BIG: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is urging Trump to continue the war against Iran, calling it a “historic opportunity” to reshape the Middle East and potentially weaken or remove Iran’s government.

He thinks Iran is a "long-term threat that must be decisively dealt with."

Source: NYT

MORE: MBS has also pushed for strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure.

Source: NYT

Rothschild bank was searched in Paris on Friday as part of the Epstein investigation.

Source: AFP

MQ-9 Drones Deployed to Nigeria to Boost Counter-insurgency

U.S. deployed MQ-9 drones to Nigeria to support intelligence & training operations against insurgent groups, marking an expanded security partnership after sending 200 troops last month.

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QatarEnergy has declared force majeure on some long-term LNG supply contracts, affecting customers in Italy, Belgium, South Korea, and China.

Source: Reuters

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif:

Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the WAR in Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in region and beyond.

Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict.

Iran has taken a tougher position in possible negotiations, demanding major concessions such as guarantees against future attacks, compensation, and control over the Strait of Hormuz.

It also refuses to limit its missile program.

Source: Reuters

Ukrainian Starlink-guided drones hit and destroyed a Russian Bastion coastal missile launcher in Crimea, with a second hit triggering an explosion and missile detonation, highlighting weakened air defenses.

The K-300P Bastion is a Russian mobile coastal defense missile system designed to target ships and land targets from long range.

Missiles: P-800 Oniks (supersonic); can also use newer hypersonic Zircon.

Bahrain Defence Force:

A UAE serviceman was killed while performing his duty during Iranian attacks.

China’s Foreign Minister held a call with his Iranian counterpart.

UAE says a Moroccan contractor working with its army was killed in Bahrain.

Russia managed to strike Lviv, Ukraine.

WATCH: The moment a Russian drone struck the center of Lviv.

Trump reposts Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation for U.S.–Iran talks in Pakistan.

Iran Blames Israeli Influence for Africa’s Silence on US-Israel War

Iran's Ambassador to South Africa Mansour Shakib Mehr criticized African states & the AU for their muted response to the US-Israel war, blaming Israeli propaganda campaigns shaping the continent’s cautious stance.

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An Iranian source says the U.S. has recently reached out to Tehran through intermediaries, but talks haven’t become formal negotiations yet.

Iran is open to hearing “sustainable” proposals to end the conflict, not just a ceasefire.

Source: CNN

Saudi Arabia wants the war with Iran to end with Tehran’s cruise and ballistic missile capabilities significantly weakened.

Source: CNN

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf:

We are aware of what is happening in the paper oil market, including the firms hired to influence oil futures. We also see the broader jawboning campaign.

But let’s see if they can turn that into "actual fuel" at the pump —or maybe even print gas molecules!

The USS Gerald R. Ford arrived in Crete after leaving the Middle East when a fire broke out onboard, sending over 200 sailors for treatment.

But the incident highlights deeper problems: Despite costing $13.2 billion and entering service in 2017, the carrier still has unresolved issues with key systems like aircraft launch, radar, and weapons elevators. The Pentagon says there isn’t enough data to confirm its combat effectiveness.

The ship has also been deployed longer than usual — about 9 months — raising concerns about strain on both equipment and crew.

Source: Bloomberg