Donald Trump walked back his threat to strike Iran “hard” tonight, citing progress being made in peace negotiations.
The US president said he “cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening”.
He added that “discussions and final points” have been “approved by all parties involved”. He later told reporters that a deal could be signed as soon as this weekend.
Iran’s foreign ministry has reportedly said, “nothing has been finalised”.
Just hours earlier, Trump had issued a bombastic warning, threatening to seize Kharg Island, a strategic hub for oil exports, after striking the country “VERY HARD”.
The missive came after Iran declared the ceasefire with Washington “practically meaningless” after US forces fired 49 Tomahawk missiles on Wednesday. On Thursday, both sides traded strikes for the second day in a row, leaving a fragile ceasefire in jeopardy.
Tehran condemned the “illegal and criminal attacks” by the US and warned American leaders would be held responsible.
Key Points
- Trump walks back threat to strike Iran 'hard'
- Peace deal could be signed as soon as this weekend, Trump says
- Iran says peace deal has not been finalised
- US president: I don't think America has the stomach for more war
- Oil prices fall below $90 a barrel
Israeli and Palestinian civil society meet in France as two-state solution dims
05:37 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Israeli and Palestinian civil society groups will meet in France today to urge the international community not to abandon a two-state solution, as Paris seeks to keep the issue alive amid the Middle East war.
The meeting, attended by foreign ministers and senior officials from dozens of countries, marks one year since the UN-backed New York Declaration, which set out a roadmap toward Palestinian statehood and prompted around a dozen countries, including France, Britain and Canada, to recognise a Palestinian state.
"Given the current situation in the region, marked by seemingly endless conflicts, too many civilian casualties and a cycle of violence, and in light of the stalled implementation of the Gaza ceasefire ... we believe this conference is now more essential and urgent than ever,” a French foreign ministry spokesperson said.
Qatar, UAE and Pakistan convinced Trump to stop striking Iran
05:37 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Leaders from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan called Donald Trump after the US president threatened to hit Iran “very hard tonight” and urged him to hold off strikes, Politico reported.
Trump said he “cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening”, adding that “discussions and final points” have been “approved by all parties involved” regarding the peace deal.
He later told reporters that a deal could be signed as soon as this weekend.
Iran prevents tanker from entering Strait of Hormuz
05:12 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Iranian forces prevented a tanker from transiting the Strait of Hormuz without coordination with the Iranian authorities, state media reported this morning.
Iranian media earlier reported sounds of explosions near Bandar Abbas, but state news agency IRNA later said no explosions had been reported in the port city and that any sounds could have been related to military activity in maritime areas.
Iran's top joint military command announced yesterday the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, including oil tankers and commercial ships, saying any vessel that will attempt passage will be shot at.
Iranian media also reported explosion sounds off the coast of Sirik.
A military source told state media that the sounds heard near Sirik were linked to Iranian forces confronting an oil tanker attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The tanker later complied with the ban on transit after receiving warnings from the IRGC Navy, the source said.
Israel continues to bomb Lebanon
05:11 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Fifa dragged to court for banning Iran's pre-revolutionary flag
04:48 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
A lawsuit has been filed against Fifa over its ban on supporters bringing the Lion and the Sun pre-revolutionary Iranian flag into the World Cup games.
The Institute for Voices of Liberty submitted a lawsuit to the Los Angeles County Superior Court, which claimed that those who wished to fly the flag possess “protected symbolic and political speech” which requires “immediate judicial intervention", according to The New York Times.
The California-based non-profit is calling for a declaration that a ban is unlawful in California and that supporters should be allowed to carry the old flag, and demanded Fifa pay compensatory damages for any individual banned for possession of the flag.
The pre-revolutionary Iran flag is associated with the country’s previous Shah-led regime.
Oil prices fall below $90 a barrel
04:39 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Oil prices slumped to two-month lows on the news of an agreement before trimming some of the losses.Brent dropped 1.1 per cent at $89.40 per barrel, having fallen nearly 3 per cent overnight.
US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were last down 1.2 per cent to $86.69 a barrel, on top of a 2.6 per cent drop overnight.
Trump claims Iran agreed to not buy nuclear weapons
04:24 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Donald Trump has claimed an initial agreement aimed at ending the war with Iran is close and claimed that Iran has agreed not to buy nuclear weapons.
Speaking during a call with supporters, the US president said: "The big thing is there will be no nuclear weapons in Iran. That means not developed and not purchased."
“They had a clause they won’t develop. I said, ‘What about purchasing?’ They said, ‘Well, we didn’t cover that.’ So, two days later, they agreed to that. We got everything we wanted,” he said.
US shoots down two Iranian attack drones
04:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
US forces shot down two Iranian one-way attack drones as Tehran appeared to attempt to strike commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a US official told Reuters.
"Traffic flow through the strait continues," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Trump says peace deal could be signed this weekend — but traders aren't convinced
04:00 , Rachel Dobkin
US President Donald Trump said Thursday that a finalised peace deal with Iran could be signed as soon as this weekend in Europe, but traders aren’t convinced an agreement, at least a permanent one, will be reached so soon.
As of early Friday morning, traders on the prediction market Polymarket believe there’s just a 16 percent chance that the US and Iran will reach a permanent peace deal by Monday.
Are the latest strikes between Trump and Iran the prelude to all-out war - or just the new normal?
03:45 , Alex Croft
The latest strikes between the US and Iran represent a new limbo period where both sides are neither obeying a ceasefire nor fully fighting, experts have warned, as each side carries out symbolic strikes aimed at pressuring their opponent into making concessions.
Tehran and Washington’s latest escalation is “carefully choreographed” and part of a “diplomatic dance” between Tehran and Washington, analysts say. But the longer it goes on, the higher the risk it could develop into a new round of conflict.
Read on...
Are latest strikes between Trump and Iran the prelude to all-out war or a new normal?
Full story: Trump reverses course to say no new strikes on Iran after boisterous threats to hit country ‘very hard’
03:30 , Andrew Feinberg
US President Donald Trump has once again reversed course and called off planned airstrikes on Iran just hours after he threatened to escalate the current wave of American attacks on Iran and potentially dispatch ground troops to seize the country’s main oil export facility.
Writing on Truth Social Thursday afternoon, Trump said: “Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, canceled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening”.
The president’s announcement walking back his early morning declaration that the US “will be hitting Iran ... VERY HARD TONIGHT” came after what he said were “discussions” between the US and Iran as well as Israel, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt “and others”.
Read on...
Trump reverses course on new Iran strikes after threats to hit country ‘very hard’
Watch: Trump explains why this round of negotiations with Iran is supposedly different
03:00 , Rachel Dobkin
Reporter: You have said before that Iran and the United States were close to a deal. It has not happened yet. Why are you so convinced that this time is different?
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 11, 2026
Trump: Because they have taken a pounding. They want to make a deal a lot more than I do. pic.twitter.com/4FFjcvHv3l
US military downs Iranian drones: report
02:35 , Rachel Dobkin
The US military has downed two Iranian drones, a US official told NBC News Thursday night, Washington time.
“It appears Iran has attempted to strike commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz tonight”, the official said. “U.S. forces shot down two Iranian one-way attack drones.
“Traffic flow through the Strait continues”, the official added.
Iranian official condemns 'brutal' US attack on Indian ship
02:00 , Rachel Dobkin
Esmaeil Baqaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign affairs ministry, has condemned a reported US attack on an Indian oil tanker that killed three seafarers.
“The brutal US attacks on Indian commercial vessels which have killed at least three Indian nationals, stand as clear evidence of America’s ongoing policy of armed robbery and State piracy”, Baqaei wrote on X Thursday.
The brutal U.S. attacks on Indian commercial vessels which have killed at least three Indian nationals, stand as clear evidence of America’s ongoing policy of armed robbery and State piracy.
— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) June 11, 2026
We extend our sympathies to the families and friends of the slain Indian sailors and…
“The international community must hold the United States accountable for its lawless conduct, which continues to threaten global peace and security while endangering the freedom of navigation”, the spokesperson added.
Read more on the reported Indian oil tanker attack from Maroosha Muszaffar:
India reports third ship ‘incident’ off Oman after US strike on tanker
US military was mere hours away from striking Iran before Trump cancelled operation : report
01:30 , Rachel Dobkin
The US military was mere hours away from striking Iran again before President Donald Trump cancelled the operation, according to a new report.
American forces already received orders from Trump to hit Iran Thursday evening, local time, before the president announced that the strikes were cancelled, two US officials told NBC News.
Trump made the announcement about three hours before missiles would have been launched, according to the sources.
Trump says US made 'great deal' with Iran
01:00 , Rachel Dobkin
President Donald Trump has said that the US made a “great deal” with Iran.
“Today we settled up with Iran”, Trump said at a telephone rally Thursday, local time, per the Associated Press.
“People will start coming home very soon. It’s pretty much completed. We got everything we wanted,” he added.
Trump claims Iran agreed never to obtain nuclear weapon
Friday 12 June 2026 00:25 , Rachel Dobkin
US President Donald Trump has claimed Iran agreed never to obtain nuclear weapons as part of a deal to end the war.
"I don't know if you heard, but we ended the war with Iran today, and they have agreed never to have a nuclear weapon”, Trump said at a telephone rally Thursday, local time, per NewsNation correspondent Libbery Dean.
Read: Trump's statement on the cancellation of additional strikes against Iran
Friday 12 June 2026 00:00 , Rachel Dobkin
🚨 President Donald J. Trump on cancelled scheduled strikes against Iran. pic.twitter.com/iIijh6j5m2
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 11, 2026
Ex-US counterterrorism chief urges Trump to 'just walk away' from Iran war
Thursday 11 June 2026 23:30 , Rachel Dobkin
Former US counterterrorism chief Joe Kent has urged Donald Trump to “just walk away” from the Iran war.
“There is no clear-cut military solution, and there is little hope for a diplomatic solution—if there were a viable option for either, I firmly believe that President Trump would just order the military action or sign the deal”, Kent wrote on X Thursday.
Kent was the director of the National Counterterrorism Center before he resigned in March over his disagreement with the war.
“The ‘Trump card’ is simple: just walk away, declare victory, and leave”, Kent continued. “This is not a coward’s retreat; it’s a strategic move to protect our troops and stop this destructive war dead in its tracks”.
Why won't Trump be at potential peace deal signing this weekend?
Thursday 11 June 2026 23:00 , Rachel Dobkin
Donald Trump has said a finalised peace deal with Iran could be signed as soon as this weekend in Europe, but he said he wouldn’t be there.
That’s because the US president will be celebrating his birthday on Sunday with an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House lawn. The event will be part of the many celebrations of America’s 250th year of independence.
Watch: Trump claims US took out up to 25 ships a night amid Iran war
Thursday 11 June 2026 22:30 , Rachel Dobkin
Trump: "We've been taking out many ships that nobody knew. Not even the fake news knew it. Quietly at night. We bombed their radar and everything so they couldn't see. We took out night some nights 25 ships, some nights 15, the last four or five we did 25, 22, 21, 26, 18, and 14.… pic.twitter.com/u1mSnRAdJW
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 11, 2026
Trump speaks with Netanyahu on Iran peace deal
Thursday 11 June 2026 22:15 , Rachel Dobkin
US President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Thursday about entering into peace negotiations with Iran, Netanyahu’s office has said.
The prime minister’s office claimed the final peace deal will include an agreement to remove Iran’s enriched uranium and to end Iran’s support for its “terrorist proxies in the region.”
The Prime Minister’s Office:
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) June 11, 2026
President Trump spoke this evening with Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding the emerging memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran to enter into negotiations.
Even though Israel is not a party to the memorandum of understanding, the Prime Minister…
Iran says peace deal has not been finalised
Thursday 11 June 2026 22:00 , Rachel Dobkin
Iran’s foreign ministry has said that “nothing has been finalised” after US President Donald Trump said top officials approved of a peace deal, The New York Times reported, citing Iranian state media.
Watch: Trump claims Strait of Hormuz has been open for 'months'
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:40 , Rachel Dobkin
President Donald Trump has claimed that the Strait of Hormuz has been open for “months,” despite Iran effectively closing the key oil passageway at the beginning of the war.
Two ships are currently transiting the waterway, according to the Hormuz Strait Monitor.
Trump: "The strait is open. But the straits have been open for a number of months already and you just didn't know about it." pic.twitter.com/hOJ34wX8aa
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 11, 2026
Trump is repeatedly pressed on his statement that 'final points' for peace deal have been approved
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:20 , Brendan Rascius
During his Oval Office presser, Trump was repeatedly pressed on his statement that the U.S. and Iran have approved “final points” for a peace deal.
When a reporter asked the president whether he is simply setting the stage for deeper diplomatic discussions, Trump responded: “It's a very strong memorandum of understanding that is a little conceptual, but it’s something that’s gonna get done.”
“They want to sign it as much as I do or more,” he added, referring to the Iranians.
When another journalist asked Trump what gives him confidence that Iran is being sincere, he cited their “level of enthusiasm.”
Peace deal could be signed as soon as this weekend, Trump says
Thursday 11 June 2026 21:02 , Brendan Rascius
President Donald Trump said a finalized peace deal with Iran could be signed as soon as this weekend.
"The Strait [of Hormuz] will officially open as soon as we sign, which could be soon, very soon, maybe over the weekend in Europe,” the Republican president told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday afternoon.
“I won’t be able to be there,” he said. “But JD will be there.”
Earlier in the day, Trump called off planned strikes against Iran, citing progress made in negotiations. He wrote on Truth Social: “Discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved.”
GOP senator expressed concern about Kharg Island operation
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:35 , Brendan Rascius
A Republican lawmaker expressed concern about President Trump’s threat to invade Iran’s Kharg Island, a key oil hub.
“I'm worried about the move on Kharg Island,” Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy told reporters on Thursday, according to CBS News. “I'm not saying the president's wrong, but this is how it started in Vietnam. Committing troops is a very, very, very dramatic step.”
On Thursday morning, Trump had threatened to strike Iran “hard” this evening and claimed the U.S. would seize Kharg Island “in the not too distant future.” However, hours later, he called off the strikes, citing progress in peace negotiations. In his latest statement, he made no mention of Kharg Island.
Trump was 'furious' over perceptions of Iran war in lead up to strikes: report
Thursday 11 June 2026 20:00 , Brendan Rascius
In the lead up to the U.S.’ renewed strikes on Iran this week, President Trump reportedly became “furious” over perceptions that American military action hadn’t gone far enough.
“Sources tell CNN that President Trump is growing more and more furious, especially this week, after he ordered new strikes in Iran,” CNN’s Dana Bash said on Thursday. “They say he felt both Tehran and the media didn't view U.S. military action as powerful enough, so he ordered another round of strikes yesterday in the hopes of forcing Iran to come to the table in a way that they will accept a deal.”
Stocks rally and oil tumbles after Trump's announcement
Thursday 11 June 2026 19:37 , Brendan Rascius
U.S. stocks rallied and oil prices tumbled after President Trump walked back his threat to strike Iran “hard” and stated that a peace deal was in reach.
The S&P 500 ticked up 1.1 percent, while the Nasdaq added 1.5 percent, according to CNBC. Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate crude futures traded down 3 percent to about $86 a barrel, following Trump’s announcement.
Iranian embassy calls Trump's threat to seize Kharg Island 'futile'
Thursday 11 June 2026 19:30 , Brendan Rascius
Iranian officials described President Trump’s threat to seize Kharg Island as “futile.”
“Trump wants Kharg? A futile attempt with severe consequences,” the Iranian embassy in South Africa wrote on X.
Alongside the post, the embassy included an image of coffins draped with American flags floating in the Persian Gulf.
On Thursday morning, Trump vowed to hit Iran “VERY HARD TONIGHT” and added: “At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island.”
Situated a few miles off the coast of Iran, Kharg Island is strategically important since it serves as the export hub for most of the Middle Eastern nation’s oil exports.
Trump wants Kharg?
— Iran Embassy SA (@IraninSA) June 11, 2026
A futile attempt with severe consequences. pic.twitter.com/6t8H9kr8Kv
World Bank lowers global growth forecast amid Iran war
Thursday 11 June 2026 19:00 , Brendan Rascius
On Thursday, the World Bank lowered its global growth forecast to its lowest level in years amid the ongoing Iran war.
The international financial institution said in a statement that global growth is now projected to decrease to 2.5 percent in 2026, down from 2.9 percent last year, marking the lowest rate of growth since the pandemic.
“The conflict in the Middle East has triggered sharp increases in energy prices, renewed inflationary pressures, and fueled expectations of tighter monetary policy,” the World Bank said.
“Activity is expected to firm in 2027–28 as energy supplies recover, monetary easing resumes, and trade strengthens,” it added.
Trump walks back threat to strike Iran 'hard,' says 'final points' in negotiations have been agreed upon
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:47 , Brendan Rascius
President Donald Trump walked back his threat to strike Iran “hard” tonight, citing progress being made in peace negotiations.
“Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening,” the Republican president wrote on Truth Social on Thursday afternoon.
He added that “discussions and final points” have been “approved by all parties involved,” with a formal announcement set to be unveiled “shortly.”
Trump chose to strike Iran after obtaining latest peace proposal: report
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:30 , Brendan Rascius
A senior negotiator involved in organizing U.S.-Iranian peace talks said President Donald Trump chose to strike Iran after obtaining a copy of the latest proposal.
The president, the unnamed official told NBC News, “has the deal in his hands now.”
U.S. officials were expected to hand their latest proposal to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s top negotiator, the source said. But, U.S. strikes threw a wrench in negotiations.
On Thursday, the U.S. and Iran traded strikes for the second day in a row and Trump threatened to invade Kharg Island.
Iranian student says hope is fading following latest attacks
Thursday 11 June 2026 18:00 , Brendan Rascius
For one Iranian student, hope is fading as renewed U.S.-Iran attacks threaten to unravel a fragile ceasefire that has been in place for weeks.
The 25-year-old, based in northern Iran, told The Associated Press that many Iranians are struggling to afford food amid soaring inflation and job losses.
“Everything is going wrong and there is no hope among the people,” the student said.
Iran's parliamentary speaker appeared to respond to Trump's threat — before he walked it back
Thursday 11 June 2026 17:51 , Brendan Rascius
Iran’s parliamentary speaker appeared to respond to President Trump’s threat to hit Iran “VERY HARD” and to seize Kharg Island.
“Wrong strategies and impulsive decisions will reset the entire board for the worse, explode energy infrastructure and markets and create an endless quagmire that you will be stuck in for years,” Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf wrote on X on Thursday morning. “You will see a different Iran.”
Shortly after, Trump called off planned U.S. strikes, citing progress made in peace negotiations.
Wrong strategies and impulsive decisions will reset the entire board for the worse, explode energy infrastructure and markets and create an endless quagmire that you will be stuck in for years.
— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) June 11, 2026
You will see a different Iran.
Full report: Trump says he’ll hit Iran ‘very hard tonight’ after dropping ‘$250 million worth of bombs’ a night earlier
Thursday 11 June 2026 17:30 , Alex Croft
President Donald Trump threatened Thursday to escalate the current wave of American attacks on Iran even further and potentially dispatch ground troops to seize the country’s main oil export facility — even as he is voicing doubts about the American public’s tolerance for the now four-month-old war.
The president first took to Truth Social early in the morning to declare that the U.S. “will be hitting Iran ... VERY HARD TONIGHT” and warned that American forces would be “taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points” and assuming “total control” of Tehran’s petroleum sector “at some point in the not too distant future.”
He also compared the proposed invasion of Iranian territory to the way the U.S. installed a compliant leader in Venezuela this past January and established close cooperation to resume oil exports from that country while opining on how the change of regime in Caracas has been “working out brilliantly” for both countries.
Our White House correspondent Andrew Feinberg reports:
Trump says he’ll hit Iran ‘very hard tonight’ after dropping $250M worth of bombs’
Scott Bessent says Iran will 'lose the zero-sum game it is playing'
Thursday 11 June 2026 16:54 , Brendan Rascius
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the U.S. would take measures to help offset costs tied to damage sustained by American allies and tolls Iran imposes in the Strait of Hormuz.
“The Iranian regime will lose the zero-sum game it is playing,” Bessent wrote on X on Thursday morning.
“Any damage it inflicts on our allies in the Gulf will be paid for with funds extracted from Iranian Accounts,” he continued. “Any tolls paid to the Persian Gulf Strait Authority will be offset by funds extracted from their accounts. Every attack Iran launches will only deepen the economic and financial consequences it faces.”
The Iranian regime will lose the zero-sum game it is playing.
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) June 11, 2026
Any damage it inflicts on our allies in the Gulf will be paid for with funds extracted from Iranian Accounts.
Any tolls paid to the Persian Gulf Strait Authority will be offset by funds extracted from their accounts.…
UN chief calls for settlement in Lebanon
Thursday 11 June 2026 16:30 , Alex Croft
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday that all parties must work towards a diplomatic settlement that fully respects the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon.
In a post on X, Guterres added that there must be a comprehensive ceasefire and said he fully supports a monopoly on weapons by the Lebanese government.
Since March, we have witnessed a serious escalation – as Israel intensified its operations in Lebanese territory & Hizbullah fired deeper into Israel.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) June 11, 2026
All parties must work towards a diplomatic settlement that fully respects the territorial integrity, sovereignty & political…
US producer prices increase more than expected in May amid jump in energy costs
Thursday 11 June 2026 16:01 , Alex Croft
US producer prices increased more than expected in May, leading to the largest annual gain in 3-and-a-half years as the Middle East conflict drove up the cost of energy products.
The Producer Price Index for final demand advanced 1.1% last month after a downwardly revised 1.1% surge in April, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Thursday.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the PPI climbing 0.7% after a previously reported 1.4% jump in April. In the 12 months through May, the PPI increased 6.5%, the biggest rise since November 2022. A 2.8% increase in the price of goods, mostly energy products, accounted for nearly 80% of the rise in the PPI. Prices for services gained 0.3%.
The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has raised prices of energy products, including gasoline and diesel. Global supply chains have been strained by the restriction of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, causing shortages of a wide range of goods, including fertilizers, aluminum and consumer products.
Watch: US strikes oil tanker violating Strait of Hormuz blockade
Thursday 11 June 2026 15:29 , Alex Croft
Are the latest strikes between Trump and Iran the prelude to all-out war - or just the new normal?
Thursday 11 June 2026 15:00 , Alex Croft
The latest strikes between the US and Iran represent a new limbo period where both sides are neither obeying a ceasefire nor fully fighting, experts have warned, as each side carries out symbolic strikes aimed at pressuring their opponent into making concessions.
Tehran and Washington’s latest escalation is “carefully choreographed” and part of a “diplomatic dance” between Tehran and Washington, analysts say. But the longer it goes on, the higher the risk it could develop into a new round of conflict.
The US fired 49 Tomahawk missiles at Iran on Wednesday as both sides traded strikes for the second day in a row. Iran launched strikes targeting 18 US airbases in the Gulf region, forcing the Kuwaiti government to temporarily shut its airspace and Bahrain to sound air sirens.
Read more here:
Are latest strikes between Trump and Iran the prelude to all-out war or a new normal?
US military disables oil tanker in Gulf of Oman
Thursday 11 June 2026 14:47 , Alex Croft
The US military has said on Thursday that it disabled a third oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman overnight as it was trying to move Iranian oil through an American blockade.
The military added that it was the third commercial ship disabled by U.S. forces this week.
"U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) acted against Guinea-Bissau flagged M/T Jalveer as it attempted to transport oil from Iran through the Gulf of Oman,” it said in a statement.
“A U.S. aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from U.S. forces," it added.
Trump: I don't think America has the stomach for more war
Thursday 11 June 2026 14:28 , Alex Croft
As we reported earlier, Donald Trump is once again training his sights on Iran's oil infrastructure hub Kharg Island.
But speaking to Fox News, the US president said he was not sure Americans have the appetite for a major escalation in the war.
"We are talking to them and all, but you know, look, my preference has always been - take Kharg Island ... my preference would be that. I don't know that America has the stomach for it," he said.
Trump said the U.S. will attack Iran again with intensified strikes on Thursday night but he would rather not hit bridges and power plants.
"There will be more bombing tonight. It will be bigger - bigger, more powerful," he said on the "Fox & Friends" program.
Despite plans for more strikes, Trump said the U.S. is still talking with Iran to reach a deal.
Tanker with Indian crew hit near Oman in suspected third US strike this week
Thursday 11 June 2026 14:16 , Alex Croft
India's shipping ministry has said that all 20 Indian crew members were safe after a suspected US strike on the asphalt tanker Jalveer off Oman on Thursday.
The incident coms after two similar strikes involving Indian crews in the region this week.
Three Indian sailors died in a US strike on the Settebello tanker off Oman a day earlier.
The Guinea-Bissau flagged Jalveer sent a distress call while off Oman's port of Shinas after a fire broke out around its engine room and funnel, British maritime risk management company Vanguard said.
An Indian shipping ministry official said the crew were being evacuated in coordination with the Royal Navy of Oman.
The ship was attacked by the U.S. Navy, Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters.
"The cause of the fire has not been disclosed; however, ...this was likely the result of U.S. operations to blockade Iranian ports," British maritime security company Ambrey said.
Thursday 11 June 2026 14:02 , Alex Croft
Is Kharg Island Iran’s Achilles Heel? Why Trump has designs on tiny oil hub in the Persian Gulf
Thursday 11 June 2026 13:56 , Alex Croft
Kharg sits 16 miles from the coast in the northern end of the Gulf and just northwest of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important shipping route that Iran has effectively closed to pile pressure on the US.
While US forces could likely seize Kharg quite quickly, analysts say that an occupation is more likely to expand and prolong the war than it is to deliver a decisive victory or leverage in negotiations.
Iran has fortified the island with additional surface-to-air missiles and laid traps including anti-personnel and anti-armour mines in the waters surrounding it, CNN has reported, citing people familiar with US intelligence.
Our April explainer on Kharg Island, by foreign affairs reporters James Reynolds and Maira Butt:
Is Kharg Island Iran’s Achilles Heel? Why Trump has designs on tiny Gulf oil hub
Trump: We will hit Iran very hard tonight - before seizing Kharg Island soon
Thursday 11 June 2026 13:39 , Alex Croft
Donald Trump has returned with another bombastic warning for Iran, stating the US military will strike it “VERY HARD TONIGHT”.
The US president added that his forces will be “taking Kharg Island and other oil infrastructure points” in the “not too distant future”.
“[We will] assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela, which is working out brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States of America,” he added.
3 Indians were killed on tanker shot by US military, Indian official says
Thursday 11 June 2026 13:34 , Alex Croft
An Indian official said Thursday that three Indian mariners were killed on board a tanker targeted by the U.S. military over allegedly violating America’s blockade on Iran.
Sarbananda Sonowal announced the three mariners’ killing on X in the attack on the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello.
“Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after two bodies were recovered,” he wrote. It wasn’t clear where the third body was.
Read more here:
3 Indians were killed on tanker shot by US military, Indian official says
India summons US diplomat after two Indian sailors killed in US attacks
Thursday 11 June 2026 13:10 , Alex Croft
India has summoned a top American diplomat in New Delhi after two Indian seafarers were killed and another was reported missing after US struck a commercial tanker off the coast of Oman.
Deck cadet Aditya Sharma and engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya were killed, while chief engineer Patnala Suresh was reported missing following the incident on Wednesday.
The US military's Central Command said a US aircraft "fired precision munitions into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces".
Centcom said it disabled the Palau-flagged oil products tanker Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman, adding that it had "violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran".
Kremlin calls on US and Iran to exercise restraint
Thursday 11 June 2026 12:47 , Alex Croft
The Kremlin on Thursday called on the United States and Iran to exercise restraint and continue negotiations to end their war.
The two sides have been exchanging attacks as US president Donald Trump threatened further escalation following a renewal of conflict this week.
The attacks by the US overnight on Wednesday were the latest development in an escalating exchange of strikes that threatens to reignite a full-scale war, which was paused in early April when the two sides agreed to a fragile ceasefire.
Watch: Trump says his 80th birthday wish is for 'peace for the world'
Thursday 11 June 2026 12:47 , Alex Croft
Kremlin calls on US and Iran to exercise restraint
Thursday 11 June 2026 12:26 , Alex Croft
The Kremlin on Thursday called on the United States and Iran to exercise restraint and continue negotiations to end their war.
The two sides have been exchanging attacks as US president Donald Trump threatened further escalation following a renewal of conflict this week.
The attacks by the US overnight on Wednesday were the latest development in an escalating exchange of strikes that threatens to reignite a full-scale war, which was paused in early April when the two sides agreed to a fragile ceasefire.
Talks intensify between US and Iran
Thursday 11 June 2026 12:05 , Alex Croft
The US and Iran were exchanging messages on details of a memorandum after reaching a political understanding, three Iranian sources and a European official have told Reuters news agency.
Some issues still had to be discussed in detail, including a mechanism for the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds.
"This war, from a military standpoint, is a dead end. The Americans could not achieve their goals by attacking Iran. There has been progress in negotiations," said one of the Iranian sources.
Trump has repeatedly said a deal is close, but US officials did not immediately comment on the latest status of the indirect negotiations.
Iran and US must halt renewed attacks: Turkish foreign minister
Thursday 11 June 2026 11:21 , Alex Croft
We’ve heard from Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan, who said on Thursday that Iran and the United States must stop their renewed attacks and return to negotiations to avoid any further escalation.
Speaking in Sofia, Fidan said the recommendation to both sides from Turkey, which is in close contact with Washington, Tehran, and mediators Pakistan, was to aim to conclude talks over a peace deal.
Iran-US talks edge to interim deal
Thursday 11 June 2026 11:20 , Alex Croft
Efforts to reach a preliminary deal between Iran and the U.S. have intensified, three Iranian sources told Reuters news agencyon Thursday.
It comes despite strikes launched by both sides, with the US having launched 49 Tomahawk missiles overnight.
Washington and Tehra are discussing a mechanism over releasing frozen Iranian funds.
Iranian cargo ship struck by US projectile, says Iran official
Thursday 11 June 2026 10:58 , Alex Croft
An Iranian cargo barge was hit by a US projectile in the Gulf of Oman early on Thursday, the Iranian governor of Sirik county said, according to Mehr news agency.
The 150-ton cargo barge, owned by locals from Sirik and carrying essential goods from the Omani port of Khasab, was hit about 5 nautical miles off Khasab, the Iranian official said.
They added that all five crew members were rescued by passing vessels and taken to Oman.
Trump to Iran: I just took your oil
Thursday 11 June 2026 10:33 , Alex Croft
The Independent’s White House correspondent Andrew Feinberg reports:
President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed the United States has been secretly removing massive amounts of crude oil from Iranian control on a nightly basis under cover of darkness as he downplayed inflation data showing prices have spiked at over four percent for the second consecutive month — the highest level in three years.
The president was working his way though a meandering, stem-winding set of remarks at an Oval Office bill signing ceremony when he made the bizarre boast after being asked to respond to Consumer Price Index data showing the inflation rate rose 4.2 percent year-on-year in May, driven by the Iran war’s impact on energy costs. Inflation was at 2.4 percent before the war started on Feb. 28, and since then, soaring prices have hammered working Americans at the gas pump, grocery store and in other consumer goods.
He replied: “I love it; the numbers were great — you know what I really love? I love the inflation.”
Trump then claimed inflation would plummet “as soon as this war is over” and then said he would tell reporters “something you don’t know.”
“Do you know we've been taking out millions of barrels of oil? Nobody knows it. You know who doesn't know about it? Iran, until right now,” he claimed.
“We took out the other night 22 ships late at night with no lights, because they don't have any radar, because we blasted the crap out of it. We took out this way,” he said, re-emphasizing the “I drink your milkshake”-like oil grab.
He later added that inflation was “going to come down like a rock” because of the “millions of barrels” being spirited through the Strait of Hormuz “every night.”
“I wanted to say it so badly, but I didn't want to ruin it, but it was very hard, but millions of barrels of oil has come out. That's why it's at $85, $90 a barrel, instead of $250,” he said.
Watch: US targets Iran’s ‘surveillance capabilities’ in latest round of strikes
Thursday 11 June 2026 10:10 , Alex Croft
Italian PM: Europe must be ready to impose fresh sanctions on Iran
Thursday 11 June 2026 09:48 , Alex Croft
We’re just hearing from Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, who is speaking to Rome’s Chamber of Deputies ahead of the next European Council.
Europe, she says, should be ready to impose new sanctions on Iran if it stays “on the wrong path”.
We’ll bring you more quotes from Ms Meloni as they come in.
US-Iran talks still on track says diplomatic source - report
Thursday 11 June 2026 09:26 , Alex Croft
Talks between the US and Iran are still on track after overnight negotiations, CNN is reporting, citing a diplomatic source.
Despite renewed strikes, US officials have continued to claim a peace deal is on the cards with Tehran.
The US and Iran traded air attacks for a second straight day on Thursday, with President Donald Trump vowing further strikes if Tehran does not immediately agree to a peace deal.
The US president has grown increasingly frustrated with Iran for its failure to agree to a peace proposal.
Tanker suffers fire off coast of Oman - UKMTO
Thursday 11 June 2026 09:06 , Alex Croft
A tanker experienced a fire in the engine room 21 nautical miles northeast of Oman's Sohar on Thursday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency cited local authorities as saying.
No environmental impact has been reported, UKMTO added.
India’s embassy to Oman said it had learnt of an incident involving a vessel of Shinas port, in a post which appeared to be about the same situation.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the local authorities for further details,” the embassy said.
Wizz Air sees earnings drop after £43 million hit from Iran war
Thursday 11 June 2026 08:45 , Alex Croft
Wizz Air has revealed its annual profits slumped after taking a 50 million euro (£43.1 million) hit from the Iran war but hailed “resilience” after flying a record number of passengers.
The low-cost airline said it could not provide an outlook for the year ahead partly because of the volatility stemming from the conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
It reported an operating profit of 139.7 million euros (£120.6 million) for the year to the end of March, down 16.6% on the year before.
The company’s net profit was almost entirely wiped out, from 213.9 million euros (£184.6 million) to 1.3 million euros (£1.1 million) year on year.
Read more:
Wizz Air sees earnings drop after £43 million hit from Iran war
Child suffers injuries after Iranian drone debris falls in Bahrain
Thursday 11 June 2026 08:25 , Alex Croft
Bahrain's Interior Ministry said that an 11-year-old girl suffered minor injuries after debris fell from Iranian drones that were intercepted and destroyed.
Several vehicles caught fire and homes were damaged in Hamad Town and the capital Manama, he said.
The ministry published pictures showing fire fighters trying to put out blaze in several homes.
Kuwait resumes air traffic after Iranian attacks
Thursday 11 June 2026 07:58 , Alex Croft
Kuwait resumed air traffic on Thursday and Kuwait International Airport returned to normal operations after a temporary suspension prompted by Iranian attacks, the civil aviation authority said.
Kuwait had closed its airspace and suspended air traffic earlier on Thursday as a precautionary measure following Iranian attacks, diverting flights to alternative airports.
Watch: US strikes oil tanker violating Strait of Hormuz blockade
Thursday 11 June 2026 07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
America’s emergency oil reserve is about to hit lowest level since Reagan era
Thursday 11 June 2026 07:10 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
President Donald Trump's ongoing war with Iran is draining America's emergency supply of crude oil — which is just days away from hitting its lowest level in more than 40 years, according to a report Wednesday.
Since March, Trump has tapped 66 million gallons of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to keep exports flowing and prevent Americans from seeing their price at the pumps reach new heights, Fortune said.
The reserve dipped to a 3-year low of 349.2 million barrels on June 5 and is being depleted at a rate of nearly 9 million barrels a week.
More here.
Trump’s Iran war pushing US emergency oil reserve to lowest level since Reagan era
India summons US diplomat after two Indian sailors killed in US attacks
Thursday 11 June 2026 07:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
India has summoned a top American diplomat in New Delhi after two Indian seafarers were killed and another was reported missing after US struck a commercial tanker off the coast of Oman.
Deck cadet Aditya Sharma and engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya were killed, while chief engineer Patnala Suresh was reported missing following the incident on Wednesday.
The US military's Central Command said a US aircraft "fired precision munitions into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces".
Centcom said it disabled the Palau-flagged oil products tanker Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman, adding that it had "violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran".
Kuwait reopens airspace
Thursday 11 June 2026 06:50 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Kuwait's civil aviation authority has reopened its airspace after it was temporarily shut this morning due to Iranian strikes.
Kuwait's international airport is working normally and flight shave resumed as per schedule, the aviation authority said.
US asks citizens to leave Iraq
Thursday 11 June 2026 06:32 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
The US state department has urged its citizens in Iraq to maintain the highest level of vigilance, and to leave the country if possible.
It warned of travel disruptions or sudden airspace closures without notice amid renewed attacks between the US and Iran.
The embassy said the US mission in Iraq remained operational despite some employees being ordered to leave.
Saudi Arabia lifts 5-year ban on Lebanese imports
Thursday 11 June 2026 06:25 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday the end of a ban it imposed on Lebanese imports five years ago, marking a major step in attempts to rebuild relations between Lebanon and Gulf countries.
The kingdom slapped a ban on Lebanese fruits and vegetables in 2021, saying they were being used to smuggle drugs. In one notable case, Saudi Arabia announced it had seized over 5 million pills of the amphetamine drug Captagon hidden in a shipment of pomegranates coming from Lebanon.
Months later, the wealthy Gulf country extended the ban to all Lebanese products after Lebanon's then- Information Minister George Kordahi publicly criticized Saudi Arabia's war against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen.
More here.
Saudi Arabia lifts 5-year ban on Lebanese imports, marking a thaw in Gulf-Lebanon ties
Hezbollah supporters at a rally in Lebanon
Thursday 11 June 2026 06:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Israel's defence minister says Iran war 'far from over'
Thursday 11 June 2026 06:07 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Israeli defence minister Israel Katz has said that the country's military actions against Iran are “far from over”, The Guardian reported.
Katz warned during a ceremony in Jerusalem that if Iran attacks Israel again, “it will suffer a severe blow”.
The two countries exchanged fire earlier this week — the first time since the US and Iran agreed to a ceasefire in April.
US issues advisory after Iran attacks Jordan
Thursday 11 June 2026 05:58 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
The US state department has issued a travel advisory warning its citizens in Jordan to seek overhead cover and shelter after Iran said it fired missiles at US bases in Jordan.
"Remain indoors and pay attention to local announcements and alerts," the state department said.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it fired 12 ballistic missiles to target the US military’s F-35, F-15, and F-16 fighter jets at the Al-Azraq airbase and control centre in Jordan.
Oil prices jump to $94 a barrel
Thursday 11 June 2026 05:27 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Oil prices jumped this morning as Tehran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed after the US launched additional strikes against Iran, and as president Donald Trump vowed even more attacks if no peace deal is secured.
Brent futures rose $1.48, or 1.59 per cent, to $94.58 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude climbed $1.71, or 1.90 per cent, to $91.74.US crude futures gained more than $3 earlier in the session.
Israeli military says two 'launches' fell near its troops in Lebanon
Thursday 11 June 2026 04:35 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
The Israeli military said this morning that two "launches" were identified falling adjacent to an area where Israeli troops are operating in southern Lebanon, after sirens sounded in several areas of northern Israel.
Earlier, the military said Home Front Command had issued a precautionary directive after detecting "launches" from Lebanon toward several communities in northern Israel, urging residents to enter protected spaces.
Watch: US targets Iran’s ‘surveillance capabilities’ in latest round of strikes
Thursday 11 June 2026 04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Iranian official promises 'hell' to US
Thursday 11 June 2026 04:20 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
A Revolutionary Guard official has promised "hell" to the US in response to Washington's latest attacks on Iran.
“Are you making the sacred Strait of Hormuz unsafe?! We will make the region hell for you from all over Iran,” Majid Mousavi, the aerospace force chief with the Guard, said.
“This is the response to the audacity of the Americans in the region, God willing,” he added.
Bahrain sounds air raid sirens
Thursday 11 June 2026 04:13 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Bahrain sounded air-raid sirens this morning and urged the public to remain calm and head to the nearest safe space.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had launched counterattacks on 18 US military targets at airbases in Kuwait and Bahrain.
Iran had fired drones and missiles at Bahrain yesterday as well in retaliation against a US attack.
Kuwait is responding to missile and drone attacks
Thursday 11 June 2026 04:07 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
The Kuwaiti military this morning said it was responding to missile and drone attacks and urged the public to take shelter.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had launched counterattacks on 18 US military targets at airbases in Kuwait and Bahrain.
Kuwait closes airspace after Iranian attack
Thursday 11 June 2026 04:03 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Kuwait's aviation authorities have announced the temporary closure of its airspace due to Iranian attacks this morning.
It said all flights have been diverted.
