Shafaq News- Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron and Turkish President Recep TayyipErdogan on Saturday, pushed for the implementation of a ceasefire in Lebanon,while stressing the need to protect maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a phone call, the two leaders also reiterated the importance ofpursuing a durable diplomatic settlement to the conflict involving Iran, the USand Israel, calling for continued efforts to reduce escalation across theMiddle East.

Je viens de m’entretenir avec le Président @RTErdogan. Nous avons d'abord évoqué la situation au Proche et au Moyen-Orient, pour appeler au respect du cessez-le-feu et à son application au Liban, au respect de la liberté de navigation dans le détroit…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 11, 2026

The call comes as negotiations between Iran and the United States inIslamabad are already underway. Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson of Iran’s Foreign Ministry, noted that Tehran will not allow the “isolation ofallied forces in Lebanon,” pointing to coordination between Islamabad andBeirut to ensure a ceasefire across all fronts.

A two-week ceasefire was declared on April 8 between Washington andTehran, brokered by Pakistan, to halt the war that began on February 28 and haskilled more than 3,000 people in Iran, according to the country’s forensicauthority.

Pakistani officials indicated that Lebanon was included, while USPresident Donald Trump described Israeli activity there as a separate“skirmish” linked to Hezbollah and outside the framework.

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed thestart of negotiations with Iran, while noting adjustments in global oil routesamid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a phone interview with NewsNation, Trump describedIran as a “failing nation” but expressed confidence that the strategic waterwaywould reopen soon, indicating that energy markets are shifting to alternativeroutes to mitigate instability.

Washington is prepared to “reset” its approach iftalks collapse, he warned. “We’re ready to go.”

Earlier today, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said discussionswith the United States in Islamabad are underway, with spokesperson EsmaeilBaqaei noting that engagement began upon the delegation’s arrival the previousnight.

On April 8, Tehran allowed limited maritime trafficthrough the Strait of Hormuz, which carries around 20% of global oil supply, inexchange for a two-week ceasefire and the launch of talks on a longer-termarrangement. However, it has acknowledged that the waterway has not fullyreopened, citing what it described as ceasefire breaches linked to continuedIsraeli activity, particularly in Lebanon, where local media reported more than300 deaths shortly after the truce.

Shafaq News- Washington

12 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz during thefirst two days following the US-Iran ceasefire announcement, Maritime datashowed on Friday, alongside a limited resumption of air traffic after weeks ofdisruption caused by regional tensions.

Shipping activity remains below normal levels after nearly40 days of instability that affected both maritime navigation and aviationroutes in the region.

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said the USFederal Reserve could move to cut interest rates once the reopening of theStrait of Hormuz leads to a rapid decline in energy prices. In remarks to FoxBusiness, Hassett said energy prices are expected to fall quickly as thewaterway reopens, adding that lower energy costs would help ease inflationarypressures. He noted that such developments would strengthen expectations forthe Federal Reserve’s ability to reduce interest rates in the near term.

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump on Friday accused Iran of failing to honor an agreement to allow oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

On Truth Social, Trump said, “Iran is doing a very poor job, dishonorable some would say… That is not the agreement we have!”

On April 8, Iran agreed to allow maritime traffic through the strategic waterway, which carries about 20% of global oil supply, in exchange for a two-week ceasefire during which talks on a long-term peace deal are set to take place. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said passage would be permitted only in coordination with Iranian armed forces and subject to “technical limitations.”

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations warned that the threat level in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz remains “critical,” with only a handful of ships crossing in the past 24 hours.

Tehran has acknowledged it has not fully reopened the strait, arguing the ceasefire has been violated by continued Israeli strikes, particularly in Lebanon, where attacks killed more than 300 shortly after the truce, according to local media. Iranian officials and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have said the 10-point proposal underpinning the agreement includes ending hostilities across the Middle East, including Lebanon.

Shafaq News- Cannes

The film “Parallel Tales” directed by Asghar Farhadi has been selected to be screened in the Main Competition at the 79th Cannes International Film Festival in 2026.

The press office of the Cannes International Film Festival announced that Iris Knobloch, President, and Thierry Frémaux, General Delegate, unveiled today the Official Selection of the 79th Festival de Cannes. The films that will screen on the Croisette from May 12 to 23, 2026.

In the film “Parallel Tales”, famous stars such as Isabelle Huppert, Vincent Cassel, Virginie Efira, Pierre Niney, Adam Bessa, and Catherine Deneuve, among others, have appeared in front of the camera.

Iranian editor Hayedeh Safiyari is editing “Parallel Tales” in her seventh collaboration with Farhadi. “Parallel Tales” is a co-production between France, the United States, Belgium, and Italy. It is produced by the French company Memento Production and the American company Anonymous Content, along with Asghar Farhadi.

Asghar Farhadi has won important awards for his films, including the Golden Globe Awards (2012) and two Oscars for “A Separation” (2012) and “The Salesman” (2017), the Golden Bear Award at the Berlinale Film Festival for “A Separation” (2011), the Grand Prix Award for “A Hero” (2021) at the Cannes Film Festival, etc.

For more information: https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/press/press-releases/the-films-of-the-official-selection-2026/

Credit: Independent journalist Mansour Jihani

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment with NATO on Thursday, saying no one -including American allies- could be moved to act without being “pressured first.”

ShafaqNews- Washington

US andIsraeli forces have “clearly accomplished” the degradation of Iran’s militarycapabilities, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed on Thursday,describing the outcome as a “generational military defeat” for Tehran.

In avideo statement, CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper said joint operationsdismantled Iran’s ability to project power beyond its borders and destroyed itscapacity to conduct large-scale operations for years to come.

Update from CENTCOM Commander on Operation Epic Fury: pic.twitter.com/CUzaSmbZM3

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 9, 2026

“After successfully conducting morethan 13,000 strikes on Iranian military targets and flying thousands uponthousands of combat flights, US forces have paused offensive operations inaccordance with the ongoing ceasefire,” Cooper said, expressing his country'scontinued support for regional partners through a broad air defense network.

Afternearly six weeks of hostilities involving the United States and Israel on oneside and Iran on the other, US President Donald Trump announced on April 8 atwo-week truce following talks involving Pakistan and a 10-point Iranianproposal he described as a basis for a broader agreement. Iran described theceasefire as a victory achieved on its own terms, while the United States saidTehran had “begged for a ceasefire” after its military capabilities weredismantled in under 40 days using a fraction of CENTCOM’s strength.

IranianParliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf later accused Washington ofviolating commitments ahead of negotiations, citing what he described asfailures to uphold a Lebanon ceasefire component, a drone intrusion intoIranian airspace, and the denial of Iran’s right to uranium enrichment.

Shafaq News- Paris/ London

French Foreign Minister Jean-NoëlBarrot on Thursday called for Lebanon to be included in the United States–Iranceasefire, warning that continued Israeli strikes risk undermining an already “fragile”truce.

In an interview with France Interradio, Barrot condemned Israeli “massive” strikes on Lebanon carried out onApril 8 —the same day the US–Iran ceasefire was announced— which, according tothe Lebanese Health Ministry, killed 182 people and wounded 890. He describedthe attacks as “unacceptable,” stressing that the agreement “must also covermilitary actions in Lebanon.”

He called the ceasefire “temporary,”cautioning that escalating attacks could prove counterproductive. “Thedestruction of Lebanon, of the Lebanese state, will not destroy Hezbollah; onthe contrary, it would strengthen it,” he said.

Barrot also outlined “a series ofconcessions” from Iran ahead of anticipated talks in Pakistan, urging it toabandon efforts to acquire nuclear weapons, halt the use of missiles and dronesagainst regional countries, and end support for armed groups includingHezbollah, Hamas, and Yemen’s Houthis.

Tehran must also open all traffic inthe Strait of Hormuz, he added, noting that the passage will not flow freelyuntil an agreement is reached between the "belligerents."

In London, UK Home Secretary YvetteCooper told Times Radio that Israel’s continued strikes were “deeply damaging”and risk destabilizing the ceasefire, urging that Lebanon be explicitlyincluded to prevent wider escalation. “We want it extended to cover Lebanon,because otherwise that will destabilise the whole region…We want to see an endto hostilities.”

Yesterday, US President Donald Trumpannounced a two-week truce with Iran following talks involving Pakistan and a10-point Iranian proposal he described as a basis for a broader agreement.Pakistani officials indicated Lebanon was part of the arrangement, while Trumpcharacterized Israeli operations there as a separate “skirmish” linked toHezbollah and outside the deal.

Hezbollah asserted its “legitimateand legal right” to respond to the strikes, warning that the victims’ blood“will not go in vain.” Iran, which has moved to restrict tanker traffic throughthe Strait of Hormuz, signaled it may reconsider the truce, informing mediatorsit will only join further talks if Lebanon is formally included in theceasefire.

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump on Thursday rejectedreports of a proposed ten-point framework for negotiations with Iran, warningof possible military escalation as shipping through the Strait of Hormuzremains limited despite a two-week truce.

During a press briefing, Trump described reports byThe New York Times and CNN as “complete fabrication,” indicating the publisheddetails do not reflect any genuine negotiation track, further portraying themas an attempt to discredit those involved in diplomatic efforts.

“US ships, aircraft, and military personnel willremain deployed in and around Iran until full compliance with a realagreement,” he added, noting Tehran is already in a much weakened position.

Trump also raised the prospect of renewed militaryaction if compliance is not achieved, indicating any escalation would be‘’unprecedented in scale,’’ while pointing to longstanding commitments toprevent nuclear weapons and keep the Strait of Hormuz open and secure.

Earlier this week, Trump declared a two-weeksuspension of all bombing and attacks on Iran, describing it as a mutualceasefire. Details of a proposal attributed to Iran have circulated ininternational and Iranian media, with no official version released.

According to those reports, the proposal includes aUS commitment in principle to non-aggression, continued Iranian control overthe Strait of Hormuz, acceptance of Iran’s enrichment program, removal ofprimary and secondary sanctions, termination of UN Security Council andInternational Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors measures, compensationpayments to Iran, withdrawal of US combat forces from the region, and a halt tohostilities across multiple fronts, including Lebanon.

Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported thatTrump is not planning major concessions to Tehran in exchange for reopening theStrait of Hormuz, stressing Washington is pushing to restore maritime trafficquickly and without additional conditions.

Citing US officials, the outlet noted that severaloptions remain under review, including possible arrangements governing vesseltransit or fees, though no final decision has been made. It added that theTrump administration views unrestricted navigation through the Strait as“essential,” warning broad concessions could allow Iran to use the waterway asleverage in the future.

Despite the ceasefire, shipping data showed no oilor gas tankers have crossed the strategic maritime passage, underscoring thatthe waterway remains largely inactive, with only four dry cargo vessels passingthrough in the past 24 hours.

Shafaq News- Washington

The US Vice President JD Vance warned Iran on Wednesday that it would be“dumb” to jeopardise itsceasefire with Washingtonover Israel’sattacks in Lebanon, dismissing the conflicting positions as a“misunderstanding”.

In a press remarks from Hungary, Vance told reporters thatthe US did not agree that Israel would stop attacking Lebanon, adding, “There’sa lot of bad faith negotiation and a lot of bad faith propaganda going on.”

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister AbbasAraghchi shared Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s statement announcingthe ceasefire. He highlighted the part about Lebanon.“The Iran-US Ceasefire terms are clear and explicit: the USmust choose – ceasefire or continued war via Israel. It cannot have both,”Araghchi wrote. Still, US President Donald Trump and White House have arguedthatLebanon was notpart of the deal.

Shafaq News- Washington

The White House on Wednesday saidIran has submitted a revised and more “reasonable” proposal for talks with theUnited States, replacing what it described as an earlier “unacceptable”10-point plan.

Speaking to reporters, WhiteHouse spokesperson Karoline Leavitt described the new proposal as a “workablebasis” for negotiations, pointing to alignment with Washington’s 15-pointframework and reaffirming US red lines, including a full halt to uraniumenrichment inside Iran.

Iran has requested a ceasefireand agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Leavitt added, noting that recent USmilitary operations have significantly weakened Iran’s naval and aircapabilities. She also indicated that talks are expected to begin on Saturdayin Pakistan and clarified that Lebanon is not part of the arrangement.

Tehran earlier moved torestrict tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following Israel’s lateststrikes in Lebanon, warning it may withdraw from the truce. According to TheWall Street Journal, Iran has informed mediators it will only engage innegotiations if the ceasefire extends to Lebanon.

President Donald Trump,however, has maintained that Israeli activity in Lebanon falls outside theframework, describing it as a separate “skirmish” linked to Hezbollah.

Shafaq News-Baghdad

US Secretary ofState Marco Rubio confirmed Wednesday that American freelance journalist ShelleyKittleson has been released after a week in captivity in Baghdad, thankingIraqi officials for their help securing her freedom.

I am pleased to announce the release of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was recently kidnapped by members of the foreign terrorist organization Kata’ib Hizballah near Baghdad, Iraq. The U.S. Department of State extends its appreciation to the Federal Bureau of…

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) April 8, 2026

Iran-backedarmed faction Kataib Hezbollah released Kittleson, 49, on the condition thatshe leave Iraq immediately. Iraqi authorities have since taken her intocustody, with travel procedures for her departure expected to be completedwithin hours.

Kittleson wasabducted on March 31. Iraqi security forces pursued the suspects at the time,leading to one kidnapper's car overturning and one arrest.

Shafaq News- Vatican

Threatening the entire Iranian population is unacceptable, PopeLeo stated on Tuesday, stressing that attacks on civilian infrastructureviolate international law.

In a press remarks, the pontiff condemned actions targetingnon-military facilities, calling for adherence to international humanitarianstandards. Pope Leo also described the war in Iran as unjust.

Earlier, the Pope had also urged world leaders to endongoing conflicts and abandon ambitions of domination, invasion, or control, inhis annual Easter message delivered before thousands gathered in St. Peter’sSquare. He expressed regret that people have become increasinglyaccustomed to violence, warning against growing indifference to humansuffering.

The Pope called for respect for human rights and animmediate halt to hostilities, saying, “Let those who have weapons lay themdown, and let those with the power to ignite wars choose peace.” He also issueda rare direct appeal to US President Donald Trump, urging him to find a way outto end the war in Iran amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

Shafaq News- Islamabad

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called theUS President Donald Trump to extend the deadline given to Iran by two weeks, inexchange for Tehran reopening the Strait of Hormuz for the same period as a “goodwillgesture.”

In press remarks, Sharif stated that diplomatic effortsaimed at reaching a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East areprogressing steadily, stressing the need to allow more time for the politicaltrack.

Earlier, Trump re-exhorted Iran to make a deal by his​Tuesday deadline, saying a "whole civilization ​will die tonight, neverto be back again" if⁠anagreement is not ​reached to end ​the conflict.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he doesn’t want that ‌to⁠happen, “but it probablywill," adding that"We⁠willfind out tonight, one of ​the most important ​moments⁠in the long and complex historyof⁠the ​World."

Shafaq News- Washington

The US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he may extendthe deadline given to Iran if progress is made in ongoing negotiations.

Trump’s remarks came after the White House spokespersonKaroline Leavitt stated that the president alone knows the status of the talksand what actions he may take once the deadline expires at 8:00 p.m. Washingtontime (03:00 a.m. Mecca time) to “seize the moment and reach a deal.”

Meanwhile, Axios quoted a US official as saying thatdiscussions about a potential ceasefire are ongoing, adding that Iran’s latestproposal “was not exactly what we wanted, but it is much better than weexpected.”

Earlier, Trump re-exhorted Iran to make a deal by his ​Tuesday deadline, saying a "whole civilization ​will die tonight, never to be back again" if ⁠an agreement is not ​reached to end ​the conflict.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he doesn’t want that ‌to ⁠happen, “but it probably will," adding that "We ⁠will find out tonight, one of ​the most important ​moments ⁠in the long and complex history of ⁠the ​World."

Shafaq News- Middle East

A UN Security Council resolution calling for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz failed Tuesday after Russia and China vetoed the Bahrain-sponsored draft.

Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif al-Zayani told the Security Council that Gulf states are the world's primary energy suppliers, making the strait a shared international responsibility. Iran's repeated disruption of navigation, he said, was not an isolated incident but part of a "documented negative pattern." The proposed resolution, he argued, created no new reality -it was a serious response to entrenched Iranian hostility. Failure to act, al-Zayani warned, would carry grave consequences for the world.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly 20% of global energy exports. Any sustained disruption to traffic through the waterway reverberates directly across international markets.

Read more: Long war with Iran: A dangerous repetition of history, but with even less preparation

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that Iran could be eliminated “in one night,” as he outlined details of a US operation to rescue two downed crew members inside Iran.

Trump said the mission involved 155 aircraft and ended without US casualties despite close-range fire, adding that US forces destroyed two stranded cargo aircraft to prevent sensitive equipment from falling into Iranian hands.

Meanwhile, CIA Director John Ratcliffe described the operation as “flawless,” adding that the US has “unique capabilities” that only the president can authorize.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth separately warned that the day would see the largest wave of strikes on Iran since the start of the campaign.

Shafaq News- Washington/ Tehran

The United States, Iran, andregional mediators are discussing a proposed 45-day ceasefire as a first steptoward ending the war, according to Axios, citing US, Israeli, and regionalsources familiar with the talks.

The proposal outlines a two-phaseframework, starting with a temporary 45-day ceasefire during which negotiationswould continue toward a “permanent” settlement, with the option to extend thetruce if needed, followed by a second phase aimed at formalizing acomprehensive agreement to end the war.

Diplomatic efforts are beingconducted through mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkiye, alongsideindirect exchanges between US Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign MinisterAbbas Araghchi, while a US official indicated that Washington has presentedseveral proposals in recent days that Tehran has yet to accept.

Sources described the initiative as the“only chance” to prevent a sharp escalation, cautioning that failure couldtrigger strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure and retaliatory attackstargeting energy and water facilities in Gulf states, while the prospects ofreaching even a partial agreement within the next 48 hours remain low.

US President Donald Trump had extendedhis deadline for Iran by 20 hours, setting a new cutoff at Tuesday 8 p.m. ETafter an earlier 10-day ultimatum, warning he could target infrastructure vitalto civilians if no agreement is reached, while Iran has threatened to respondwith attacks on infrastructure in Israel and Gulf countries.

According to Iranian media, Tehranhas linked any ceasefire or return to negotiations to a set of conditions,including ending all attacks and targeted killings, securing binding guaranteesagainst renewed conflict, establishing an enforceable mechanism for financialcompensation, reaching a comprehensive regional settlement that includes alliedfactions, and formally recognizing Iran’s sovereign rights over the Strait ofHormuz.

Mediators assess that reopening thestrategic waterway —whose conditions Iran has said will “never return” to theirpre-war state, particularly for the United States and Israel— and resolvingIran’s highly enriched uranium, either through removal or dilution, wouldlikely be addressed only within a final agreement.

Shafaq News- Washington/ Tehran

US President Donald Trump setTuesday evening as the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or faceattacks on critical infrastructure.

In an interview on Sunday with TheWall Street Journal, Trump warned, “If they don’t do something by Tuesdayevening, they won’t have any power plants and they won’t have any bridgesstanding.”

In a separate phone interview withABC News, Trump said he expects Tehran to reach a deal “in days, not weeks,”but cautioned that failure to do so would trigger large-scale military action.“If it happens, it happens. And if it doesn’t, we’re blowing up the wholecountry.”

When asked whether he would extendthe deadline to give Iran more time to make a peace agreement, Trump indicated,“They have plenty of time to make a deal.”

Earlier today, Trump reiterated that“Hell” would fall on Tehran if it fails to reopen the strategic waterway, againwarning of strikes targeting power plants and bridges if the deadline passes.

Shafaq News- Washington/ Tehran (Updated at 19:02)

US President Donald Trump on Sundayreiterated his warning that “Hell” would fall on Tehran if it fails to reopenthe Strait of Hormuz, amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran.

“Tuesday will be PowerPlant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” Trump wrote onTruth Social, warning of action if the strategic waterway remains closed.

Meanwhile, in remarks cited by FoxNews, Trump said he is considering “blowing everything up and takingover the oil” if Iran fails to reach a deal quickly, adding that negotiationsare ongoing and a deal could be reached as soon as tomorrow.

🚨 BREAKING: @TreyYingst details his phone call with President Trump this morning about the ongoing negotiations with Iran."The president tells me, 'If they don't make a deal, and fast, I'm considering blowing everything up and taking over the oil.'" | @foxandfriends pic.twitter.com/Si0GDQUOnH

— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 5, 2026

He also referred to the nationwideIranian protests in January, claiming the United States had “sent guns to theprotesters, a lot of them,” adding that “the Kurds took the guns.”

NEW: The United States sent guns to the Iranian protesters through the Kurds, President Trump told Fox News. "We sent guns to the protesters, a lot of them," President Trump told me. "And I think the Kurds took the guns." pic.twitter.com/CmAfYJVkIH

— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) April 5, 2026

On April 5, Trump gave Iran a48-hour deadline to reopen the strait or reach an agreement. Supreme LeaderMojtaba Khamenei, however, had urged armed forces to continue operations linkedto what he described as the “Strait of Hormuz closure front,” framing the moveas part of Iran’s response to the ongoing war and what it calls “enemy”activity in the region.

Shafaq News- Seoul

South Korea on Sunday urged Gulf States to help ensure theuninterrupted flow of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensionsin the Middle East threaten one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.

According to a statement from the Korean Ministry of Finance, MinisterKo Yun-cheol met with ambassadors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countriesto secure assurances that exports of oil, liquefied natural gas, naphtha andurea will continue without disruption. The talks also covered safeguardingSouth Korean ships and crews operating near the strait.

The appeal comes as the Strait of Hormuz —a narrow passagelinking Gulf producers to global markets— has come under increased pressure.For several weeks, Iran has restricted movement through the maritime route,pushing energy prices to $109 a barrel.

On Saturday, US President Donald Trump gave Iran 48 hours toreopen the Strait of Hormuz or reach an agreement, warning that “all Hell willreign down” if Tehran fails to comply. He has repeatedly threatened strikes onIranian infrastructure, including power plants, if shipping through the straitremains disrupted.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei previously urgedarmed forces to continue operations linked to the “Strait of Hormuz closurefront,” framing the move as part of Iran’s response to the ongoing US-Israeliwar.

Shafaq News- Washington (Updated at 17:01)

US President Donald Trump on Sunday confirmed the rescue ofa second crew member from an F-15 aircraft previously downed in Iran,describing the operation as one of the most daring US search-and-rescue effortsin recent history.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump indicated that the USmilitary deployed dozens of aircraft equipped with advanced weaponry to recovera wounded Colonel from “behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains ofIran,” confirming that the pilot is now “SAFE and SOUND!”

The operation unfolded in phases, with the rescue of thefirst pilot initially kept undisclosed to safeguard the second mission, headded, underscoring a commitment to bring every service member home. “WE WILLNEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND!” he stressed.

Trump later revealed that the firstrescue was conducted in “broad daylight,” describing it as “unusual.”

Earlier, Axios reported that the United States had rescuedthe second crew member from an F-15 fighter jet previously downed over Iran,concluding a 36-hour search conducted under heavy air cover.

Meanwhile, Iran indicated that the Islamic RevolutionaryGuard Corps (IRGC) shot down an advanced US MQ-9 drone over Isfahan, raising tofour the number of such drones downed in the area over the past five days. TheIRGC also announced the downing of a Hermes 900 drone over the same city,bringing the total number of drones intercepted since February 28 to 162.

Shafaq News-Washington/ Tehran

US PresidentDonald Trump on Saturday gave Iran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz orreach an agreement, as the US-Israeli war on Iran entered its second month.

In a post onTruth Social, Trump warned that “all Hell will reign down” if Tehran fails tocomply, pointing to earlier ultimatums tied to the strategic waterway. He hasrepeatedly threatened strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including powerplants, should shipping through the strait —one of the world’s most vital oilroutes— remain disrupted.

SupremeLeader Mojtaba Khamenei on Wednesday urged armed forces to continue operationslinked to the “Strait of Hormuz closure front.” Iran frames the move as part ofits response to the ongoing US-Israeli war, targeting what it calls “enemy”activity.

According tothe US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 3,527 peoplehave been killed in Iran since the conflict began on February 28, including1,606 civilians and at least 244 children.

Shafaq News- Washington/ Tehran

US forces recovered one crew member after Iranian firedowned two military aircraft during combat operations, while another remainsmissing, the Washington Post said on Friday.

An F-15E fighter jet crashed inside Iran, while an A-10attack aircraft took damage but reached Kuwaiti airspace, where the pilotejected and rescuers retrieved him.

Iranian fire also hit two US Black Hawk helicopters duringthe rescue mission, injuring personnel on board, but both aircraft returned tobase.

Earlier today, Iranian state media reported that residentsgathered near the crash site, while officials urged civilians not to harm thepilot. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump noted on Friday that thedowning of an American warplane by Iran would not affect any negotiationsbetween the two countries.

Shafaq News- Washington/ Tehran

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that the downing ofan American warplane by Iran would not affect any negotiations between the twocountries.

In a brief phone interview with NBC News, Trump declined to discussdetails of search and rescue operations related to the incident, describingthem as “intense and sensitive,” and dismissed any diplomatic impact from theescalation. “No, not at all. No, it’s war,” he said.

Iran’s military, meanwhile, announced that its air defense systemshad intercepted and destroyed a US Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II oversouthern waters near the Strait of Hormuz, stating that further details wouldbe released later.

Earlier today, officials cited by The New York Times reported thatUS forces were searching for a pilot who had ejected from a downed F-15E StrikeEagle over Iran, while a second crew member was rescued. Iranian officialsadded that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had sealed off an area inKohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province where the pilot was believed to havelanded.