Developments continued Thursday in the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, with reports of attacks, diplomatic efforts, and economic impacts. The United Arab Emirates reported responding to an Iranian missile and drone attack, while China indicated a “glimmer of hope” for de-escalation.
UAE responds to Iranian attack
Emirati air defenses are responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, the UAE’s defense ministry said Thursday.
Oil prices edge higher
Oil prices rose and equities were mixed Thursday as investors tracked developments in the conflict. Brent crude edged up 1 percent to $103.25 a barrel at 0230 GMT, while West Texas Intermediate rose 1.2 percent to $91.41 a barrel.
China sees ‘glimmer of hope’
China’s top diplomat stated that a “glimmer of hope” has emerged due to efforts to halt the conflict. Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged dialogue in calls with his Turkish and Egyptian counterparts, suggesting both Tehran and Washington have shown willingness to return to negotiations.
Israel strikes Iran
Israel’s military confirmed its forces carried out strikes across Iran on Thursday, including in the central city of Isfahan.
US claims Iran is secretly negotiating
US President Donald Trump asserted that Iran is participating in peace talks, suggesting Tehran’s denials stem from fears of retribution from within Iran. “They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly. But they’re afraid to say it, because they figure they’ll be killed by their own people,” Trump said.
US targets Iranian missile capabilities
The United States has targeted approximately two-thirds of Iran’s missile and drone production facilities, and a similar proportion of its naval production, according to Admiral Brad Cooper, head of Central Command. He also estimated that Iran’s drone and missile launch rates have decreased by 90 percent, and “we’ve also removed the regime’s ability to rebuild them.”
Iran denies negotiations
Tehran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected any diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict. “At present, our policy is the continuation of resistance,” Araghchi said on Iranian state TV. “We do not intend to negotiate — so far, no negotiations have taken place, and I believe our position is completely principled.”
Kuwait arrests six linked to Hezbollah
Kuwait arrested six individuals allegedly connected to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon, accused of planning “assassinations” within the Gulf state, according to the interior ministry.
Iran warns of potential island invasion
Iran’s parliament speaker warned of a possible invasion of an Iranian island, allegedly supported by an unnamed regional country. “Based on some intelligence reports, Iran’s enemies are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands with support from one of the regional states,” Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted on X.
Gulf states demand action from Iraq
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan jointly demanded that Iraq immediately address attacks originating from its territory by armed pro-Iran groups.
Hezbollah rejects truce talks
Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem stated that negotiations with Israel while under fire would be tantamount to “surrender.” The group reported launching over 80 attacks on Wednesday, and Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, resulting in at least eight deaths.
US confirms ongoing talks
The White House confirmed that the United States and Iran remain engaged in peace talks, despite Iranian state media reports claiming Tehran had rejected a US plan to end the conflict. “Talks continue. They are productive,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, adding that there were “elements of truth” to reports regarding a 15-point US plan.
Trump threatens Iran
US President Donald Trump is prepared to “unleash hell” on Iran if Tehran does not agree to a deal to end the conflict, the White House warned. “President Trump does not bluff, and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again,” Leavitt said.
Israel expands Lebanon buffer zone
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that his country’s forces are expanding a “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon as part of its campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah, citing the need to address threats of invasion and missile fire.
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