Trump:

We will protect the Gulf countries, even if we don’t stay.

Trump on Iran:

I am the opposite of desperate; I don’t care.

Trump on NATO:

We are always going to be there—at least we were; I don’t know anymore, to be honest with you.

Trump on Europe:

We are there to protect Europe from Russia; in theory, it doesn’t affect us—we have a big, fat, beautiful ocean.

Trump:

I don't want a stupid person being president.

Trump on Somalia:

Somalia is a crooked and disgusting country.

Somala is one of the worst countries in the world, some people say it is the worst.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi:

From outset of this war, U.S. soldiers fled military bases in GCC to hide in hotels and offices. They use GCC citizens as human shield.

Hotels in U.S. deny bookings to officers who may endanger customers. GCC hotels should do same.

BIG: In a leaked cabinet recording, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned that the IDF is nearing a breaking point after prolonged conflict.

“I am raising ten red flags,” Zamir told ministers, stressing the urgent need for new laws on conscription, reserves, and extended service.

“The reserves will not be able to hold out under these dramatic circumstances,” he added, warning that “it won’t be long before the IDF is no longer fit for even routine security missions.”

Source: N12

Hardliners in Iran are increasingly pushing for the country to pursue a nuclear bomb and possibly withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

This shift comes after the death of Ali Khamenei and ongoing U.S.-Israeli attacks, which have strengthened the influence of the Revolutionary Guards.

While Iran has not officially changed its nuclear policy, debate within the leadership is growing, with some arguing a bomb is now necessary for survival.

Others remain cautious, and it’s unclear whether this rhetoric signals a real policy shift or negotiating pressure.

Source: Reuters

Iran is reportedly ready to deploy over 1 million fighters if the U.S. launches a ground invasion, according to Tasnim citing an IRGC source.

Bloomberg tanker data shows no sign of the eight oil ships Trump mentioned in the Hormuz Strait.

Only two Iran-linked LPG carriers were seen leaving the Persian Gulf Thursday, possibly the “extra two” he referred to.

While some ships turn off tracking signals for safety, vessels recently allowed through Hormuz have mostly broadcast their positions.

Four ships—two bulk carriers, a container ship, and one LPG carrier—were confirmed exiting in recent days.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf:

No one can issue an ultimatum to Iran and the Iranian people.

Israel has changed its war strategy from trying to destabilize Iran’s regime to targeting its military-industrial infrastructure.

With a possible push by Trump to end the war soon, Israel is aiming to inflict lasting damage before fighting stops.

Source: WSJ

Hopes of triggering an uprising inside Iran have faded.

Israeli and U.S. officials now believe the regime remains firmly in control, and Israel has stopped targeting internal security forces.

Instead, the goal is to weaken Iran’s ability to rebuild its military.

Source: WSJ

Marco Rubio:

Trump is just making the observation that, you know, I think there were a couple of leaders in Europe who said that this was not Europe’s war.

Well — Ukraine is not America’s war, and yet we’ve contributed more to that fight than any other country in the world.

Marco Rubio on Iran:

The Strait of Hormuz can be open tomorrow if Iran stops threatening global shipping, which is an outrage and a violation of international law.

For all these countries that care about international law, they should be doing something about it.

Marco Rubio on Iran:

Some concrete progress has been made, as you’ve seen and as has been documented already.

There’s a growing amount of energy that’s been flowing through the Strait — not as much as should be flowing, but some of it has picked up.

A controversial browser game called “Five Nights at Epstein’s” is spreading in US schools, where students play as victims trying to escape Jeffrey Epstein’s island.

Fueled by viral videos on platforms like Meta Platforms Inc apps, TikTok, and YouTube, it has drawn significant student attention despite attempts to block it.

Parents and educators are alarmed, saying the game trivializes real sexual abuse and may desensitize kids.

Source: Bloomberg

Another post from the White House.

IDF announces a soldier killed in Lebanon: Sgt. Aviaad Elchanan Volansky, 21.

Rahimi is now describing the war not as a “war,” but as a “rescue mission.”

She blames the regime for her cousin’s death, yet she does not elaborate or explain the circumstances surrounding how he died.

Iranian diaspora propagandists are attempting to push misleading Community Notes on posts, falsely alleging she claimed her cousin was killed by the IRGC—something she never actually said.