US Iran war highlights: Netanyahu says Israel ready for ‘all scenarios’ in Iran standoff

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French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, Macron said he held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and expressed “deep concern” over escalating tensions, including reported strikes on Emirati civilian infrastructure and commercial vessels.

Macron stressed that “all parties must lift the blockade of the Strait, without delay and without conditions." He further noted that easing tensions in the Strait could advance negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic issues, and broader regional stability.

He also indicated he would speak with President Donald Trump regarding Iran’s peace proposal.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said during a White House event honouring military mothers the war with Iran is progressing "unbelievably well,” describing it as a “skirmish” rather than a full-scale war.

Trump claimed the operation was comparable to previous US actions in Venezuela and added that it was “going very smoothly.”

He reiterated that the Iranians are open to negotiations. Trump said, “They want to make a deal, they want to negotiate, and I think that military mothers would want to hear that.”

While speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said, “We've had very good talks over the last 24 hours. And it's very possible that we'll make a deal.”

The president added that it would take Iran 20 years to recover if the United States left the country now.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he and Defense Minister Israel Katz have directed the military to carry out a strike in Beirut. The attack was targeted towards a senior commander of Hezbollah's Radwan Force.

In a statement posted on social media, Netanyahu alleged that the unit was responsible for attacks on Israeli settlements and for harming Israel Defense Forces soldiers. “Israel's long arm will reach every enemy and murderer. This is how it's done, and this is how it will be done!” he said.

US Israel Iran war LIVE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel is ready for any situation in its dealings with Iran, stressing that the military and security agencies have been instructed to prepare for all possible scenarios. Speaking in a video message at the start of a security cabinet meeting, he indicated that the country remains on high alert amid ongoing regional tensions.

US Israel Iran war LIVE: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone, condemning recent Iranian attacks on the Gulf, according to state media. Both leaders expressed support for measures to safeguard the UAE’s security and stability, while Netanyahu described the strikes as a “flagrant violation of sovereignty” and a threat to regional stability.

US Israel Iran war LIVE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding talks with Trump administration officials to get updates on US-Iran negotiations, according to an Israeli source cited by CNN.

Netanyahu is reportedly seeking clarity on what is currently on the table and is particularly wary of any easing of sanctions on Iran. Israel is also pushing for restrictions on Iran’s proxy networks and ballistic missile programme, while insisting on preserving its freedom of military action against regional threats.

An Israeli official said Netanyahu remains in continuous contact with Trump, adding that Washington has reiterated its “red lines,” especially regarding the removal of nuclear material.

US Israel Iran war LIVE: US energy stockpiles are falling rapidly due to supply disruptions from the war, with diesel inventories hitting their lowest level since 2003, about 11% below the seasonal average. Gasoline and crude stocks also declined, while emergency reserves were further drawn down. Diesel prices have surged to record highs in parts of the US midwest. (CNN)

US Israel Iran war LIVE: The ongoing war on Iran has begun impacting India’s automobile sector. Bajaj Auto has reported a sharp slowdown in motorcycle demand, particularly in the entry-level segment.

The company said industry growth has fallen from about 20% in the previous quarter to an expected 7-9% now, citing weakened consumer sentiment, supply chain disruptions, and inflationary pressures linked to the geopolitical crisis. It added that rising fuel prices and expectations of further hikes are pushing consumers towards electric scooters, which are seeing strong growth. While the overall outlook has softened, Bajaj Auto noted that the premium 150cc-plus segment remains relatively resilient. (PTI)

US Israel Iran war LIVE:

• Tehran is reviewing a US proposal aimed at ending the more than two-month-long war on Iran and will send its response to mediator Pakistan, according to the Iranian foreign ministry.
• US president Trump has warned that American bombing could resume at a “much higher level and intensity” if Iran refuses a deal to open the Strait of Hormuz.
• He also said it is “too soon” to consider direct in-person negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
• France has said that it and its partners can help secure the Strait of Hormuz, and wants the issue kept separate from ongoing US–Iran talks.
• Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy has thanked commercial ship operators in the Gulf and Gulf of Oman for cooperating with new Iranian transit regulations.

US Israel Iran war LIVE: Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon have reportedly killed several residents, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA). The strikes targeted an area near al-Dawoudiya farm on the outskirts of al-Saksakieh, while another attack hit a car on the Hadaya road between Wadi Jilo and Tyre Dibba near Al-Siraj High School, causing more casualties. The exact death toll has not yet been confirmed.

US Israel Iran war LIVE: Gold and silver prices rose sharply in India as reports of a possible US-Iran framework agreement to end the war boosted market sentiment. Gold jumped by ₹2,900 to ₹1,55,400 per 10 grams in Delhi, while silver gained ₹3,500 to ₹2,54,500 per kilogram. (ANI)

US Israel Iran war LIVE: An Iranian lawmaker has rejected a reported US-Iran draft memorandum described by Axios as a possible framework to end the war. The report suggested Iran could agree to suspend nuclear enrichment, while the US would lift sanctions, and both sides would ease restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz.

Reacting to this, lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei called the proposal an “American wish list” and said it does not reflect reality. "Axios' text is Americans' wish list until it becomes reality, Americans will not obtain through a failed war what they failed to gain in face-to-face negotiations, Iran has its finger on the trigger and is ready; if they do not surrender and grant the necessary concessions, or if they or their devilish henchdog allies try to act mischievously, we will deliver a harsh and regret-inducing response," he wrote on X.

US Israel Iran war LIVE: China has assured Iran of continued support during talks in Beijing. Iran said it wants a peaceful solution to ongoing tensions and a fair agreement with the United States while protecting its sovereignty. A key aim of the visit was to strengthen ties between China and Iran, especially ahead of a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Iran also sought assurance that China will continue supporting it diplomatically and economically. Both sides discussed future peace in the Gulf region, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and building a new security framework for the Middle East with China’s involvement.

US Israel Iran war LIVE: Pope Leo XIV held a surprise video call with 13 Maronite Catholic priests in southern Lebanon, offering prayers, blessings, and a message of hope for peace along the tense Israel-Lebanon border. The priests, from villages including Rmeich and Marjayoun, said the pope asked them to stay in their hometowns and prayed for stability in the region.

The call comes amid renewed tensions in southern Lebanon, including Israeli strikes and the demolition of a Catholic convent in Yaroun, which has drawn strong criticism. The region remains volatile due to ongoing clashes involving Israel and Hezbollah.

US Israel Iran war LIVE: Iran is examining a US proposal to end the over two-month-long war and will share its response through mediator Pakistan, according to Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei.

US Israel Iran war LIVE: Donald Trump said, “Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran.” He further warned, “If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.”

US Israel Iran war LIVE: An Israeli airstrike in Zlaya, West Bekaa, killed four people and injured five others, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said. Separate Israeli strikes and shelling were also reported across several southern Lebanese areas, including Tyre district towns and nearby villages.

US Israel Iran war LIVE: “Safe and stable passage” through the Strait of Hormuz will be ensured once “aggressor threats” are neutralised and new transit protocols are fully in place, the naval wing of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has said.

In a statement on X, the IRGC thanked vessel operators in the Gulf and Gulf of Oman for complying with updated regulations for navigation through the strategic waterway. It also warned that while “innocent” ships would be allowed passage, vessels carrying weapons and ammunition destined for US military forces in the region could be blocked under the new guidelines.

US Israel Iran war LIVE: Talks between the US and Iran are currently limited to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported. Tehran is denying any negotiations on its nuclear programme, missile policy, or regional alliances, the outlet said. Iran has proposed a three-stage plan, starting with the strait, followed by potential nuclear talks, and later regional security discussions.

US Israel Iran War LIVE: Israel’s army has bombed what it called Hezbollah targets across Lebanon. They said it was hitting “terror infrastructure” in multiple areas. This moce, which breaches the ceasefire, comes after reports of drone explosions near Israeli troops in southern Lebanon and follows a fresh evacuation warning for several villages in the region. (Al Jazeera)

US Israel Iran War LIVE: The Iranian Red Crescent Society says it suffered major losses of about $129 million due to US-Israeli attacks, according to Mehr News Agency. Damage includes three helicopters (one completely destroyed, costing about $19.5 million), 49 emergency vehicles, and over 56 facilities.

US Israel Iran War LIVE: The US and Iran are close to a temporary peace deal, Axios reported. Donald Trump’s administration expecting a response from Iran within 48 hours. The proposed agreement is a one-page, 14-point memorandum aimed at ending the war and starting formal talks.

Under the plan, Iran may pause nuclear enrichment, while the US could lift sanctions and release billions in frozen funds. Both sides may also ease restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route. The deal would begin with a 30-day negotiation period for a broader agreement.

Nothing is final yet, and if talks fail, military action or blockades could resume.

US Israel Iran War LIVE: Global markets gained after Donald Trump signaled progress in US–Iran talks. Asian stocks rose about 1% to a record high, while South Korea surged 5%. US futures also climbed, with S&P 500 up ~0.3% and Nasdaq 100 up ~0.7%. Oil prices dropped, with Brent crude down 1.3% to around $108 per barrel and WTI falling 1.4% to about $100.86. The dollar slipped 0.2%, while gold rose about 0.7–0.8% to nearly $4,590 an ounce. In bond markets, the US 30-year yield fell below 5%. (Bloomberg)

US Israel Iran War LIVE: Shehbaz Sharif said he is hopeful that the current chain of events will lead to peace in the Gulf region, news agency AFP reported.