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US President Donald Trump warned that the United States could destroy Iran’s massive South Pars gas field if Iran carries out another attack on Qatar. He stated that Israel would not launch further strikes on the site, but if Iran targets Qatar again, the U.S. would respond forcefully and could “completely destroy” the gas field. Trump made these remarks on social media on Wednesday night as tensions in the region intensified, global energy markets reacted, and Iranian missiles struck Qatar. Although Trump claimed the U.S. had no prior knowledge of Israel’s strike on the South Pars field, a source indicated that Washington had been informed beforehand but did not participate. The ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran is putting heavy pressure on the global energy sector. Oil prices have surged by over 5%, exceeding $108 per barrel, increasing fuel costs and straining the global economy. Concerns over Iranian retaliation have driven these price increases, especially after the attack on the gas field. Qatar later reported that a ballistic missile hit one of its major natural gas facilities, causing a large fire and extensive damage. In response, Qatar expelled some Iranian embassy staff. Iran has also targeted energy infrastructure across the Persian Gulf region since the war began on February 28, while threatening shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil passage. The conflict has caused significant casualties, with over 1,300 deaths in Iran, more than 960 in Lebanon, and at least 14 in Israel. The U.S. military has reported 13 fatalities and around 200 injured personnel. Meanwhile, attacks have continued across the region. A ship near Qatar was struck by a projectile, though its crew remained safe. Another vessel caught fire near the UAE after being hit. It remains unclear whether these ships were directly targeted or damaged by debris from missile interceptions. Iran’s South Pars gas field is vital to its energy supply, providing about 80% of the country’s electricity and supporting household needs. Strikes on this facility threaten Iran’s domestic stability. In retaliation, Iran has launched attacks on energy sites in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Missile and drone attacks have also been reported across the region, including in Kuwait, Bahrain, Dubai, and Israel, heightening fears of further escalation. Qatar confirmed that additional Iranian strikes damaged more liquefied natural gas facilities, causing fires but no casualties so far. The damage could delay Qatar’s ability to resume gas exports after the conflict ends. Global leaders have expressed concern. Australia’s prime minister condemned Iran’s actions as reckless, while Gulf nations jointly called on Iran to stop attacking neighboring countries. Analysts warn that targeting gas infrastructure marks a major escalation in the conflict, with long-term economic consequences, particularly for civilians. Diplomatic tensions remain high, with Saudi Arabia strongly criticizing Iran’s actions and accusing it of undermining regional stability. The United Arab Emirates also described the attacks on its gas facilities as a dangerous escalation. In the U.S., Senate Democrats attempted to pass legislation to limit Trump’s ability to continue the war without congressional approval, but the effort failed. However, they plan to push for further debate on the issue. Overall, the conflict continues to intensify, spreading across multiple countries and posing serious risks to global energy supplies and regional stability.  

US President Donald Trump announced that American forces carried out airstrikes on military targets on Kharg Island, a strategic location in Iran’s oil export network. At the same time, a US official revealed that about 2,500 additional Marines and an amphibious assault ship are being deployed to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran approaches its second week. Trump said the strikes “destroyed” several targets on Kharg Island, which hosts Iran’s main oil export terminal. He warned that the island’s oil facilities might also be targeted if tensions continue. A day earlier, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that any attack on such sites would trigger a stronger Iranian response. Earlier on Friday, a powerful explosion shook Ferdowsi Square in Tehran, where thousands of people had gathered for the annual Quds Day rally supporting Palestinians and condemning Israel. Israel had previously warned it might strike the area. Despite the blast, no casualties were reported. The rally, attended by some Iranian officials, and Israel’s warning to target it highlighted the determination on both sides as the war continues to impact the global economy. Iran has been launching missile and drone attacks against Israel and Gulf countries while also blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about one-fifth of the world’s oil trade. Meanwhile, U.S. and Israeli aircraft have continued striking military and other facilities throughout Iran. The conflict has also worsened the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes against Iran-supported Hezbollah militants have killed nearly 800 people and forced around 850,000 to flee their homes. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said the war would end “when I feel it in my bones.” He also expressed doubt that civilians in Iran could easily overthrow the government, noting the power of the Basij, which has previously helped suppress nationwide protests. Additional U.S. Military Deployment According to a U.S. official speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, parts of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) have been ordered to the Middle East. Marine Expeditionary Units can conduct amphibious assaults but are also trained to protect embassies, evacuate civilians, and provide disaster relief. Officials said the deployment does not necessarily mean a ground invasion is planned. The unit and the Tripoli are normally stationed in Japan and had been operating in the Pacific Ocean. Satellite imagery recently showed the ship traveling alone near Taiwan, meaning it could take more than a week to reach waters near Iran. Earlier in the week, the U.S. Navy already had 12 ships in the Arabian Sea, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and eight destroyers. If the Tripoli joins them, it would become the second-largest U.S. vessel in the area. The exact number of U.S. troops in the Middle East is unclear, though Al Udeid Air Base alone usually hosts about 8,000 American personnel. U.S. Strikes and Iranian Warning Trump stated on social media that the U.S. strikes on Kharg Island targeted only military facilities and avoided oil infrastructure for now. However, he warned that if Iran or others interfere with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, he may reconsider and attack Iran’s oil facilities. Qalibaf had earlier warned that attacks on Iran’s southern islands would push the country to “abandon all restraint,” emphasizing their importance to Iran’s economy and security. Explosion During Tehran Rally The explosion at Ferdowsi Square occurred while thousands of demonstrators marked Quds Day, chanting slogans against Israel and the United States. Israel had posted a warning in Persian on X shortly before the blast, advising people to leave the area. However, many Iranians likely did not see the message because the government had largely shut down internet access. Videos showed people chanting “God is greatest” as smoke rose over the area. At the time of the explosion, Iran’s judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei was being interviewed on state television. His security guards surrounded him as he raised his fist and declared that Iran would never retreat despite missile attacks. Scale of Military Operations Israel said its air force had launched another round of strikes in Iran, hitting more than 200 targets within 24 hours, including missile launchers, air defenses, and weapons factories. In Washington, D.C., U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck since the war began—an average of more than 1,000 per day. He also attempted to reassure reporters that the disruption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz was being managed. U.S. Aircraft Crash The U.S. military confirmed that all six crew members aboard a Boeing KC‑135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft were killed when it crashed in Iraq, raising the U.S. death toll in the conflict to at least 13 service members. Mike DeWine, governor of Ohio, said three of the victims served in the Ohio Air National Guard. U.S. Central Command said the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire and involved two aircraft, one of which landed safely. The KC-135 crash marked the fourth publicly acknowledged aircraft loss during U.S. operations against Iran. The previous week, three U.S. fighter jets were accidentally shot down by friendly fire from Kuwait. Regional Attacks Continue Iran has continued launching attacks on oil facilities and other infrastructure across Gulf countries. In Oman, two people were killed when drones crashed in the Sohar region. A U.S. official also said the Navy destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG‑79) intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile over Turkey. It was the third such interception above the NATO member state in the past two weeks. Fighting in Lebanon The conflict has intensified between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. An Israeli strike hit a medical center in Burj Qalaouiyah, killing 12 medical workers, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Another strike in the coastal city of Sidon earlier killed at least eight people. Overall, the ministry said 773 people—including more than 100 children and 18 paramedics—have died since the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah began about 10 days ago.

FIFA expects that Iran’s national football team will be able to travel to the United States and take part in the upcoming World Cup, despite the ongoing conflict between the two countries. FIFA President ‘Gianni Infantino’ said on Tuesday that he spoke with US President Donald Trump about preparations for the tournament and received assurances that the Iranian team would be allowed to enter the United States to compete. The ‘2026 FIFA World Cup’, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, is set to begin in about three months. Iran is scheduled to play its group matches in the US, starting against New Zealand in Inglewood, California on June 15. The team will then face Belgium on June 21 before concluding its group stage campaign against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Iranian officials had recently indicated that their participation in the tournament might be uncertain due to the ongoing war. Infantino said he discussed the situation with Trump during a meeting Tuesday night. “We also talked about the current situation in Iran and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026,” he said, adding that Trump confirmed the team would be welcome to take part in the tournament in the United States. Infantino and Trump maintain a close relationship. Trump was previously awarded FIFA’s inaugural peace prize, an honour many observers believe was created with him in mind. However, Iranian fans had already faced restrictions earlier, as they were included in the initial version of a travel ban introduced by the Trump administration. Infantino said global events like the World Cup are important for bringing people together, particularly during times of conflict, and thanked Trump for his support. Earlier this week, FIFA World Cup chief operating officer ‘Heimo Schirgi’ said the tournament is too significant to be postponed because of the global tensions linked to the ongoing US and Israeli war against Iran. Schirgi said FIFA is closely monitoring developments in the conflict but remains confident that the tournament will proceed as planned. “We are taking it day by day and hope there will be a resolution,” he said. “The World Cup is too big, and we hope all teams that have qualified will be able to participate.”

US President Donald Trump said the decision on when to end the war with Iran will be a “mutual” one taken together with Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking in a phone interview, Trump said he and the Israeli prime minister had “been talking,” adding that he would “make a decision at the right time”. When asked whether Israel could continue the war against Iran if the United States decided to stop its strikes, Trump dismissed the scenario, saying: “I don't think its going to be necessary”. Trump also declined to comment on reports that Mojtaba Khamenei had been named the country’s new supreme leader, saying: “We'll see what happens”, according to a report by The Times of Israel. He has previously expressed opposition to Mojtaba’s leadership, saying: “Khamenei's son is unacceptable to me”. Source: BBC

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he would only consider an agreement with Iran if the country agreed to an “unconditional surrender.” His statement came as Washington warned that a massive bombing campaign could soon escalate the weeklong conflict. Meanwhile, Israel announced that it had launched a large wave of airstrikes on the Iranian capital, Tehran, early Saturday. Footage captured by the Associated Press showed powerful explosions and thick clouds of smoke rising over western areas of the city. As Israeli fighter jets struck both Tehran and the Lebanese capital Beirut, Iran responded with additional missile attacks targeting Israel and countries in the Gulf region. Late-night explosions echoed across Jerusalem as Israel’s defense systems attempted to intercept missiles fired from Iran. Over the past week, U.S. and Israeli forces have launched numerous strikes on Iran aimed at weakening its military strength, leadership structure and nuclear facilities. However, the long-term objectives of the war have appeared to shift, with U.S. officials sometimes suggesting that the conflict could even lead to the fall of Iran’s current government or the rise of new leadership. At the same time, two officials familiar with U.S. intelligence said Russia had shared information with Iran that could potentially help Tehran target American military assets in the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday, offering condolences following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to the Kremlin. Additional reports suggested that a deadly explosion at a school in Iran, which killed many students, may have been caused by U.S. airstrikes that also targeted a nearby facility linked to the country’s Revolutionary Guard. Meanwhile, Saad al-Kaabi warned that the war could severely damage the global economy. In an interview with the Financial Times, he said the conflict might disrupt Gulf energy exports and potentially drive oil prices as high as $150 per barrel. Benchmark U.S. crude already climbed above $90 on Friday for the first time in more than two years. Russia’s alleged involvementU.S. intelligence officials said Russia had provided Iran with information that could assist it in targeting American warships, aircraft and other military assets in the region. However, the officials stressed that there is no evidence Russia has directed Iran on how to use the information. If confirmed, it would mark Moscow’s first clear sign of involvement in the conflict. Trump outlines postwar visionIn a social media message, Trump stated that there would be no negotiations with Iran unless it first surrendered unconditionally. He added that once Iran selects “acceptable” new leadership, the United States and its allies would help rebuild the country and strengthen its economy. The remarks raised questions about the ultimate goal of the conflict. According to officials in Iran, Lebanon and Israel, the war has already caused significant casualties — at least 1,230 deaths in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon and about a dozen in Israel. Six U.S. service members have also been killed. President Pezeshkian said on social media that several countries had begun efforts to mediate the conflict, though he did not name them. Trump has also suggested he should play a role in selecting Iran’s next leader following the death of Khamenei. He dismissed Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is seen as a possible successor, describing him as politically weak. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, strongly criticized Trump’s comments, insisting that Iran would never allow foreign interference in its internal political affairs. Iranian state media reported that officials had begun discussions about convening the country’s Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for appointing the next supreme leader. Intensifying attacks and retaliationIsrael’s military said it had begun a “large-scale” bombing campaign in Tehran. Over the past week, it has targeted underground bunkers believed to have been prepared for Iranian leaders during wartime. Residents reported powerful explosions shaking homes and sending smoke into the sky. Other blasts were reported near the Iranian city of Kermanshah, which hosts several missile bases. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a television interview that the war’s most intense bombing operations had not yet occurred. In Israel, explosions were heard across Tel Aviv as Iranian missiles approached and air defense systems attempted to intercept them. Israel’s military also reported that five soldiers were injured during clashes with Hezbollah. The conflict continued to widen. Early Saturday, warning sirens sounded in Bahrain after Iran launched an attack targeting the island nation. Investigations also suggested that a deadly Feb. 28 explosion at a school in the Iranian city of Minab may have been caused by U.S. airstrikes hitting a nearby military facility. Iranian media said more than 165 people — most of them children — were killed in the blast. Iran has blamed both Israel and the United States for the incident, though neither country has accepted responsibility. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said earlier that the United States was investigating the matter. Escalation in LebanonIsrael has also carried out repeated airstrikes on southern neighborhoods of Beirut, areas where Hezbollah has a strong presence but also where large numbers of civilians live. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks since Monday have killed 217 people and wounded nearly 800 others. Heavy traffic filled Beirut’s roads as residents tried to flee while smoke rose over the city’s southern districts. Two hospitals evacuated their patients and staff. One displaced resident, Jihan Shehadeh, said thousands of people had nowhere safe to stay and were forced to sleep in their cars overnight. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that one Israeli strike landed near the Iranian Embassy in Beirut, though Israel’s military did not immediately comment. Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s leadership urged its fighters to continue resisting and defend the country, framing the conflict in religious terms and calling on them to intensify their attacks.

US President Donald Trump’s new global tariffs have taken effect at 10%, lower than his earlier pledge of a higher rate, after the Supreme Court blocked many sweeping import taxes. Although Trump later mentioned a 15% rate, official documents show the 10% duty was implemented from Tuesday. The White House has been asked for comment. Carsten Brzeski of ING said the shifting policy added to “chaos and mess,” increasing uncertainty for businesses and raising the risk of retaliation from US trading partners and a possible escalation into a full trade war. Trump warns of higher tariffs after court blocks levies An executive order signed Friday said the temporary 10% duty aims to address international payments imbalances and rebalance trade to benefit American workers, farmers and manufacturers. The levy is imposed under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, allowing a 150-day tariff without congressional approval. Trump argues tariffs are needed to shrink the US trade deficit, which rose 2.1% from 2024 to about $1.2 trillion (£890bn). The US has already collected at least $130bn in tariffs under the 1977 IEEPA, recent data show. The court ruled Friday Trump exceeded authority using IEEPA, raising prospects of billions in refunds. FedEx has sued for a full refund, while campaign group We Pay The Tariffs says it represents 900 firms seeking automatic refunds. Experts doubt repayments, and Trump said the issue could be litigated for five years. Justice Brett Kavanaugh warned the refund process could be a “mess.” Greenland rejects Trump’s offer of US hospital ship Trump criticised the ruling as “ridiculous” and “anti-American” and warned countries “playing games” with trade deals could face higher tariffs. The United Kingdom said reciprocal action was possible if agreements are not honoured, though it stressed no one wants a trade war. The European Union paused ratification of a summer deal, with MEP Brando Benifei urging clarity and coordinated response. India also deferred talks to finalise a recent agreement.

President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he intends to increase global tariffs to 15%, up from the 10% he had previously announced a day earlier, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down many of the extensive import taxes he had imposed in the past year. Trump's social media post signals that despite the court's limitation on his powers, the Republican president remains determined to escalate tariffs in unpredictable ways. Tariffs have been a key tool for Trump to reshape global trade and exert international pressure. The Supreme Court's decision on Friday invalidated tariffs Trump had applied on nearly all countries using emergency powers. In response, Trump stated he would pursue an alternative, though more restricted, legal authority. He had already signed an executive order to bypass Congress and impose a 10% tax on global imports, which was set to take effect on Tuesday, the same day as his State of the Union address. However, these tariffs will last only 150 days unless extended by legislation. The White House has yet to respond to inquiries about when Trump will sign an updated order to raise tariffs to 15%. In his social media post, Trump explained that his decision was based on a "thorough, detailed, and complete review" of what he called a "ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American" Supreme Court ruling on tariffs. By a 6-3 vote, the justices declared that Trump cannot unilaterally impose and alter tariffs, as the authority to tax resides with Congress. In addition to the temporary 15% tariffs, Trump also indicated he would pursue tariffs under other sections of federal law, which require an investigation by the Commerce Department. He stated on Saturday that the Trump Administration would "determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs" in the coming months, continuing the process of "Making America Great Again." After the Supreme Court ruling, Trump launched a personal attack on the justices who voted against him, including two of his own appointees, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett. At a news conference on Friday, he called the decision "an embarrassment to their families." He continued to criticize them on social media, also attacking Chief Justice John Roberts, who joined the majority opinion. On Saturday morning, Trump declared Justice Brett Kavanaugh his "new hero" for writing a dissenting opinion, and praised Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, who also dissented. Tariffs have been a cornerstone of Trump’s economic policies, which he claims address issues like trade imbalances, reviving U.S. manufacturing, and pressuring foreign nations to take action on matters such as drug trafficking and international conflicts. Despite evidence to the contrary, Trump has frequently stated that foreign governments, not American consumers and businesses, would bear the cost of these tariffs. As of December, federal data showed that the Treasury had collected over $133 billion from the tariffs imposed under emergency powers. Trump has suggested that the funds could be used for purposes such as reducing the national debt or sending dividend checks to taxpayers. The Supreme Court’s ruling did not address the fate of these collected funds. Democrats quickly criticized Trump's tariff proposal. Members of the House Ways and Means Committee accused Trump of "pickpocketing the American people" with his new tariff increase. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a long-time Trump critic, added that "he does not care about you."  

President Donald Trump said Friday that a change in leadership in Iran “would be the best thing that could happen,” as his administration considers possible military action against Tehran. Trump made the remarks after visiting U.S. troops at Fort Bragg and confirming that he is deploying a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East. Responding to reporters’ questions about removing Iran’s Islamic clerical leadership, Trump said such a shift in power could be beneficial, noting that the current regime has been in place for decades. Although Trump has recently emphasized curbing Iran’s nuclear program as his primary objective, he suggested Friday that Washington expects broader concessions from Tehran beyond nuclear limits. During a visit to Washington this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged that any agreement also address Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and its support for regional proxy groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Trump indicated that dismantling Iran’s nuclear activities — which were significantly damaged in U.S. strikes last year — would represent only part of a wider mission. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful. Prior to last year’s conflict, Tehran had enriched uranium to 60% purity, a level close to weapons-grade material. Trump’s comments about potentially ending the rule of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei came weeks after Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that political change in Iran would be far more complicated than efforts to unseat Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Rubio noted in a Senate hearing that Iran’s leadership has been entrenched for decades and would require careful consideration if change were pursued. Trump also announced that the USS Gerald R. Ford, currently in the Caribbean, will head to the Middle East to join the USS Abraham Lincoln and other U.S. naval assets already in the region. He said the additional carrier would be needed if diplomatic efforts fail, adding that it would depart soon. While Trump had indicated new talks with Iran might take place this week, negotiations did not occur. Iranian officials instead traveled to Oman and Qatar to exchange messages through intermediaries. Gulf Arab states have warned that any military strike could trigger broader regional conflict, particularly as the Middle East remains tense following the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Inside Iran, authorities are facing renewed domestic pressure as citizens hold 40-day mourning ceremonies for those killed during recent nationwide protests. Netanyahu to press Trump to widen Iran nuclear talks during White House meeting The Ford strike group would add more than 5,000 personnel to U.S. forces in the Middle East, effectively doubling available aircraft and munitions. However, given its current location, it could take weeks before it reaches waters near Iran. Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if Iran does not agree to stricter limits on its nuclear activities. Indirect talks were held in Oman last week, and he warned that failing to reach a deal would have serious consequences. The Ford was previously redeployed to the Caribbean as part of the U.S. military buildup ahead of last month’s operation that led to Maduro’s capture. Extending the carrier’s deployment could place strain on its crew. The ship has been at sea since June 2025, approaching eight months. Navy officials have previously said prolonged deployments disrupt service members’ personal lives and complicate maintenance schedules. Aircraft carriers are typically deployed for six or seven months. Longer missions can increase wear on ships and delay scheduled repairs, as seen with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, which underwent a nine-month Middle East deployment in 2023–24 and remains in maintenance beyond its planned completion date. Senior Navy leaders have recently expressed a preference for deploying smaller, newer vessels where possible instead of relying heavily on large aircraft carriers.  

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday, where he is expected to push for expanding ongoing talks with Iran beyond its nuclear program. The meeting comes as Trump said he believes Tehran is willing to strike a deal. “We’ll see what happens. I think they want to make a deal,” Trump told Fox Business Network on Tuesday. “I think they’d be foolish if they didn’t. We took out their nuclear power last time, and we’ll have to see if we take out more this time.” He added, “It’s got to be a good deal. No nuclear weapons, no missiles.” Netanyahu’s office said he wants any new agreement to also address Iran’s ballistic missile program and its backing of armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. “I will present to the president our outlook regarding the principles of these negotiations  the essential principles which, in my opinion, are important not only to Israel, but to everyone around the world who wants peace and security in the Middle East,” Netanyahu said before leaving Israel. The two sides recently held indirect talks in Oman and signaled cautious optimism. However, deep mistrust remains. Trump’s world order looms over Europe ahead of crucial Munich security summit Tensions are still high after last June’s 12-day war between Israel and Iran. A series of airstrikes, including U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, killed nearly 1,000 people in Iran and around 40 in Israel. Trump claimed at the time that Iran’s nuclear capabilities were “obliterated,” though the full extent of the damage remains unclear. Recent satellite images have shown renewed activity at some sites. Israel has long demanded that Iran stop enriching uranium, curb its missile program and cut ties with regional militant groups. Iran has rejected those demands, saying it would only accept limits on its nuclear activities in exchange for relief from sanctions. The U.S. has strengthened its military presence in the region, deploying an aircraft carrier and other assets. Meanwhile, countries including Turkey and Qatar have urged restraint, warning that further escalation could destabilize the Middle East. The Gaza conflict is also expected to be discussed during the talks, as Washington weighs its broader diplomatic efforts in the region.

A former police chief in Florida told the FBI that Donald Trump called him in 2006 and said “everyone” knew about Jeffrey Epstein’s behaviour, according to a newly released FBI document. The document summarises a 2019 FBI interview with the former Palm Beach police chief, who said Trump contacted him after local authorities began investigating Epstein. According to the record, Trump said: “Thank goodness you’re stopping him, everyone has known he’s been doing this.” Although the officer’s name is blacked out in the document, it identifies the interviewee as the Palm Beach police chief at the time of the Epstein investigation. That position was held by Michael Reiter, who later told the Miami Herald that he received the call from Trump. President Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein and has said he was unaware of his crimes. The reported call could raise fresh questions about what Trump knew at the time. In 2019, after Epstein was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges, Trump told reporters he had no suspicions about him. “No, I had no idea. I had no idea. I haven’t spoken to him in many, many years,” he said. According to the FBI interview summary, Reiter said Trump told him in July 2006 that he had expelled Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago club and that “people in New York knew he was disgusting.” Reiter also claimed Trump described Ghislaine Maxwell as Epstein’s “operative” and said “she is evil and to focus on her.” Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for helping recruit underage girls for Epstein. The former police chief further told the FBI that Trump said he had been around Epstein when he was with teenage girls but “got the hell out of there.” The document also states that Trump was among the “very first people to call” Florida police after learning about the investigation. In 2006, Palm Beach police were investigating Epstein over allegations of sexually exploiting underage girls. The case was later transferred to federal prosecutors. In 2008, Epstein reached a controversial plea deal that included a non-prosecution agreement shielding him from more serious federal charges. In a statement to the BBC, a US Justice Department official said authorities were not aware of any evidence confirming that the president contacted law enforcement two decades ago. Epstein associate Maxwell refuses to testify, seeks clemency At a White House briefing on Tuesday, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the reported call “may or may not have happened in 2006” and that she did not know the answer. “What President Trump has always said is that he kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of his Mar-a-Lago club because Jeffrey Epstein was a creep,” she said. “And that remains true in this call. If it did happen, it corroborates exactly what President Trump has said from the beginning.” The BBC has contacted Reiter for comment. Trump and Epstein were seen together socially and photographed in the 1990s. The president and the White House have maintained that he was unaware of Epstein’s crimes and ended contact with him around 2004, years before Epstein’s first arrest. Trump has said their relationship ended after he learned Epstein was trying to recruit employees from Mar-a-Lago. “When I heard about it, I told him, we don’t want you taking our people,” Trump said in July. “He was fine and then not too long after that he did it again and I said ‘outta here’.” The renewed attention comes after Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence, testified virtually before the US House Oversight Committee on Monday. During the closed-door session, she declined to answer questions and invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, according to committee chairman James Comer. Maxwell’s lawyer said she would be willing to speak “fully and honestly” if granted clemency by President Trump. Trump has said he has not considered pardoning her.    #With inputs from BBC