Strategic Distance
The renewed war between the United States and Iran has again placed American and Israeli military interests on apparently common ground.
The renewed war between the United States and Iran has again placed American and Israeli military interests on apparently common ground.
Fresh statements from Tehran and Washington point to deepening confrontation, with both sides hardening their public positions even as the US says it remains open to diplomacy.
The Pentagon told lawmakers the conflict has already cost $37.5 billion and warned of readiness shortfalls without additional funding, while also alleging Russia and China are enabling Iran's military operations.
Explosions were reported across southern and central Iran after the US announced a new military offensive, while Kuwait activated air defences and regional tensions continued to spread.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed it received intelligence from individuals in Jordan to strike US military targets, as Washington continued air strikes and regional tensions spread across the Gulf.
A draft-labelled post by Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif on X, later edited, has triggered debate over digital diplomacy and timing amid ongoing Middle East ceasefire discussions.
A surprise diplomatic breakthrough sees the US and Iran agree to a short ceasefire, with Pakistan stepping in as mediator and both sides opening the door for wider negotiations.
A last-minute pause by Trump has opened a short diplomatic window, with Iran signalling cautious support, even as tensions over oil routes and regional security remain unresolved.
Congress Corporator Rubina Iqbal Khan said in her homage address that Khamenei was martyred through deception by the US and Israel. She also paid homage to young girls killed in an air strike on Iranian school.
Iran has urged citizens, including athletes and students, to gather around power plants as tensions escalate with the US following warnings of possible strikes on key infrastructure.
