Hegseth on Iran:

There’s this whole idea that the war is widening. That’s what the press wants to make it look like—like it’s widening and chaotic.

But no. We’re actually closing in on, taking hold of, and controlling what objectives we want to achieve and how we want to achieve them.

Macron:

Erbil attack was unacceptable and France’s position in the Middle East region is defensive.

Macron:

Russia is wrong to think the Iran war will give it respite in Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will be hitting Iran “very hard over the next week”, shortly after issuing a 30-day partial waiver allowing countries to purchase sanctioned Russian oil.

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Turkish security sources say Türkiye is not a party to the war and is acting cautiously to avoid being drawn into the conflict.

Officials stressed the missiles directed toward Türkiye “followed a different pattern” than the large-scale attacks hitting Gulf states.

Ankara warned Iran that those responsible must be identified and preventive measures taken, while emphasizing that “Türkiye has the deterrent power necessary to ensure its national security.”

Authorities also said Türkiye will continue pursuing diplomacy to prevent further regional escalation, while maintaining maximum security measures.

Macron:

In no case should an increase in the price of oil lead us to change our position with regard to Russia.

BREAKING: France and Italy open talks with Iran in hope of securing safe Hormuz passage.

Source: FT

General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

The strikes that Iran has taken on shipping up north, in the vicinity of Kuwait, have been, I believe, from surface-to-surface missiles up there.

We've not seen any USV activity out of Iran that we've seen in the Gulf at this point.

BREAKING: Italy is pulling its troops out of Iraq.

Hegseth on the Strait of Hormuz:

The only thing prohibiting transit in the straits right now is Iran shooting at shipping.

It is open for transit should Iran not do that.

Zelensky:

Sanctions relief on oil could give Russia about $10 billion for the war.

Vice President JD Vance privately opposed U.S. strikes on Iran before Trump launched the operation.

Vance was described as “skeptical,” “worried about success,” and someone who “just opposes” the war.

His role was to present different viewpoints, but officials say “once the decision has been made, he’s fully on board.”

Trump acknowledged the difference, saying Vance was “philosophically a little different… maybe less enthusiastic.”

Source: Politico

UAE State Minister:

Iran must stop attacking its neighbors to allow diplomacy.

Mediation can only happen when the guns go silent.

Diplomacy will ultimately end the Iran conflict.

Trump will lead us all to that moment in his time.

Nigeria Evacuates Citizens From Iran Via Armenia Border

Nigeria began evacuating citizens from Iran amid war, escorting nationals across the Armenia border with embassy support. Officials say no Nigerian has been harmed so far.

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Trump says there could be “more than 1,700 Iranian sleeper cells.”

BREAKING: CENTCOM says all six crew members aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq on March 12 during Operation Epic Fury have been confirmed dead.

Trump:

Iran's regime will fall, “but maybe not immediately.”

UN Experts Condemn US-Israel Strikes on Iran as "Violations of International Law"

UN experts on Thursday condemned US & Israeli strikes on Iran & escalation in Lebanon as violations of international law, warning the conflict could expand across the Middle East & cause massive civilian harm.

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