Stay informed with real-time updates on the ongoing U.S.–Israel war on Iran. The latest developments are displayed above for quick viewing, with full news below for detailed coverage.
A major fire is currently raging at the Habshan gas processing plant in Abu Dhabi, with local authorities scrambling to contain the inferno. The Habshan facility, the UAE’s largest gas processing site, had already suffered substantial damage just a short time ago as a result of an air defence interception that ignited fires.
Footage corroborated by eyewitnesses reveals scenes of jubilation unfolding in the Iranian capital, where residents are embracing the newly announced truce amidst a backdrop of relentless bombardment by US and Israeli forces that began on February 28.
According to a high-ranking security source, cited by Israel’s Channel 12, Iran has been adamant about expanding the current truce to include Lebanon, an area where Israeli forces have been actively engaged in combat operations in the southern region.
An Israeli insider has revealed that the recent ceasefire announcement caught them off guard, describing it as a sudden, last-minute notification. The official’s comments came as the Israeli government remained tight-lipped about the deal, leaving its status unclear. It is still uncertain whether the agreement has been formally accepted or serves as a starting point for negotiations. If the latter, Israel will likely engage in intense behind-the-scenes efforts over the next fortnight to shift the US stance on the ceasefire. This endeavor is expected to be a challenging one.
Despite the absence of a formal statement from the GCC leadership, the region remains abuzz with developments. Recent condemnations of the recent attacks have been the only official responses from the Gulf states. However, US President Donald Trump’s declaration of a ceasefire appears to speak for the collective interests of the GCC nations, asserting that a long-standing issue is nearing resolution.
Trump’s statement implies that the GCC countries are in agreement with his stance, which aligns with their long-held desire for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis. The Gulf states have consistently emphasized their desire to be integral to the process leading to a ceasefire. According to Trump, Iran’s commitment to a 15-day ceasefire includes the unconditional, immediate, and secure reopening of the Strait of Hormuz – a move deemed crucial for the GCC nations’ economic survival.
However, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has countered with its own statement, insisting on maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz. This assertion may become a contentious point between the GCC and Iran, as the GCC nations have unequivocally stated that the Strait of Hormuz is the linchpin of their economy and will not tolerate any changes to its status.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed relief over the ceasefire, firing a subtle jab at President Trump in the process.
President Trump’s day began with a stark warning on social media, cautioning that “the whole civilisation will die tonight and never to be brought back again.” However, in a dramatic reversal, the president later announced on social media that a two-week ceasefire has been brokered, paving the way for a period of intense diplomatic engagement to resolve the outstanding issues between the US and Iran. This sudden shift marks a significant escalation in efforts to find a lasting resolution to the disputes between the two nations.
The White House has effectively closed the door on further formal statements for the evening, but President Trump’s social media presence remains a wild card. The implications of this development are profound, given the president’s earlier vow to unleash devastating force on Iran if they failed to accept US proposals for negotiations.
In a surprising concession, the US has agreed to Iran’s 10-point proposal, which was facilitated by Pakistani mediators. These 10 points represent a crucial turning point, as they signal a commitment to a lasting ceasefire rather than a temporary one. Iran had insisted on negotiations leading to a lasting resolution, and the US has now acquiesced to this demand, marking a major shift in the trajectory of US-Iran relations.
Raed Jarrar, a senior advocate at the human rights organization DAWN, is calling on US lawmakers to launch a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Trump’s decision to launch military action against Iran without congressional approval.
Jarrar emphasized to Al Jazeera that the recent ceasefire should serve as a catalyst for accountability, rather than a fresh start. He urged Congress to swiftly initiate an investigation into the war’s origins, identifying those responsible for its authorization and any potential financial gains, as well as determining liability for civilian casualties.
A growing chorus of Democratic voices has denounced President Trump’s inflammatory statements on Iran, prompting widespread demands for his ouster from office. The backlash against Trump’s perceived aggressive posturing towards the Middle Eastern nation has been reflected in a flurry of public social media posts from lawmakers.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed that the newly brokered ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US, along with their respective allies, encompasses regions beyond Lebanon, taking effect immediately.