On Sunday, the military operation in Iran reached its 16th day. Despite the ongoing global focus on the Strait of Hormuz and its ramifications for international energy markets, proposals for peace talks have been dismissed by both President Trump and Iranian officials.
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**Live updates are presented in Eastern Time**
2pm: UN peacekeepers face shelling in Lebanon
The UN observer mission in Lebanon reported that it came under fire in three separate incidents on Sunday, likely from Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants.
In a statement on Telegram, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mentioned that “peacekeepers were on patrol near bases in Yatar, Deir Kifah, and Qalawiya when they were shot at in three rounds, potentially by non-state armed groups.”
Though UN officials did not explicitly name Hezbollah as the attacker, it is generally understood that “non-state groups” typically refer to Islamist terrorist organizations. The UN has urged Israel to cease military actions against Hezbollah, triggered after the group launched rockets into northern Israel following the death of Iran’s former supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
12:50pm: Italian-American base in Kuwait hit by drone strike
On Sunday, Italian Chief of Defense Staff General Luciano Portolano announced that the Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait was targeted by an Iranian drone attack that destroyed one of its Italian drones. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the personnel at the base, which accommodates both Italian and American troops.
11:20am: Iran denies desire for peace negotiations
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking on CBS, contended that Iran is not seeking peace discussions, countering President Trump’s claims. “We’ve never asked for a ceasefire or negotiations. We are prepared to defend ourselves indefinitely,” he stated.
In contrast, President Trump suggested that Iran is eager for a deal but will continue its aggressive actions until a more favorable offer is presented.
10:15am: FM asserts leader is in good health
In an interview with Qatari broadcaster Al Arabi, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that the new supreme leader, Mojaba Khamenei, is in “excellent health” and adequately fulfilling his responsibilities. He also indicated the data regarding the new leader’s public appearances is a matter of timing and discretion.
There has been speculation regarding the new leader’s health due to his absence from public view since his election to replace his late father and alleged injuries received during an Israeli airstrike.
10:05am: Wright optimistic about conflict resolution
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressed hope that the situation with Iran might conclude in “the coming weeks,” suggesting this would lead to stabilization in energy costs. He commented on how prices remain lower compared to the previous administration’s attempts to negotiate with Iran.
10am: Walz backs international patrols for the Strait of Hormuz
U.S. Ambassador Mike Walz referenced the 1980s, noting that international allies once escorted oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz during heightened tensions with Iran. He believes a similar cooperative effort could be beneficial today.
8:30am: Khamenei skeptical of his son’s capabilities
A report purportedly reveals that the late supreme leader Ali Khamenei had reservations about his son, Mojaba, and his ability to lead effectively. Mojaba was recently appointed but has yet to be seen in public and may be recovering from injuries sustained in conflict.
8:10am: Trump remains firm on negotiations
President Trump expressed willingness to consider a deal with Iran but emphasized that military actions would continue until more satisfactory terms are offered, remarking that current proposals were insufficient.
8am: Revolutionary Guards pledge to target Netanyahu
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has vowed to pursue Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating intentions to eliminate him from power.
7:45am: UK and South Korea evaluate deployments to Hormuz
President Trump has called on the global community to collaborate on deploying naval resources to the critical Strait of Hormuz, where a significant portion of the world’s oil is transported. Observed shipping volumes have significantly decreased due to Iranian attacks on vessels.
French President Macron aims to create an international coalition to safeguard maritime routes from Iran’s influence. Meanwhile, British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband remarked that the UK is assessing all possibilities to ensure safe passage through the Strait, emphasizing de-escalation as the preferred approach.
South Korea also indicated possible support for the U.S. request, noting that a large percentage of their oil imports traverse the Strait of Hormuz, and ongoing unrest could severely impact their economy.
