TRUMP AGREES TO TEMPORARY PAUSE IN ATTACKS:
U.S. President Donald Trump announced this evening, just hours before his deadline, that he had agreed “to suspend the bombing and attacks on Iran for a period of two weeks,” provided that Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier in the day, he warned that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran failed to reach a deal before the deadline. He had also threatened large-scale U.S. strikes on civilian infrastructure and dismissed concerns about potential war crimes.
IRAN SIGNALS CONDITIONAL PASSAGE THROUGH STRAIT:
Iran stated tonight that it will permit safe maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz for the next two weeks, provided vessels coordinate with Iranian armed forces. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi added that Iran would halt its military attacks as long as it is not targeted by further strikes.
U.S. STRIKES KHARG ISLAND:
Heavy strikes were reported on bridges across Iran and on Kharg Island, the country’s primary oil export hub. According to a U.S. official speaking to NBC News, American forces carried out overnight attacks on dozens of military targets located on the island.
AMERICAN JOURNALIST RELEASED:
The Iran-backed militia group Kataib Hezbollah announced it would release American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped in Iraq last week. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was relieved by her release and is working to ensure her safe departure from Iraq.
RISING DEATH TOLL:
The conflict has resulted in more than 3,400 deaths across the Middle East. Over 1,500 people have been killed in Lebanon, while 23 deaths have been reported in Israel. Iranian officials have not issued updated figures, but the U.S.-based rights organization HRANA estimates the total death toll at nearly 3,400, including more than 1,600 civilians. Additionally, 13 U.S. service members have been killed, with two more deaths reported from noncombat causes.
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