U.S. President Donald Trump said the ongoing war with Iran could end soon, claiming American and allied military objectives are largely achieved. Speaking in a media interview, Trump described the conflict as a “short-term excursion” and suggested U.S. forces are ahead of their planned timeline. However, he issued a strong warning to Tehran, urging Iranian leaders not to “try anything cute” or provoke further escalation. Trump cautioned that any hostile action by Iran would trigger a severe response from the United States. The conflict began after U.S.–Israel strikes on Iranian targets, followed by retaliatory attacks that have heightened tensions across the Middle East. (PC: Reuters)

France will deploy nearly a dozen naval vessels, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, to the Mediterranean and Red Sea as tensions escalate in the Middle East. President Emmanuel Macron said the move aims to support allies and ensure maritime security as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran disrupts shipping routes and pushes oil prices higher. France is also considering a defensive escort mission for commercial ships through the strategic Strait of Hormuz once the most intense phase of the conflict subsides. The deployment includes warships, an aircraft carrier strike group and helicopter carriers to protect navigation and reinforce European security efforts in the region. (PC: Reuters)

Anthropic has filed a lawsuit against the administration of Donald Trump after being officially labelled a “supply chain risk” by the US government. The artificial intelligence company says the designation was imposed because it refused to allow unrestricted military use of its technology. Anthropic argues that the move unfairly harms its reputation and business operations. The case highlights growing tensions between AI companies and governments over the use of advanced artificial intelligence in military and national security applications. (PC: X)

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesman Ebrahim Zolfighari warned that the escalating conflict with the United States could drive global oil prices to $200 per barrel. He accused Washington of opening a “new chapter” in the war by targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure. Reports say strikes backed by the US and Israel hit fuel storage and refinery facilities near Tehran, including sites in Shahr-e Rey, Shahran and Karaj. The attacks signal a shift toward economic and energy targets, raising fears of supply disruptions through the critical Strait of Hormuz and further volatility in global energy markets.

Abbas Araqchi, the Foreign Minister of Iran, criticised the United States over its military campaign, calling the operation an “Epic Mistake.” He accused Donald Trump of plotting strikes on Iran’s oil and nuclear facilities in an attempt to contain global inflation caused by surging oil prices. Araqchi said Tehran was fully prepared to respond to any escalation and warned Washington against further aggression. The remarks come as the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to intensify, with missile attacks and airstrikes reported across multiple locations in the Middle East.

G7 nations will hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss rising oil prices and falling stock markets linked to the US-Israel war with Iran. Finance ministers from major economies will review the impact of the conflict on global energy supply. Oil prices crossed $100 a barrel as fears grew over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil usually moves through the route, but shipping has slowed since the war began. Brent crude briefly rose close to $120 before easing. Officials may also discuss releasing oil from emergency reserves through the International Energy Agency. Analysts say a longer conflict could keep markets under pressure.

Signs of division are emerging in Iran’s leadership as the war with the US and Israel continues. President Masoud Pezeshkian faced backlash after apologising for Iran’s strikes on Gulf countries. He later withdrew the apology, saying his remarks were “misinterpreted by the enemy that seeks to sow division.” Hardliners, including parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, criticised the apology as weak. At the same time, Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment as supreme leader has triggered debate within Iran’s establishment. Some clerics opposed the move, arguing that a father-to-son succession contradicts the ideals of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Analysts say the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps played a decisive role in pushing his appointment. (PC: India Today)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia will continue to support Iran during the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. He described Moscow’s backing as “unwavering” and expressed solidarity with Tehran. “I wish to confirm unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends,” Putin said. He also congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei after Iran named him the country’s new supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Putin said he was confident the new leader would continue his father’s work “with honour.” The Kremlin also repeated Russia’s call to stop hostilities. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked Moscow for its support and solidarity with Iran. (PC: HT)

Turkey said NATO air defences intercepted a second Iranian ballistic missile that entered its airspace in the past week. The Turkish Defence Ministry said the missile was shot down after it crossed into the country’s airspace. Some fragments fell in empty fields in the southeastern province of Gaziantep. Officials said there were no casualties. “We once again emphasise that all necessary measures will be taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country's territory and airspace,” the ministry said. It remains unclear where the missile was heading before being intercepted. Turkey has not invoked NATO’s Article 4 for consultations but warned Iran and other parties to avoid actions that threaten regional stability. (PC: X)

Saudi Arabia has started reducing oil production as storage tanks begin to fill due to disruption near the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict in the Middle East has slowed maritime traffic from the Persian Gulf, affecting exports.   A source familiar with the matter said the kingdom is lowering output to avoid overwhelming storage capacity. Other producers such as the UAE, Kuwait and Iraq have also reduced production.   Saudi Arabia produces about 10 million barrels of oil per day and exports around 7 million barrels. Some shipments are being diverted through the Red Sea port of Yanbu.   However, the pipeline route cannot fully replace exports usually sent through Hormuz. Oil prices have already crossed $100 per barrel. (PC: NDTV)