German Chancellor Merz on Iran:

When will this war end, and with what strategy will this war be brought to an end? Those questions haven’t really been answered.

At the moment, from my point of view, there is therefore no reason to think about military protection of the sea routes.

I want to say it very clearly once again: Germany is not part of this war, and we do not want to become one.

In that respect, all our efforts are aimed at ending the war.

The Trump administration underestimated the possibility that Iran would close the Strait of Hormuz after U.S.–Israeli strikes.

Officials assumed Iran wouldn’t take that step because it would hurt its own economy.

Source: CNN

German Chancellor Merz on Iran:

Our appeal is first and foremost directed at Iran and its Mullah regime to end the war.

Above all, the Mullah regime has it in its hands not to attack further countries in the region, such as the Gulf States, and to destabilize the whole region.

The responsibility for this lies first and foremost with the regime in Tehran.

Iranian President Pezeshkian made a public appearance today, marching among the people.

Israel carried out an airstrike in the area while Iran’s judiciary chief was speaking to the media.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi:

Today is Quds Day in Iran, and despite the brutal attacks by the Zionist regime and the United States, millions of Iranians have taken to the streets in Tehran and other cities, demonstrating their strong will and determination.

The enemies will be forced to acknowledge the power of the Iranian people.

The French soldier who died in northern Iraq was killed by a Shahed drone.

Source: AFP

Iran's Larijani:

We are standing firmly against the enemy.

Trump on Iran:

We’re going to be hitting them very hard over the next week.

Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel:

We have recently held talks with representatives of the United States government.

These talks have been aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences that we have between the two nations.

There are international factors that have facilitated these exchanges.

India is negotiating with Iran to let 23 oil and LNG tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

The ships have been stuck in the Persian Gulf since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began.

Source: WSJ

Israeli officials think Iran’s regime is unlikely to fall soon. Despite heavy military strikes, Iran’s leadership is still functioning and security forces are keeping tight control of the streets, discouraging protests.

The U.S. and Israel are expected to continue pressuring Iran through economic sanctions and covert operations even after the fighting stops.

Source: WSJ

Trump:

Putin might be helping Iran “a little bit”, probably thinks we’re helping Ukraine.

MEANWHILE: Pakistan carried out airstrikes near Kandahar Airport in Afghanistan, hitting a fuel depot used by Kam Air.

Pakistan claims the site supported militant logistics, while the Taliban condemned the strike as a violation of Afghan sovereignty and vowed retaliation.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice:

It’s very hard to change a regime from the air, and it is also very hard to shape the politics afterwards from the air.