Day 148 | Trump mulls escalation in Iran but says Tehran is getting ‘more serious’ in talks
US President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran remain engaged in negotiations, adding that he believes Tehran is "getting more serious." Earlier on Friday, Trump met with senior advisers and Cabinet officials at the White House to discuss possible next steps if diplomatic efforts fail, according to a source familiar with the meeting.
Trump said Washington's strategy for ending the war could be achieved either through diplomacy or military action. His comments came as the US bombing campaign against Iran entered its 13th consecutive night following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement earlier this month.
Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan said they intercepted new Iranian missile and drone attacks on Friday. The strikes came hours after US airstrikes reportedly killed four people and partially damaged a facility belonging to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Iranian state media. Tehran said the attacks targeted American military assets across the region.
WATCH: Footage shows Saudi airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah port
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Houthi foreign ministry says attack on Hodeidah a ‘major folly’
The Houthi Foreign Ministry accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out strikes on facilities belonging to the Telecommunications Corporation in the Yemeni city of Hodeidah, warning that the attacks would be met with "escalation for escalation."
In a statement reported by Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV, the ministry said that "instead of complying with the legitimate and just demand to lift the blockade on Yemen, the Saudi regime committed a major folly that will cost it dearly."
The ministry also claimed that another Saudi strike targeted Kamaran Island, injuring a woman.
Separately, Al Masirah TV quoted a source in the Houthi-affiliated Ministry of Defense as claiming that Yemeni air defenses forced several Saudi combat formations to leave the country's airspace.
Austrian Airlines, ITA Airways cancel flights to 'Israel'
Austrian Airlines and ITA Airways have canceled flights to 'Israel' amid concerns over a potential escalation in regional tensions, according to 'Israel's' Channel 12.
The report said both carriers suspended their scheduled services as security concerns continue to affect air travel to and from 'Israel'.
Teenager shot during 'Israeli' raid on refugee camp in Bethlehem
A 16-year-old Palestinian boy was shot in the foot during an 'Israeli' military raid on the Dheisheh refugee camp in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS).
The PRCS said its medical teams treated the teenager before transferring him to a hospital for further care. No immediate details were provided about his condition.
Bahrain activates air raid sirens
Bahrain's Ministry of Interior announced the activation of air raid sirens, urging citizens and residents to remain calm and immediately head to the nearest safe place.
In a brief statement, the ministry called on the public to follow official instructions and avoid panic as the situation develops. It did not immediately provide further details on the reason for the alert.
