US Considers Falklands Threat Over UK and NATO's Refusal to Back Trump in Iran Conflict
The United States is reportedly considering reviewing its diplomatic support for the United Kingdom's claim to the Falkland Islands as a punitive measure for Britain's failure to support the US-led war in Iran. An internal Pentagon email, obtained by Reuters, floated the idea of reassessing Washington's stance on European "imperial possessions," including the Falklands. The email also suggested suspending Spain from NATO due to its vocal criticism of the conflict and barring "difficult" countries from prestigious positions within the military alliance.
Trump Rules Out Nuclear Weapons, Extends Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has dismissed the possibility of using nuclear weapons against Iran, labeling the question "stupid." He also announced a three-week extension of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, stating he has "all the time in the world" to reach a peace deal with Tehran. Speaking from the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump said, "We had a great meeting with very high officials of Lebanon and very high officials of Israel." He acknowledged that Iran might have restocked its weaponry during the ceasefire but claimed the US military could neutralize that in about a day.
EU Warns Iran Talks Must Include Nuclear Experts
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized on Friday that negotiations with Iran must involve nuclear experts to avoid creating a "more dangerous Iran." Speaking ahead of an informal EU summit in Cyprus, Kallas stated, "If the talks are only about the nuclear and there are no nuclear experts around the table, then we will end up with an agreement that is weaker than the JCPOA was. And if the problems in the region, missile programmes, their support to proxies, also hybrid and cyber activities in Europe are not addressed, we will end up with a more dangerous Iran."
Bizarre Incident: US Sailor Evacuated After Monkey Attack
In an unusual development, a US sailor en route to the Strait of Hormuz for mine countermeasures was medically evacuated after being scratched by a monkey during a stop in Phuket, Thailand. A spokesperson for the US 7th Fleet confirmed the sailor received medical care and was transferred back to Japan. "There were no operational impacts," the spokesperson said. An unnamed military official added, "Weird stuff happens. This was definitely an unknown unknown."
Iran Exiled Crown Prince Attacked on Street
Iran's exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, was hit with red liquid while walking down a street, in an incident captured on video. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Israel and Lebanon Extend Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Tensions
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by three weeks, though the truce has not fully succeeded. While violence has significantly reduced, attacks continue in southern Lebanon, where Israeli troops have seized a self-declared buffer zone. Following the agreement, Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese Ambassador Nada Moawad hailed progress. Ambassador Moawad thanked Trump for hosting the talks, saying, "I think with your help, with your support, we can make Lebanon great again." Leiter stressed that talks must focus on rooting out Hezbollah rather than Israeli withdrawal.
Iran Grants Russia Fee Exemption for Hormuz Transit
Iran has granted Russia an exemption from transit fees for the Strait of Hormuz, according to RIA Novosti. Iranian Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali stated, "We have provided exceptions for some countries. At the moment, our foreign ministry is trying to use the exceptions provided for friendly countries, for example, Russia."
Frustration in Islamabad as Capital Under Lockdown for Stalled Talks
No date has been set for the second round of US-Iran peace talks, and Islamabad remains under sweeping security restrictions, causing frustration and uncertainty among residents. Maroosha Muzaffar reports that the capital has been turned into a fortress.
Oil Prices Surge as Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed
Oil prices held above $105 a barrel on Friday as the Strait of Hormuz stayed closed, with both the US and Iran seizing ships. Brent crude climbed 0.63% to $105.73, and US West Texas Intermediate advanced 0.32% to $96.17, with no resolution in sight for the naval standoff.
Iran's Supreme Leader Reported to Undergo Surgery After Attack
Iran's supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is expected to undergo facial reconstructive surgery and be fitted with a prosthetic leg after surviving a bomb attack, according to The New York Times. Khamenei remains capable of decision-making but has had little contact with Iranian generals amid war negotiations.
Pentagon Email Floats Suspending Spain from NATO
An internal Pentagon email outlines options to punish NATO allies perceived as failing to support US operations in Iran, including suspending Spain from the alliance and reviewing the US position on the Falkland Islands. The email expressed frustration at some allies' reluctance to grant access, basing, and overflight rights for the Iran war.
Hezbollah Lawmaker Says Ceasefire to Continue Based on Israel's Compliance
Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah stated that the Iran-backed group wants the ceasefire to continue but only if Israel fully complies. He reiterated objections to face-to-face talks between Lebanon and Israel and urged the government to cancel all forms of direct contact.
