U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that any agreement with Iran will require its “unconditional surrender.” The hardline stance comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and raises questions about the path forward for diplomatic efforts.
Precisely what that would entail, according to the President, will be determined by him. A spokesperson for the President indicated that the definition of “unconditional surrender” would be decided by the President.
Here’s a look at the latest developments:
CNN Interview: Trump asserted that Iranian leadership has been “neutralized” and that he is seeking new leaders who will treat the United States and Israel favorably, even if those leaders are religious figures rather than proponents of a democratic state. He expressed confidence in the ease with which a new leader could be selected – suggesting he should be involved in the process – and drew a comparison to Venezuela, where the U.S. Earlier this year reportedly secured the removal of Nicolás Maduro and installed a successor.
U.S. Gas Prices: The President indicated he was unconcerned about rising gasoline prices in the United States. Yet, an energy analyst predicts that U.S. Retail gas prices, already up 34 cents per gallon since the start of the recent conflict in the Middle East, could reach $3.90 per gallon by the end of the month.
On the Ground: The Israel Defense Forces reported striking an alleged Iranian “command center” in Beirut’s Dahieh neighborhood, among other targets. Hours earlier, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad warned that hotels in the Iraqi Kurdistan region could be targeted by pro-Iranian militias in Iraq. A drone subsequently detonated near a hotel in Erbil. A headquarters belonging to a security force affiliated with the Kurdistan Freedom Party, a Kurdish armed group, was reportedly struck by a drone, according to Iranian state media and confirmed by a spokesperson for the group.
U.S.-Spain Tensions: Relations between the United States and Spain are reportedly at their highest point of strain after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez denied a U.S. Request to utilize two Spanish bases – which the U.S. Has operated from for years – in connection with operations against Iran. Sánchez, who has grow Europe’s most vocal critic of the war, defended his decision to instead dispatch a warship to aid in the defense of Cyprus, while continuing to condemn the joint Israeli-U.S. Strikes.
Displaced Persons: The Norwegian Refugee Council estimates that nearly half a million people have been displaced in Lebanon following Israel’s resumption of attacks and the issuance of widespread evacuation orders.
Soldier Injuries: Eight Israeli soldiers were injured, including five seriously, by projectile fire from Hezbollah toward Israeli territory near the Lebanon border on Friday, according to the Israel Defense Forces. The Armed Forces of Ghana likewise reported that two of its soldiers serving with the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon were “seriously injured” after their position was attacked with missile fire.
Russia’s Role: According to multiple sources familiar with U.S. Intelligence reports, Russia is providing Iran with intelligence regarding the locations and movements of U.S. Troops, ships, and aircraft – the first indication that Moscow is seeking to become involved in the conflict. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin also held a phone call during which they “agreed to remain in contact,” according to Russia’s state-owned TASS news agency, citing the Kremlin.
CNN Investigation: The impact of U.S. And Israeli airstrikes across Iran has extended beyond targeting security infrastructure, also damaging nearby civilian sites, including hospitals.
Donald Judd, Issy Ronald, Patrick Sung Cuadrado, Dana Bash, Frederik Pleitgen, Chris Isidore, Evan John, Tamar Michaelis, Sophie Tanno, Charlotte Reck, Natasha Bertrand, Jim Sciutto, Zachary Cohen and Jennifer Hansler, of CNN, contributed to this report.
