Overview: Tensions remain high as U.S. President Donald Trump says the United States “controls” the Strait of Hormuz while Iranian officials insist they cannot trust the Americans and emphasize their readiness to defend the country. Leaders from Europe, China and regional states are weighing in amid ceasefire efforts and diplomatic outreach.
37 minutes ago
German chancellor: Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said after a phone call with President Trump that Iran “must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons” and must come back to the negotiating table. In a post on X, Merz said he and Trump agreed Iran should open the Strait of Hormuz and return to diplomacy.
8:46 AM
Iran welcomes China’s diplomatic support
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking in New Delhi at the BRICS meeting, said Tehran would welcome help from any country able to assist diplomatic efforts, naming China in particular. He described the relationship with China as strategic and said Beijing’s involvement would be appreciated if it helps open channels for negotiation.
8:28 AM
Israel urges evacuations in south Lebanon
Israel’s military warned residents of five villages near Tyre in southern Lebanon to evacuate immediately, citing planned operations against Hezbollah after alleged violations of a ceasefire. The military spokesman urged civilians to move at least 1,000 metres away for their safety.
8:09 AM — Trump on Air Force One
“We control” the Strait of Hormuz, Trump says
President Trump told reporters after his summit with Xi Jinping that the U.S. is in control of the Strait of Hormuz and that U.S. operations had “wiped out” much of Iran’s armed forces. He described a month-long ceasefire as a pause while a highly effective blockade continued and said there might be “a little cleanup work” remaining. Trump said he and Xi “feel very similar on Iran,” and that Xi urged Iran not to obtain nuclear weapons and to allow the strait to reopen. The president said he would consider a 20-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear program only if Tehran made a real, verifiable commitment.
8:09 AM — Iran’s response in New Delhi
“We cannot trust the Americans at all,” Araghchi says
At a BRICS press conference, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran cannot trust the United States and called the lack of trust the main obstacle to diplomacy. He described the current ceasefire as “very shaky” but said Iran is trying to maintain it to allow negotiations to proceed. Araghchi added that the Strait of Hormuz is open to vessels except those belonging to countries Iran considers at war with it, and stressed that any agreement must be precise and clearly defined because of inconsistent messages from the U.S.
8:09 AM — Iranian military posture
Army chief vows defense “until the last drop of blood”
Iran’s army commander-in-chief, Major General Amir Hatami, told state media that Iranian forces will defend the country “until the last drop of blood” and framed the fight as a sacred mission. State-covered footage showed Revolutionary Guard exercises described as efforts to increase combat capability. Hatami characterized martyrdom as an accepted outcome for fighters committed to victory.
8:09 AM — Tehran’s narrative of the conflict
Araghchi: Iran “was the victor in this war”
In remarks circulated on state channels, Araghchi said Iran prevailed in the conflict by preventing its enemies from achieving objectives and imposing its will. He urged regional partners to seek security through cooperation rather than reliance on outside powers and criticized the UAE for supporting U.S. and Israeli forces by providing airspace and facilities.
8:09 AM — Trump and Xi alignment
Trump: Xi said China won’t send military equipment to Iran
Trump told Fox News that Xi Jinping told him China would not supply military equipment to Iran — a “big statement,” Trump said. He also said Xi, as a major buyer of Iranian oil, wants the Strait of Hormuz reopened. U.S. reports earlier had suggested China had considered providing advanced radar systems, but Trump presented Xi’s verbal assurance as significant.
8:09 AM — U.S. patience on a deal
Trump: “Not going to be much more patient”
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said he is running out of patience for a negotiated settlement with Iran and urged Tehran to make a deal, repeating that Xi expressed willingness to help facilitate talks.
8:09 AM — CENTCOM assessment
Iran’s ability to threaten shipping reduced but not eliminated
Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, told senators that Operation Epic Fury achieved its objectives to “significantly degrade” Iranian military capabilities and that U.S. forces have located and destroyed more than 90% of Iran’s mine inventory intended for the strait. He warned that Iran still retains some capabilities and that its threats continue to influence merchant shipping and insurance markets.
8:09 AM — China’s offer
Trump reiterates Xi offered help
Trump said Xi offered to assist in brokering a deal and expressed interest in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, illustrating Beijing’s diplomatic and energy interests in a resolution.
What’s next
Diplomacy remains fragile. Iran emphasizes distrust of U.S. intentions and frames its actions as defensive and victorious, while the U.S. cites degraded Iranian capabilities and control of key maritime routes. China’s role is highlighted by both Tehran’s openness to assistance and Washington’s account of Xi’s assurances. Regional tensions — including alerts in southern Lebanon and continued Iranian military rhetoric — keep prospects for near-term de-escalation uncertain.