- President Donald Trump said he is considering a 'massive attack' on Iran, indicating he is 'locked and loaded' for major new strikes, but has not yet made a decision.
- The US military has conducted strikes on Iranian targets for the 13th consecutive night, maintaining heightened tensions in the region.
- At the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Trump stated that Iran would 'love to make a deal', but he does not think 'it’s time yet' for such negotiations.
- Trump reiterated that he does not think it's time yet for a deal with Iran, despite ongoing negotiations.
- The US Senate voted down a resolution aimed at limiting Trump's war powers, with a vote of 49 to 47.
- Saudi Arabia issued warnings at major ports Yanbu and Jazan, reflecting the heightened security concerns in the region.
- Global oil prices have spiked past $100 per barrel due to escalating tensions and military actions in the region.
- The United Nations has warned of growing humanitarian consequences due to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, which threatens vital trade and aid operations.
President Donald Trump indicated that while the US is prepared for significant military action against Iran, he does not believe it is the right time for a diplomatic deal.
“I don’t think it’s time yet, but I’m willing to listen,” Trump remarked, as the US and Iran have engaged in nearly two weeks of limited strikes.
The president claimed the military campaign is “going extremely well” and asserted that the US has “hit Iran very hard”, suggesting Tehran is “getting more serious” in negotiations.
However, he acknowledged the potential for escalation, stating that the US military could continue or intensify its bombing campaign.
The situation remains tense, with the US military refraining from announcing new strikes for the first time in two weeks, raising concerns about the conflict's impact on global oil prices, which have surged past $100 per barrel.7
Meanwhile, Iranian officials have criticized the US approach, with Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stating that the US administration is ignoring the realities on the ground.
“The mindless aggression they advocate will only ensure that POTUS pays a heavier price for (the) deal he's trying to achieve,” Araghchi warned.
The humanitarian consequences of the escalating conflict are also growing, with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs highlighting the risks to maritime trade and regional supply chains.
“Saudi Arabia issued warnings at its major ports Yanbu and Jazan early Saturday as global oil prices spiked past $100 per barrel. The US Senate voted 49-47 against a resolution to limit Trump’s war powers, while the UN warned of growing humanitarian risks from the escalation.”
