Brent crude prices rose to $80 per barrel on Sunday, a 3.9% increase, while U.S. crude climbed 4.3% to reach $77 per barrel. The market volatility followed heightened military tensions, including Iran’s recent missile attack and its parliament's call to close the Strait of Hormuz. The rise in oil prices impacted financial markets: the S&P 500 futures dropped by 0.6%, and U.S. Treasury bond prices slightly declined.

US Senator Marco Rubio has urged the Chinese government to engage diplomatically with Iran amid threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, warning that China would suffer the most severe consequences. He added that such a move by Iran would be “another grave mistake” leading to heightened tensions and could amount to economic suicide. Rubio emphasized that the United States has the capability to counter any Iranian blockade, while noting that Iran’s parliament has already passed a motion authorizing the closure of the strategic waterway.

A 55-year-old woman was brutally attacked on a New York subway after being asked if she was Muslim. The attacker, 34-year-old Naveed Durrani, confronted her on a train in Queens, asked about her religion, and launched a violent assault when she answered “Yes.” The woman sustained serious injuries, including a broken nose. Police later arrested Durrani on hate crime charges. A GoFundMe has been launched to help with her medical bills, living expenses, and mental health support as she recovers from the trauma.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the recent military action against Iran was intentionally limited to avoid closing off diplomatic channels. Speaking at a press conference, he emphasized that the U.S. still seeks negotiations and continues to send both public and private messages to Iran. Hegseth said the restrained nature of the strike was itself a message. Analysts suggest this reflects Washington's preference for diplomatic pressure over war, though Iran’s response will shape the conflict’s future course.

U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Kane stated that the full extent of damage from recent American military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities remains undetermined. Speaking at a Pentagon press conference, he noted that initial assessments are still underway, making it too early to specify what has been destroyed or what remains intact. General Kane also declined to disclose details about measures to protect U.S. troops in the Middle East but affirmed that American forces are fully prepared to defend national and regional interests.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that Saturday night's strikes on Iran were deliberately aimed at "weakening" and "destroying" its nuclear capabilities. Speaking to reporters, he claimed, "Iran's nuclear program has been decimated." Hegseth added that there were no military or civilian casualties. He further asserted, "Many US presidents have dreamed of delivering a decisive blow to Iran's nuclear ambitions, but only Trump has had the courage to carry it out." He stressed that the world should listen when Trump speaks and claimed no other nation but the US could execute such a mission. The operation was codenamed Midnight Hammer, according to the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.

U.S. lawmakers from both Republican and Democratic parties have raised serious constitutional concerns over former President Donald Trump’s recent decision to authorize military strikes on Iran. Republican Congressman Warren Davidson remarked, “While President Trump’s decision may be justifiable, it is difficult to deem it constitutional.” His fellow Republican, Congressman Thomas Massie, echoed this sentiment, saying, “It is not constitutional.” On the Democratic side, Senator Bernie Sanders denounced Trump’s actions as “grossly unconstitutional,” while Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stated, “Bombing Iran without congressional approval is clearly an impeachable offense.”

Former U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, “We have acted as a coalition, perhaps more effectively than ever before.”

He applauded the Israeli military for its role in countering what he described as “a terrible threat” and expressed pride in the unity between the U.S. and Israel during the recent developments.

U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the airstrikes on Iran had eliminated threats against Israel, justifying the military action by labeling Iran as the "epicenter of Middle Eastern terrorism".

“They chant ‘Death to America’—many have died because of this hatred,” he said.
Trump added that while no further attacks are planned for now,
“If Iran does not return to the negotiation table or halt its nuclear program, future strikes will be even more powerful and easier.”
However, Al Jazeera's Kimberly Halkett criticized Trump’s rationale as insufficient, suggesting the move may have reduced threats to Israel but escalated anxiety among Americans.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the U.S. military action against Iran, warning that it could fuel an already volatile region.

“This is a direct threat to international peace and security,”
Guterres said in a statement.
He warned that the conflict risks spiraling out of control, with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world. Guterres called on all member states to de-escalate and uphold international law, urging that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward.

Speaking on Saturday night, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum:

“Either peace will come, or Iran will face a tragedy far worse than what we’ve seen in the past eight days.”
He described the most recent airstrikes as “the hardest and possibly most devastating yet”, and warned that “many more targets remain.” Trump added that if diplomacy fails, further strikes will be carried out with “precision, speed, and efficiency.”

Former U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed via Truth Social that American forces had successfully struck three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

“All our aircraft are now out of Iranian airspace,” Trump wrote.
Reuters reported that B-2 stealth bombers were involved in the strikes, which mark a significant escalation in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, now drawing in direct U.S. involvement.

A joint assessment by the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War and Critical Threats Project reveals that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has moved key nuclear materials to undisclosed, secure locations to protect them from potential Israeli strikes. Analysts suggest this could be a strategic move to apply diplomatic pressure and steer Western powers toward negotiations instead of war. Iran continues to maintain that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating, “Netanyahu has been pushing for war with Iran for years because he sees it as a way to stay in power for life. He’s been in office for most of the past 20 years.” Clinton urged President Trump to help de-escalate the conflict and end civilian casualties. Emphasizing a peaceful resolution, he said, “We will support and protect our allies, but entering covert or unofficial wars that primarily harm innocent civilians is not a solution.”

In a recent speech, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed, “I should have won the Nobel Peace Prize four or five times, but I’m not being given the award because I’m not a liberal.” Trump highlighted his role in reducing tensions in regions like Rwanda, Congo, Kosovo, and between India and Pakistan. Pakistan has officially nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his mediation efforts during the India-Pakistan conflict.