Key facts
- Iran's Foreign Minister stated $24bn in assets may be unfrozen upon signing a deal with the US.
- Iran announced the seizure of assets of 100 individuals accused of treachery in Isfahan province.
- The US military downed Iranian drones targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Israel ordered the evacuation of 20 Lebanese towns and villages.
- A UK court jailed pro-Palestine activists for an arms factory raid.
Iran's Foreign Minister has indicated that a deal with the US is closer than ever, potentially leading to the unfreezing of $24 billion in assets. This statement comes amid ongoing regional tensions and conflicting claims between Iran and the US regarding the impetus for such a deal.
Iranian authorities have reportedly seized the assets of 100 individuals in Isfahan province, accusing them of treachery and siding with the enemy. This action was ordered by Isfahan’s chief justice.
Meanwhile, the conflict in the Middle East continues. The Israeli military reported intercepting a suspicious aerial target from Lebanon and activated air raid sirens in northern Israel. The military also issued forced displacement orders for 20 Lebanese towns and villages, instructing residents to move north of the Zahrani River. Israeli attacks have reportedly demolished homes and government buildings in southern Lebanon, and one person was killed in the municipality of Maarakeh.
US forces downed Iranian drones targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has rejected US claims of military pressure, stating the deal was delayed by US requests for changes. President Trump has reposted the Iranian Foreign Minister's statement about the deal being close, after initially calling leaks "fake news". He also denied the economic impact of the war on the US, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
In a separate development, a UK court sentenced four pro-Palestine activists to jail for a raid on an Israeli arms factory. Palestine Action stated their aim was to dismantle drones and weaponry believed to be used in Gaza.