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Hegseth says Tuesday will be ‘most intense’ of US war on Iran as Trump considers endgame
US strikes on Iran are escalating sharply, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth describing Tuesday as the most intensive bombardment yet, deploying the largest number of fighters and bombers to date. The announcement comes as President Trump signals the conflict could conclude sooner than anticipated, with the timeline firmly in his hands. The dual messaging of military escalation alongside hints at an endgame suggests Washington is applying maximum pressure to force a resolution.
Read article →Al Jazeera English
US general says he ‘respects’ Iran’s fight
A top US military official has broken from typical adversarial rhetoric, with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff publicly stating he "respects" Iran's fighting capacity. The statement is a striking diplomatic signal from America's highest-ranking military officer. Such language from a senior Pentagon figure raises immediate questions about the tone and direction of US engagement with Tehran.
Read article →BBC World
Canada police investigate after shots fired at US consulate in Toronto
Canadian authorities are investigating a shooting incident at the United States consulate in Toronto, marking a serious security breach at a major diplomatic facility. The incident coincides with a separate attack in Oslo, where Norwegian police are probing an explosion outside the U.S. embassy. The back-to-back incidents raise urgent questions about the security of American diplomatic posts abroad.
Read article →Straits Times
Russia told Trump it isn't sharing US military asset info with Iran, says Witkoff
Russia has assured the Trump administration it is not passing U.S. military intelligence to Iran, according to special envoy Steve Witkoff. The denial comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where American forces maintain a significant presence. The assurance, relayed through diplomatic channels, signals an attempt by Moscow to preserve its fragile back-channel relationship with Washington.
Read article →Al Jazeera English
Global airlines hike ticket prices as Iran war sends costs soaring
Rising oil prices triggered by the Iran conflict are forcing global airlines to pass fuel costs onto passengers, with ticket prices climbing sharply on several key routes. The disruption is rippling across international travel markets, upending flight economics that carriers had only recently stabilized post-pandemic. For travelers, the message is clear: book now or pay significantly more later.
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