US President Donald Trump has indicated he may move to wind down the ongoing conflict with Iran, suggesting Washington is “getting very close” to achieving its military objectives. The remarks come amid mounting global pressure to de-escalate a war that has already disrupted energy markets and triggered retaliatory strikes across the region.
The statement reflects a potential strategic pivot. While the administration has maintained a hard line — including coordination with Benjamin Netanyahu’s government — it is now weighing whether to reduce direct engagement and shift responsibility for securing key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz onto regional and global actors.
In parallel, Washington has temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil already at sea, a pragmatic intervention aimed at stabilising supply and containing price volatility, even as critics question whether such measures dilute broader war aims.
In other news:
- Iran fired missiles at a joint US–UK military base on Diego Garcia, though none hit their target, signalling continued escalation risks.
- Israel launched fresh strikes on Tehran and Hezbollah-linked targets in Beirut, expanding the operational theatre of the conflict.
- One person was killed and others wounded in an Israeli strike on a house in southern Lebanon, according to state media reports.
- The US formally authorised limited purchases of Iranian oil already in transit, in a bid to ease pressure on global energy markets.
- European and allied countries issued a joint statement on safeguarding shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring growing concern over maritime security.
- Israel issued evacuation orders for parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs ahead of further planned strikes.
- Iran signalled it may allow some international shipping — including Japanese vessels — to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, hinting at selective de-escalation.
- Sardar Azmoun has been omitted from Iran’s squad for upcoming World Cup friendlies amid reports he was expelled over perceived disloyalty to the government. The striker, with 57 goals in 91 caps, was the most notable absence from a 35-man list named by Amir Ghalenoei for matches in Antalya. The omission follows backlash after Azmoun, who plays for Shabab Al Ahli, posted an image with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The development comes as Iran launched rocket and drone attacks on the UAE following US-Israeli strikes that reportedly killed Ali Khamenei.
- Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz said US and Israeli strikes on Iran will intensify in the coming week. He indicated a “significant” escalation targeting Iranian infrastructure and regime assets.
- Two individuals, including an Iranian national, have been charged after allegedly attempting to enter HM Naval Base Clyde, which houses the UK’s Trident nuclear submarines. Police Scotland confirmed both suspects are due to appear in court as investigations continue. Lebanese officials accuse Israel of systematically targeting medical personnel and facilities in south Lebanon. Since early March, at least 128 sites have been hit, with reports of “double-tap” strikes that target first responders arriving after initial attacks.
