President Trump stated on Sunday that the United States is currently engaged in ‘low-keying’ negotiations with Iran, signaling a willingness to allow economic pressure to intensify on the Islamic Republic. During a phone interview with Axios, Mr. Trump explained that the U.S. is only ‘semi-negotiating’ with Iran, emphasizing a focus on watching events unfold rather than initiating formal talks.
He asserted that Iran’s current state is ‘very bad,’ exacerbated by the U.S. blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, which he described as a significant impediment to the country’s economy. Mr. Trump stated that the blockade has ‘exacerbated the country’s economy’ and that the U.S. is ‘always’ working to ‘work out’ a solution.
He referenced a recent Houthi rebel attack on a government-held port city in Yemen, noting that it was the second attack on the Red Sea coast in less than 24 hours. The Houthi military source provided details of the attack, stating that it targeted weapons depots and Saudi troop concentrations. The Yemeni Armed Forces’ statement confirmed that at least seven people – four troops and three civilians – were killed and 15 civilians injured in the attack.
Furthermore, a statement from the Yemeni government-allied National Resistance Forces detailed the attack, stating that it targeted residential neighborhoods, and that air defense systems managed to intercept some of the drones. The attack also involved the use of missiles and drones, with the Yemeni government-allied National Resistance Forces claiming at least seven people were killed and 15 civilians injured. The military later stated that missiles landed in several areas, including near a television station.
Mocha, a main port under Yemen’s internationally recognized government and recently renovated to handle shipping around the Red Sea, was targeted. The Houthis said they targeted military forces and warehouses. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesperson, stated they also targeted an Aramco refinery in the Saudi city of Jazan, responding to Saudi drone attacks over Hajjah and Saada provinces. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, stating that there would be no military withdrawal until Hamas is ‘genuinely’ disarmed. He added that Israel would continue to thwart threats against its forces and citizens, regardless of the plan.
Following more than a week of escalating criticism of the Gaza plan, Netanyahu explicitly opposed it, stating that Israel rejects the 15-point document. He said the military would ‘not make any withdrawal’ until Hamas is ‘truly disarmed’ and would continue to thwart threats against our forces and citizens. The Supreme National Security Council of Iran issued a statement confirming this stance, stating that the Strait of Hormuz will not open until the United States ‘corrects its behavior.’ The statement said Iran must ‘completely compensate’ Iran for war damage, lift sanctions, and unconditionally release frozen assets. This announcement comes amidst increased pressure on the United States to address the situation in Yemen, with the U.S. publicly urging Iran to cease its support for the Houthis and to ‘correct its behavior.’ The U.S. has previously demanded that Iran lift the naval blockade of Iranian ports and withdraw its military from the region.
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Source: CBS News
