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.
In a bid to ease tensions, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed his desire for de-escalation following a speech by US President Donald Trump, in which he claimed that Washington’s core strategic objectives in the conflict with Iran were nearing completion. Albanese made his comments during a press conference in Canberra, where he questioned the need for further action.
The Nikkei share average took a sharp downturn, relinquishing earlier advances, after President Trump’s speech left investors uncertain about the prospects for a resolution to the Iran conflict.
At 02:16 GMT, the Nikkei had plummeted 1.6 percent to 52,867, having earlier surged as much as 0.97 percent, according to a report from the Reuters news agency.
Meanwhile, the broader Topix index also surrendered its gains, plummeting 0.98 percent to 3,635.18.
This week’s rally, which had been fueled by optimism over a potential de-escalation in the conflict, had followed a dismal March, during which the Nikkei suffered its worst month since the 2008 global financial crisis.
A unified declaration from the 15 UN Security Council members has been issued, expressing collective outrage over the tragic loss of three Indonesian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The recent surge in violent incidents affecting UNIFIL in southern Lebanon, including two devastating blasts, has unfolded against the backdrop of escalating tensions along the Blue Line.
Council members, including the United States, have extended their deepest sympathies to those injured in the incidents and paid tribute to the unwavering dedication and service of all United Nations peacekeepers who courageously risk their lives in pursuit of international peace.
In their statement, council members reaffirmed their unwavering support for UNIFIL and their unshakeable commitment to upholding the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and unity of Lebanon.
According to Israel’s Channel 12, a barrage of missiles fired from Iran was successfully intercepted before reaching its intended targets in the country’s northern regions, resulting in zero reported casualties. As a result, the Israeli Home Front has rescinded its earlier directive to take shelter. In a separate development, the Iranian semi-official Tasnim news agency attributed the recent escalation in missile attacks to a perceived provocation by the United States, specifically the announcement by former President Trump that he had neutralized Iran’s missile capabilities.
Trump’s address to the nation is unlikely to prompt a shift in Iran’s stance due to the fact that the threats and warnings he issued tonight were nothing more than a rehashing of familiar talking points – a stale mix of empty threats and unyielding rhetoric. As a result, Iranian leaders are expected to maintain their current stance, focusing on bolstering their military defenses and retaliatory capabilities, while dismissing any notion of negotiations. Their response is likely to be a resounding rejection of Trump’s overtures, with a stern reminder that his words have failed to convey a genuine willingness to compromise. The chasm between the two sides remains a significant obstacle to any potential breakthrough, with the gap appearing just as wide as ever.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has underscored the significance of Trump’s recent address, stating that it provided a clear outline of US objectives in Iran. In a social media post, Rubio outlined these objectives as directly stemming from the President’s leadership, which conveys a strong message to the international community: that the United States will protect its citizens and interests while promoting peace through a robust display of strength.
The US president’s remarks to Iran were laced with a menacing undertone, leaving little doubt that the conflict will persist for several more weeks, possibly two or three. While addressing the economy, Trump shifted the focus from the war’s impact on prices to Iran’s alleged culpability, deflecting attention from the US’s role in initiating the conflict. In response to queries about the war’s duration, Trump’s administration offered a vague estimate of two to three weeks. The US’s exit strategy from the conflict remains unclear. Furthermore, Trump’s suggestion that other nations assume responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns about the region’s stability.
Richard Schmierer, a seasoned diplomat who previously served as the US ambassador to Oman, notes that the American public has come to understand the significance of the Strait of Hormuz, even if the US doesn’t rely heavily on oil and gas imports through this critical waterway. According to Schmierer, the rising energy costs are a stark reminder of the strait’s importance, contradicting President Trump’s assertion that the US is unaffected by its closure.
Schmierer expressed optimism that a ceasefire could pave the way for a resolution that would allow shipping to resume through the strait. However, he also cautioned that Israel’s intentions remain uncertain, as the country has hinted at pursuing additional objectives that may not align with US goals, even if the US declares its objectives met.
The US president delivered a speech replete with familiar rhetoric, reiterating four core arguments he has consistently made: the war is justified, it has already achieved a decisive victory, it must continue unabated, and a swift resolution is imminent. Despite his upbeat assessment of the war’s progress, Trump’s remarks appeared to extend the conflict’s timeline.
In a statement that seemed to contradict the initial White House estimate, Trump declared, “Over the next two to three weeks, we’re going to bring them back to the Stone Age, where they belong.” This assertion comes as the war enters its fifth week, having initially been projected to last four to six weeks.
Trump’s address failed to provide concrete details on how the war would conclude or what concessions he is seeking from Iran. Furthermore, he did not offer a clear plan to address the energy crisis and the Strait of Hormuz, merely reiterating his demand that other countries “just take it” without elaboration.
The US president also boasted of “overwhelming victories,” yet Iran remains in control of the Strait of Hormuz and continues to launch drones and missiles at Israel and the surrounding region. In response, officials in Tehran claim they are making gains, casting doubt on Trump’s assertions of success.
A recent surge in public opinion polls indicates that a significant majority of Americans oppose the conflict. Tonight, Trump attempted to sway public opinion with the same talking points that have thus far failed to galvanize support for the war over the past month.
As US President Trump wrapped up his address, in which he boasted that Iran’s military prowess had been severely diminished, Israeli military radar picked up a flurry of Iranian missile launches targeting the region.
The Israeli military swiftly activated its defensive systems to counter the perceived threat.