Iran Vows

• China has criticized new U.S. sanctions against Iran, warning that the measures will further intensify regional tensions. • Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated on Tuesday that the U.S. will face defeat in its economic actions, following alleged military and political failures. • Iran has declared it is "fully prepared" to retaliate and counter the impact of the new sanctions.

• China has formally criticized new U.S. sanctions against Iran, with foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian warning that the measures will intensify tensions and create "spillover risks." • In response to the sanctions, Iran has declared it is "fully prepared" to retaliate and counter the U.S. actions. • China emphasized that its cooperation with Iran remains within the framework of international law and stated it will take necessary measures to safeguard its own interests.

Test of US rhetoric will rest on whether nations such as India, China and Russia view economic threats as credibleIran has vowed to retaliate against any country that cooperates with the US attempt to impose fresh sanctions against Iran in what the Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, has billed as “the single greatest financial offensive ever marshalled against an adversary”.In advance of the US announcement, the United Arab Emirates, Iran’s single biggest trading partner in the Middle East, announced it was ending all trade with Iran, a move Tehran believes was coordinated between Washington and Dubai. Continue reading...

• An Iranian military leader has vowed that Tehran "will not submit" as the United States prepares to implement a new round of economic sanctions. • Further details regarding the expanded economic squeeze are expected to be announced by the U.S. government this Monday. • In response to regional tensions, oil tankers are employing evasive tactics in the Strait of Hormuz, such as the Greek-owned supertanker Kiku disabling its AIS transponders and traveling at night.

• The US has vowed to apply its toughest pressure on Iran and expanded sanctions against Hezbollah to curb regional instability. • While Hamas has expressed support for Donald Trump’s Gaza peace roadmap, Iran has dismissed the US campaign as a failed attempt to force its capitulation. • China has rejected the use of sanctions, urging the involved parties to seek political and diplomatic solutions instead.

• The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed the vote on Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general after two GOP senators withheld support. • The delay stems from concerns over a settlement between Donald Trump and the IRS that provided tax audit immunity and established an “anti-weaponization” fund. • Separately, Iran vowed to "punish" the U.S. following a "heavy wave of strikes" conducted by the American military overnight.

• Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated into a dangerous new phase following a series of mutual military strikes over the past 24 hours. • Iran has vowed that the U.S. "will pay the price" after a specific strike occurred in Qeshm, undoing several days of relative calm. • The escalation is fueled by faltering diplomacy and the increasing involvement of other regional powers, raising significant fears of a wider Middle East war.