Russia: Drones over Moscow ten dead after attack on freighter in Ukraine

The U.S. government spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that Iran continues to engage in close communication with the United States, despite ongoing military actions. Speaking before the press in Washington, Leavitt stated that Iran remains interested in reaching an agreement with the U.S., emphasizing that “Iran stands in close contact with the United States.” This was her first public appearance at the White House since the birth of her second child in May. She defended the U.S. military’s continued attacks on Iranian targets, citing the behavior of Iran’s leadership, particularly its alleged attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump, she noted, would not remain passive in the face of such threats. The U.S. military has launched attacks on Iranian targets for five consecutive days, according to Central Command (Centcom). The strikes began at 14:00 Eastern Time (21:30 local time in Iran), as announced on social media platform X. The objective, Centcom stated, is to “further weaken Iran’s military capabilities.” These attacks followed similar strikes on Wednesday, which were conducted in two waves. In response, Iran has reportedly targeted locations in the region, including incidents reported by allied Gulf states such as Kuwait and Bahrain. Jordan also reported renewed shelling from Iranian territory. Kuwait has been hit again by drone attacks originating from Iran, according to army statements. The Kuwaiti general staff described the attacks as part of “criminal aggression” by Iran and confirmed that anti-aircraft defenses had intercepted the drones, resulting in explosions heard in the country. A report from the Associated Press agency cited these incidents. Meanwhile, near the Iraqi port city of Basra, a drone struck a ship belonging to a UAE-based freighter carrying vehicles manufactured by U.S. companies. The incident occurred close to an Iraqi oil terminal. Initially, there were no reports on the origin of the drone. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil indicated that it is reviewing reports of an unknown object striking a tanker. In retaliation, Iran accused the U.S. of conducting a “barbaric attack,” following reports that a cancer treatment center in Ahwaz had been evacuated due to nearby bombardments. According to Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei, 211 patients receiving chemotherapy were moved to safety. The attack on the hospital highlights the escalating tensions between the two nations, with civilian infrastructure becoming a target amid the conflict. Meanwhile, Pakistan has called for both American and Iranian representatives to return to the negotiating table to advance the implementation of a June-signed framework agreement aimed at ending the war. Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi emphasized that while challenges persist in implementing the agreement, Pakistan will continue to encourage all parties to cease hostilities and resume technical-level discussions aligned with the framework. He expressed hope for a swift normalization of conditions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas trade. Andrabi stressed the importance of ensuring the “security and freedom of maritime navigation.” Iran views U.S. control over the Strait of Hormuz as a “red line,” according to Army spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia. He explained that the U.S. believed it could assert dominance over the strategically vital strait through attacks on Iranian coastal bases. However, he asserted that Iran would not allow such control, underscoring the deepening strategic rivalry between the two countries. As the situation escalates, the international community watches closely, with regional allies and global powers seeking ways to de-escalate the crisis.