Day 72 | US awaits Iran’s response to proposal, despite exchange of fire
Washington is awaiting Tehran’s response to a proposal aimed at ending the war, as US President Donald Trump said the fragile ceasefire between the two sides is still holding despite recent exchanges of fire around the Strait of Hormuz. Trump added that the United States could resume its brief naval operation to guide commercial ships through the strategic waterway if necessary.
The conflict is continuing to ripple through the global economy, with food prices rising for the third straight month, according to the United Nations, as supply chain disruptions and higher fertilizer costs fuel inflation concerns. In the United States, consumer sentiment has dropped to another record low.
Meanwhile, US intelligence assessments indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei, despite remaining out of public view, is continuing to shape Iran’s wartime strategy, according to sources familiar with the matter.
In Lebanon, tensions remain high as 'Israel' and Hezbollah continue to exchange fire despite a ceasefire agreement that was intended to pave the way for broader peace negotiations, raising concerns over further escalation along the border.
'Israel' built, defended secret base in Iraq for Iran war, WSJ reports
'Israel' set up a clandestine military outpost in Iraq’s desert to support its air campaign against Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing sources familiar with the matter, including US officials.
The report said the installation was established with US knowledge shortly before the start of the US–'Israel' war on Iran. It allegedly served as a logistical hub for special forces operations and air force missions, while also hosting search-and-rescue teams prepared to assist downed 'Israeli' pilots.
The base was nearly exposed in early March after a local shepherd reportedly alerted Iraqi authorities to unusual military activity in the area, including helicopter movements.
Iraqi troops were then dispatched to investigate, but the report said 'Israeli' forces launched air strikes to keep them away and prevent the site from being uncovered.
Iraq later filed a complaint with the United Nations, saying foreign forces carried out the attack and initially attributing it to the United States. Neither Washington nor 'Israel' has publicly commented on the allegations.
Iranians urged to limit electricity and gas consumption
Iranian officials are encouraging the population to consume less electricity and gas, as a US blockade has interrupted the flow of shipments to Iran.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian urged Iranians to use less electricity in order to prevent government restrictions, state media reported.
“In the current situation, we must prevent pressure on the country’s energy grid through public participation and consumption management,” Pezeshkian said.
Vice President Saghab Esfahani suggested that society could reduce fuel consumption through “simple actions.”
“It is enough for each person to consume one to one-and-a-half liters less gasoline per day,” Esfahani said, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency.
Iran has been put under significant economic strain through the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and continued international sanctions.
Tehran warns of 'heavy assault' if Iranian vessels face aggression
Iran’s military warned of a “heavy assault” against US assets in the Middle East if Iranian vessels face “aggression.”
The warning comes as the United States maintains a blockade of Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz in response to Tehran’s assertion of control in the waterway. On Friday, a US fighter jet disabled two Iran-flagged tankers that were said to be attempting to avert the blockade.
The naval command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that “any aggression” targeting Iran’s oil tankers and commercial vessels would result in a “heavy assault against one of the American centers in the region.”
The IRGC Aerospace Force command cautioned that “missiles and drones are locked onto the enemy.”
“We are awaiting the order to fire,” the aerospace force said.
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Read more: Day 71 | Despite renewed attacks, US looks for breakthrough proposal from Iran today
