Summary
Highlights
The US suspects Israel of intercepting conversations of American negotiators working on a potential deal with Iran. This has led US officials to use disposable phones and equipment when traveling to Israel to minimize leaks, indicating a significant breach of trust despite their alliance.
Overnight, a significant exchange of missiles occurred between Iran and Israel. Iran launched approximately 30 medium-range ballistic missiles from at least eight locations, with an additional missile from Yemen. Israel responded with heavy airstrikes near Tehran. This marks an escalation from previous skirmishes.
President Donald Trump posted on social media calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Iran, stating that both sides were looking to achieve one. He also mentioned that peace negotiations were proceeding, emphasizing the need for a quick resolution and maintaining a blockade until a final deal.
The European Union announced it would impose sanctions on Iran for threatening maritime shipping. This decision, while not military aid, signifies the EU's concern over Iran's actions in vital trade routes like the Red Sea and Persian Gulf, despite not wanting further escalation.
Professor Robert Pape, an expert in international relations, suggests that Iran increasingly believes it is gaining leverage in the conflict. Iran's recent actions, including escalating pressure on Kuwait and Bahrain and resuming missile attacks, indicate a strategy of widening the conflict rather than narrowing it, posing a risk of broader geographic escalation, especially if the conflict spreads to both Hormuz and the Red Sea.
Following President Trump's remarks about a potential ceasefire, Iran announced it was halting military operations against Israel. This temporary cessation of hostilities came after multiple waves of strikes between the two nations.
In other global news, Xi Jinping visited Pyongyang, North Korea, for the first time in seven years, receiving a full ceremonial welcome. Additionally, Cuba faces significant political instability, with a 64% chance that Miguel Diaz Canel might be ousted from power by the end of the year, driven by constant blackouts, empty shelves, and fuel shortages.
The video concludes by questioning Donald Trump's claims of not starting new wars, despite the current conflict with Iran. A montage shows Trump reiterating his campaign promise of avoiding new wars, contrasting with the ongoing situation, suggesting that he 'owns' the current conflict.