LIVE: Message Urges Iranians to Defend Country Amid Trump's Fresh Threat
Israel media reports impact on oil refinery in Haifa
Israeli television channels reported an impact at an oil refinery in the northern city of Haifa on Monday, shortly after the military said it had detected new incoming missiles from Iran.
Television network Channel 12 showed thick black smoke billowing into the sky from the site.
Iran confirms killing of Guards navy commander Alireza Tangsiri
Iran confirmed on Monday that Revolutionary Guards commander Alireza Tangsiri had been killed, days after Israel said it targeted him in an air strike.
A statement carried by the Guards' Sepah News website said Tangsiri "succumbed to severe injuries" from the attack.
Bahrain contains fire in a commercial building after attack
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said the fire broke out in a commercial building in Al Dair, a coastal village near Bahrain International Airport. There were no injuries. It added that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.
China backs Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Iran and the US
“We appreciate Pakistan’s efforts to help de-escalate the situation, support Pakistan in continuing to play a mediating role,” said China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.
She told a daily briefing in Beijing that China is ready to coordinate with Pakistan and any other relevant party “to jointly promote peace and cease hostilities to safeguard regional peace and stability.”
Pakistan Says Ready to Facilitate US-Iran Talks Within Days
Pakistan’s foreign minister said Islamabad was ready to facilitate peace talks between the US and Iran in the coming days as the war in the Middle East intensified into its fifth week. “Pakistan is very happy that both Iran and the US have expressed their confidence in Pakistan to facilitate their talks,” Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who is also the deputy prime minister, said in a televised briefing on Sunday. “Pakistan will be honored to host and facilitate meaningful talks between the two sides in coming days for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict.”
Saudi Arabia says it has intercepted 5 ballistic missiles
Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said early Monday the ballistic missiles were apparently targeting its oil-rich Eastern Province.
Trump says US is negotiating with Iran ‘directly and indirectly’
The president said that Iran had agreed to allow 20 ships carrying oil through the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday morning and continuing over the next few days “out of a sign of respect.”
“I would only say that we’re doing extremely well in that negotiation but you never know with Iran because we negotiate with them and then we always have to blow them up,” Trump told reporters Sunday night board Air Force One as he flew to Washington.
Trump was asked if Iran had responded to the 15-point ceasefire plan the U.S. has proposed and he said, they did and added: “They gave us most of the points. Why wouldn’t they?”
But Trump didn’t offer details when asked about Iran, by his telling, appearing to make major concessions.
“They’re agreeing with us on the plan,” Trump said.
Trump says Iran’s parliament speaker authorized tankers to pass Strait of Hormuz
U.S. President Donald Trump says that Iran’s parliament speaker authorized the passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf.