Donald Trump has said that Israel “never talked me into the war” in a furious new tirade following claims that Benjamin Netanyahu influenced the US president’s decision making.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump instead suggested that the October 7 attacks on Israel had added “to my lifelong opinion that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon”.
“If Iran’s new leaders (Regime Change!) are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future,” he wrote, accusing the media of writing “made up stories”.
His post followed reports that the US will consider lifting an American naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz to enable peace talks with Iran in Islamabad, according to reports.
Sources told Reuters that Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief, was told by the US president in a phone call that he would weigh ending the blockade in the Arabian Sea.
Tehran announced on Saturday that the strait would be closed just a day after it reopened following Trump’s announcement that he would continue the blockade, which has prevented vessels linked to Iran from leaving the waterway.
Key Points
- Tehran says it is ready to confront US after tanker seizure
- Iran says there are no plans for more talks - and US is 'not serious' about peace
- US military releases video of naval ship firing on Iranian cargo ship - watch
- Pakistan readies for talks amid diplomatic setback
- Iran executes two men on charges of spying for Israel
Trump says Israel 'never talked me into war'
15:42 , Daniel Keane
Donald Trump has said that Israel “never talked me into the war” in a furious new tirade following claims that Benjamin Netanyahu influenced the US president’s decision making.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump instead suggested that the October 7 attacks on Israel had added “to my lifelong opinion that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon”.
“If Iran’s new leaders (Regime Change!) are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future,” he wrote, accusing the media of writing “made up stories”.
Hezbollah claims explosives destroyed Israeli tanks
15:29 , Alex Croft
Hezbollah this morning said it detonated explosives yesterday afternoon in an attack against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
The group said in a statement that bombs planted by Hezbollah fighters exploded and destroyed four tanks in a convoy of eight tanks that was passing the village of Deir Siryan.
It was the first claim of an attack by Hezbollah since a 10-day ceasefire went into effect at midnight Thursday.
Tehran says its defensive capabilities and missile programme not up for negotiation - report
15:06 , Alex Croft
A senior Iranian source has been talking to Reuters news agency about the gaps in negotiating position between Washington and Tehran.
There are still significant differences regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, the source said.
It comes amid hopes that Iran and the US will resume peace talks after they failed in Islamabad earlier this month.
The senior Iranian source said that Tehran's "defensive capabilities", including its missile programme, are not open to negotiation with the US
"Continuation of the US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz undermines the peace talks," they added.
How daring US raid of Iranian tanker unfolded in six-hour stand-off in the Strait of Hormuz
14:45 , Alex Croft
“Vacate your engine room. We’re prepared to subject you to disabling fire,” warned US naval forces as an Iranian-flagged commercial tanker attempted to break through an American blockade near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday.
After a six-hour stand-off, the Touska is reported to have shown no signs of heeding the warnings and attempted to push through regardless.
Moments later, US naval forces deployed a guided-missile destroyer, the USS Spruance, to fire at the ship, followed by marines rappelling on to the vessel shortly after.
It is the first such interception of an Iranian vessel since a US blockade was implemented on the country’s ports and coastal areas last week and marks an escalation in the protracted conflict between the warring countries.
Pope decries poeple being 'exploited by authoritarians'
14:23 , Alex Croft
Pope Leo lamented that many around the world are being "exploited by authoritarians and defrauded by the rich", the latest example of his forceful new speaking style.
The first US pope, who has been heavily criticised by US president Donald Trump with his more outspoken comments, told worshippers at a Mass in Saurimo, near the Democratic Republic of Congo border, that violence and oppression went against the Christian message.
"Every form of oppression, violence, exploitation and dishonesty negates the resurrection of Christ," the pontiff said, referring to the core belief of Christianity that Jesus rose from the dead after being crucified.
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