stranded in the middle of the Gulf with almost no exit route. Maritime intelligence agency Kepler reported that among the trapped vessels are 50 crude oil carriers and 12 large liquefied gas ships. Normally, around 120 ships pass through the strait daily, but only six managed to cross between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Iran currently maintains full control over the waterway, allowing limited passage through a special corridor near Larak Island. Reports allege that Iran is charging up to $2 million per ship to pass, a practice sailors have dubbed the “Tehran toll booth.” Tehran has hinted that ships from “friendly” nations like Malaysia may be exempted. China confirmed that three of its ships crossed under special coordination, while some Indian and Greek vessels also managed limited passage.

The crisis has left about 20,000 sailors stranded at sea. The UK has called an emergency meeting with 35 countries, while China and Pakistan urged an immediate ceasefire and safe navigation. U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran to lift the blockade or face tougher military action.

China’s Foreign Ministry has called on all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in Iran to immediately cease hostilities. The appeal came after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to launch larger-scale attacks in Iran in the coming weeks. Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the statement during a press briefing, emphasizing that military means cannot fundamentally resolve the problem and that escalating the conflict serves no party’s interests.

Mao further stated that the root cause of instability in the Strait of Hormuz lies in illegal military activities in the area. She urged all sides to avoid actions that could have more severe impacts on the global economy and energy security. The statement reflects Beijing’s concern over the potential regional and global repercussions of continued hostilities.

The call for restraint follows heightened tensions in the region, with reports of potential attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and volatility in global oil and precious metal markets.

Iran’s army chief Amir Hatami has instructed the country’s operational headquarters to closely monitor every movement of the United States and Israel amid concerns of a potential ground attack. In a video shared by Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Hatami was seen meeting with other senior military officials, emphasizing the need for constant surveillance and readiness.

According to IRNA’s summary of his remarks, Hatami directed the armed forces to ensure that if any enemy attempts a ground operation, none of them should return alive. The summary further stated that the military has been ordered to observe enemy movements with maximum precision and to implement plans to counter any form of attack.

The report, citing Al Jazeera as its source, comes amid heightened regional tensions and warnings of possible assaults, including alerts around the US embassy in Baghdad.

An Iranian military spokesperson has warned of an impending 'extreme, widespread and destructive' attack against the United States and Israel. The statement, published by the Tasnim news agency linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), accused both countries of targeting what he called 'trivial' objectives. The warning comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows recent military actions attributed to the US and Israel.

The spokesperson rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Iran’s weapons stockpile had been significantly depleted. He asserted that Washington and Tel Aviv possess incomplete information about Tehran’s military capabilities and equipment. The statement further cautioned that the US and Israel would have to pay a 'heavy price' for what was described as their ongoing aggression.

The remarks were reported by BBC and reflect a sharp escalation in rhetoric between Iran and its adversaries, signaling the potential for further confrontation if diplomatic efforts fail to ease tensions.

Iran’s armed forces have declared that the United States and Israel are unaware of the full extent of Iran’s military and strategic capabilities. The statement came from the headquarters of the Khatam al-Anbiya military command, which asserted that both countries hold incomplete information about Iran’s defense strength. The Iranian military also pledged to continue fighting until what it called the “final surrender” of its enemies.

According to a statement published by the Tasnim news agency, a spokesperson for the command said that Iran’s adversaries should not assume they have destroyed its missile production centers, long-range precision drones, modern air defense systems, or electronic warfare capabilities. The spokesperson added that Iran’s strategic military production takes place in undisclosed locations beyond the reach of its enemies.

The statement included a warning of harsher and more destructive actions against adversaries, reinforcing Iran’s commitment to sustained military resistance. The report was sourced from Al Jazeera.

According to a report cited by Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, the United States and Israel have ultimately failed to achieve their objectives in the war against Iran. The conclusion comes from an analysis by the Center for Strategic Studies, which reviewed reports from 80 leading think tanks worldwide over the past month.

The research found that while the US and Israel managed limited tactical strikes due to their advanced military technology, they failed strategically to bring down Iran’s political system, destroy its defense capabilities, or force social and political surrender. The report credits Iran’s “exceptional and intelligent warfare tactics” for giving it dominance in the conflict, including maintaining control of the Strait of Hormuz and preventing the US-Israel alliance from regaining it militarily.

The analysis describes the war as gradually turning into a war of attrition, favoring Iran over time. It concludes that the US and its allies now face two options: to withdraw while claiming a “propaganda victory” or to end the conflict quickly without any form of victory.

China has joined Pakistan in a joint mediation effort to stop the ongoing war in Iran, which has entered its second month. The conflict has severely disrupted global energy supplies and driven up oil prices. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that American military operations in Iran could continue for another two to three weeks, though the end of the war remains uncertain.

According to reports, China and Pakistan have proposed a five-point plan aimed at achieving a ceasefire and reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz. China’s foreign ministry said both countries are working toward peace and view dialogue and diplomacy as the only effective solutions. As the world’s largest crude oil importer, China faces significant economic risks from prolonged energy instability, which could slow global growth and harm its export-driven economy.

China’s growing economic ties with Middle Eastern nations and its previous mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023 highlight its broader diplomatic ambitions. However, analysts note that China seeks economic stability rather than direct involvement in regional conflicts, and its military influence in the region remains limited.

A joint airstrike by the United States and Israel on Wednesday evening targeted a mountainous grazing area in Larestan, located in Iran’s southern Fars province. According to reports, four people were killed and three villagers were injured in the attack. The injured individuals are receiving treatment at a local hospital.

A senior official responsible for political and security affairs in the local administration confirmed the incident, as reported by the Fars News Agency. The report did not provide further details about the identities of the victims or the specific objectives of the strike.

The attack adds to ongoing regional tensions, though the source did not specify any immediate response or broader implications following the strike.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on social media platform Truth Social that Iran’s new president had requested a ceasefire from the United States. Trump added that Washington would only consider a ceasefire once the Strait of Hormuz was open, free, and safe, declaring that until then, the U.S. was destroying Iran or, as he put it, sending it back to the Stone Age.

Iranian authorities firmly rejected Trump’s claim, calling it false and denying any direct talks or agreements. The Iranian foreign minister clarified that while some messages had been exchanged, they could not be considered negotiations or a ceasefire request. Tehran, he said, remained prepared to continue the war.

Following Trump’s remarks, global oil prices rose, reflecting market sensitivity to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.

Iran’s emergency medical services chief has reported that 24 health workers have been killed since the start of the ongoing US-Israeli attacks on the country. The casualties include doctors, nurses, technicians, and other staff working in health and food service sectors. Additionally, at least 114 health workers have been injured, among them 74 EMS 115 emergency responders who were hurt while treating victims at attack sites.

According to the report, more than 330 healthcare facilities have been damaged in the strikes, and one rescue helicopter has been destroyed. Officials warned that the continued assaults on the health sector are worsening the humanitarian situation and straining emergency response capabilities.

The sustained damage to Iran’s medical infrastructure has raised concerns about the country’s ability to maintain essential health services amid the conflict.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has addressed an open letter to the American people, asserting that Iran has never pursued aggression, expansion, or colonialism in modern history. He stated that while Iran has not initiated any wars, it has firmly resisted those who attacked it. The letter was reported by Al Jazeera.

Pezeshkian strongly rejected portrayals of Iran as a ‘security threat,’ arguing that such depictions do not reflect reality. He described Iran as one of the world’s oldest and most continuous civilizations. According to him, the narrative of Iran as an aggressor is driven by external interests seeking to justify political and economic agendas.

The president claimed that powerful actors use this narrative to legitimize pressure on Iran, maintain military dominance, sustain the arms industry, and control strategic markets.

Israel has claimed responsibility for conducting more than 400 airstrikes on various infrastructure targets in Tehran over the past two days. According to a statement from the Israeli military, the air force used 650 munitions in operations aimed at what it described as the 'Iranian regime’s infrastructure.' The statement added that Israeli warplanes carried out extensive overnight raids across central Tehran, striking multiple key facilities.

Israel further asserted that around 15 weapons production centers were damaged in the attacks, including a central complex reportedly linked to Iran’s Ministry of Defense. The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not specify the exact locations or the extent of the damage.

Iran has not issued any immediate response or provided official information regarding casualties or material losses resulting from the strikes.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to the country’s enemies. The statement, broadcast on Iran’s state television, emphasized that the strategic waterway is under the IRGC Navy’s firm and authoritative control.

The declaration came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that Iran had requested a ceasefire. However, Iran has not yet issued any response to Trump’s claim. The situation reflects heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with the Strait of Hormuz once again at the center of geopolitical friction.

The IRGC’s assertion underscores Tehran’s intent to maintain control over the vital maritime route, while the lack of an official Iranian reaction to Washington’s statement leaves uncertainty about the next diplomatic or military steps.