US Israel Iran War LIVE: After Kharg Island strike, Donald Trump claims Iran 'wants a deal'US-Israel-Iran War: As the West Asia conflict involving Iran and the US-Israel enters its 15th day, US President Donald Trump claimed in a post on Truth Social that Iran is "totally defeated" and is seeking a deal with America, but not a deal that he would accept.
His recent post comes hours after the US military struck Kharg Island, critical for Iran's military and economic revenues as well as oil exports. Meanwhile, tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East as the US is deploying additional forces, including the USS Tripoli, to the region.
The Pentagon dispatched the Japan-based amphibious assault ship to the region along with its complement of around 2,500 marines, according to the New York Times. Blasts shook Iran's capital city, Tehran, late Friday night after the US vowed to step up air strikes.
A fresh round of missiles was launched from Iran towards Israel, but no casualties have been reported so far. As strikes continue to roil the Middle East, US President Donald Trump said that the American military operation in Iran will come to an end when he believes it is the right time.
Speaking to Fox News Radio, he said that he will know the war is over "when I feel it in my bones." Trump refused to give an exact timeline for putting an end to the ongoing conflict that has not only impacted normal life in West Asia but also sent global oil markets on a roller coaster.
Moreover, Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency confirmed the US military's strikes on Kharg Island, including a defence facility. Previously, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that Iran's New Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is wounded and likely disfigured. Besides this, Israeli strikes on Lebanon have also intensified, claiming 773 lives, including over 100 children.
France and several European nations have entered "tentative" negotiations with Tehran to secure a deal for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the FT reports that these diplomatic efforts are driven by Europe’s urgent need to resume oil and gas exports from West Asia.
Moreover, French officials are currently organizing a coalition to secure the Strait once regional stability improves, according to reuters. This plan involves active discussions with European, Asian, and Gulf Arab states to coordinate warship escorts for commercial tankers navigating this vital maritime corridor.
Authorities have launched a major crackdown on a black-market gang illegally stockpiling domestic and commercial gas cylinders. Acting on a tip-off, the Food Distribution Department and Rationing Office raided Suraj Vallabhdas Chawl at Worli Naka.
Officials seized a massive cache of cylinders being sold at inflated prices, news agency ANI reported. A total of 172 cylinders were confiscated, including brands like HP Gas and Super Gas. The haul included 64 filled 4-kg cylinders, 19 filled 12-kg cylinders, and dozens of empty units of various sizes.
The operation was a joint strike by the Controller of Food Rationing Office and Maharashtra government officials.
The United States State Department has offered a reward of up to $10 million for information on Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials. Sharing a poster, the Department wrote on X, "Got information on these Iranian terrorist leaders? Send us a tip. It could make you eligible for a reward and relocation."
Authorities seized a total of 741 LPG cylinders from 102 locations across Chhattisgarh as part of a crackdown against hoarding and black marketing, news agency PTI reported.
The Kharg Island, struck by the US Central Command on Friday late at night, is extremely critical for Iran's military and economy. The island handles around 90 per cent of Iran's crude oil exports, with approximately 18 million barrels of crude stored. Normal oil exports from the island stand at 1.3-1.6 million barrels per day.
Due to this, the US has not damaged the oil infrastructure on the Kharg Island. Besides this, it is also a big source of revenue for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Officials told the Associated Press that a helipad at the American Embassy was hit by a missile.
Smoke was seen rising from the US Embassy in Baghdad after a reported attack, following which air sirens were sounded in Iraq's capital city. A drone struck the Embassy on Saturday, AFP reported, citing an Iraqi security official.
The official said, "A drone hit the embassy," with another source confirming that an attack targeted the diplomatic mission. The attack took place soon after two Iran-backed fighters were killed in strikes on Baghdad.
Iran's semi-official Fars news agency confirmed US strikes on military targets on Kharg Island, including a defence facility, maritime base and helicopter infrastructure. Officials, however, warned that Iran could retaliate against oil installations linked to the US across the Gulf region if oil facilities on the island are hit.
