US ultimatum and Iran's six conditions, Trump to create negotiating team

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on X that he had 'spoken with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman' to whom he 'reiterated France's solidarity and our commitment to contribute to the air defence of Saudi territory, as the country is subject to repeated and unacceptable Iranian missile and drone attacks'. The French president went on to point out that "faced with the risk of an uncontrolled escalation, it is more essential than ever that all the warring parties agree to establish a moratorium on energy and civilian infrastructure and that Iran restore freedom of movement in the Strait of Hormuz". For Macron, "the time has come for responsibility and moderation in order to create the conditions for the resumption of dialogue, which is the only way to guarantee peace and security for all. At this critical moment, the G7 and the Gulf Cooperation Council must strengthen their coordination. France and Saudi Arabia are cooperating to this end.

The Israeli Ministry of Transport has announced that, 'contrary to reports', there is no change in Israel's policy on incoming and outgoing flights, after rumours indicated that further restrictions were being considered at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport. This was written in The Times of Israel. According to reports in the Hebrew press, the ministry was considering restricting or further reducing the number of passengers on departing and arriving flights, after Iranian ballistic missiles struck central and southern Israel over the weekend, causing multiple impacts and dozens of injuries. Transport Minister Miri Regev, on the other hand, said that the ministry is conducting ongoing assessments of the situation to keep Israel's skies open, while ensuring the safety of passengers, in coordination with the recommendations of security and military authorities.

Three air raids struck fighters of the Haschd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation Forces), a coalition of former paramilitaries that also includes pro-Iranian armed groups, this evening in Iraq, about 50 kilometres south of Baghdad. This was announced by the local authorities. The attacks targeted the Jurf al-Sakhr region, a heavily fortified area where the factions' activities are concentrated, and specifically targeted the Kataib Hezbollah Brigades, an official from the armed group told Afp. "Units of the Pmf... were hit by drone strikes and air raids, with three attacks in different locations," according to a statement from a crisis cell set up by the local authorities, which added that as the positions hit were deserted, no injuries were reported.

Donald Trump has severely attacked Israeli President Isaac Herzog, calling him 'a liar, weak and pathetic' for not pardoning Benjamin Netanyahu. In an interview with Israel's Channel 14, the US president claimed that Herzog had agreed to pardon the Israeli premier "but he never did". "He is a weak person and a pathetic man for not doing so. He's not a leader," the tycoon attacked, "Bibi should be focusing on the war, not this nonsense."

Spain 'calls for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the protection of all energy sites in the Middle East': this was stated in a post on X by the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez. "We are at a global tipping point. Further escalation could trigger a long-term energy crisis for all humanity," his message continues. "The world should not have to pay the consequences of this war."

The Israeli Ministry of Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority and military officials are considering reducing the number of flights at Ben Gurion Airport and further limiting the number of passengers. Haaretz writes. Following the Iranian missile attacks that injured 143 people in the southern Israeli cities of Arad and Dimona, aviation authorities are meeting today to assess the situation. Security officials are expected to recommend a tightening of restrictions already in place at the airport.

Currently, flights departing from Ben Gurion airport are limited to one or two per hour and are operated by Israeli airlines, including El Al. Each departing flight can carry approximately 120 passengers. Flights to repatriate Israelis who were abroad at the start of the war continue, but no foreign airline currently operates at the airport. The assessment of the situation and the planned restrictions come as Israelis prepare for the holiday of Pesach, a period that usually represents a peak in travel.

'The country's vital water and electricity infrastructure has suffered severe damage as a result of terrorist and cyber attacks perpetrated by the United States and the Zionist regime'. This was stated by the Minister of Energy, Abbas Aliabadi, as reported by the Isna news agency, pointing out that 'the attacks targeted dozens of water transmission and treatment plants and destroyed parts of critical supply networks'. Tehran has, however, initiated action to repair the damage. According to the head of the Iranian Red Crescent, Pirhossein Kolivand, the total number of damaged civilian sites, including residential and commercial buildings, schools, medical centres and vehicles, has reached 81,365. 'Behind every damaged property,' he said, 'lies a family, a life, a memory, a livelihood and a future that have been destroyed'.

Alarm sirens are ringing in these minutes in Arad, southern Israel, the same city hit by an Iranian missile last night. This was reported by ANSA on the spot.

Palestinian media report three dead and ten wounded in an Israeli attack on a Hamas police vehicle in the central Gaza Strip. According to media reports, the dead and injured were identified as Hamas-affiliated Nuseirat police officers. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on the raid, writes The Times of Israel.

"This afternoon I discussed with US President Donald Trump the situation in Iran, Israel and Ukraine. We agreed to remain in close contact. Our exchange will resume soon." This was announced by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Il cancelliere tedesco Friedrich Merz. EPA/RONALD WITTEK

"The illusion of wiping Iran off the map shows desperation against the will of a nation that has made history. Threats and terror only strengthen our unity'. This was stated on X by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. "The Strait of Hormuz is open to everyone except those who violate our territory," he added. We firmly confront the delusional threats on the battlefield.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health has announced that the death toll in the war between Hezbollah and Israel, which broke out on 2 March, has risen to 1,029. The number of wounded also increased to 2,786.

US President Donald Trump will 'do whatever it takes to achieve the stated objectives' of the US, including destroying the Iranian air force and navy, preventing them from obtaining nuclear weapons and limiting 'their ability to project power internationally'. This was claimed by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking to Nbc. "A campaign using military assets to weaken Iranian fortifications along the Strait of Hormuz is underway and will continue until they are completely demolished," he added, pointing out that sometimes it is necessary to temporarily increase military pressure and then achieve "de-escalation". Regarding the fact that the conflict in Iran has caused oil prices to spike, the secretary believes that for 50 days of temporarily high prices, "we will have 50 years without a nuclear-armed Iranian regime" in return.

The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reports that four people were killed and seven others wounded following the latest Israeli raids in two areas in the south of the country. Three people were killed in the town of Sultaniyeh and one near the town of Marjeyoun, Nna reports citing the Lebanese Ministry of Health.

Iran will completely close the strategic Strait of Hormuz if US President Donald Trump follows through on threats to strike Iran's energy infrastructure. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced this in a note. Trump has threatened to 'annihilate' Iran's power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, hinting at a significant escalation of the conflict. In the official statement, the Revolutionary Guards also said that companies with US holdings would be 'completely destroyed' if Iran's energy infrastructure is targeted by Washington. They also added that energy facilities in countries hosting US military bases will be considered 'legitimate targets'.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it had completed a series of attacks against key regime infrastructure in Iran, targeting a weapons production site and a military base. "As part of the attacks, the Israel Defence Forces targeted sites used by security organs subordinate to the Iranian regime for the production and storage of weapons," the military said, citing Iranian military bases and weapons production and storage sites. "In parallel, the Israel Defence Forces struck an Iranian Ministry of Intelligence headquarters and the Internal Security Forces' emergency operations centre," the note continued.

Kuwait has filed a complaint with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regarding the dangerous disruption of airspace caused by the Iranian attacks, according to the country's Civil Aviation Authority. The complaint, reported by the Guardian, states that 'the Iranian attacks constitute a clear breach of international conventions, exposing passenger safety to serious risks'.

Donald Trump's envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are creating a team to negotiate with Iran at the president's behest. They report this to Axios. There has been no direct contact between the US and Iran in the last few days, but Egypt, Qatar and the United Kingdom have been acting as conduits for the exchange of messages, the sources point out. Egypt and Qatar have informed the US and Israel that Iran is interested in starting negotiations, albeit under strict conditions. For their part, the US has set six conditions, from halting the missile programme for five years to stopping uranium enrichment altogether

Israel said it began striking Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon shortly after receiving orders to destroy bridges used by the Iran-backed militant group over the Litani River. "The Israel Defence Forces have initiated a large wave of attacks against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation's infrastructure in southern Lebanon," the Israeli military said.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed measures to end the war between Iran, the US, and Israel with his Iranian and Egyptian counterparts, as well as US and EU officials, according to a Turkish diplomatic source on Sunday. The source reported that Fidan held separate telephone talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and US officials, without providing further details.

The Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, is currently visiting the site hit last night by a missile with a 450-kilogram explosive warhead over Arad, in the south of the country, where some 175 civilians were injured. "The Iranian regime intentionally strikes population centres to pressure the Israeli population to end the war. But this will not happen. The Israeli population's front is strong,' Katz said.

"The war in the Middle East has entered a dangerous phase with attacks reportedly targeting the Natanz enrichment complex in Iran and the Israeli city of Dimona, where a nuclear site is located". This was written on X by the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, calling on 'all parties to exercise the utmost military caution and avoid any action that could cause nuclear accidents. Leaders must prioritise de-escalation and the protection of civilians. Peace is the best medicine,' he concluded.

"With Iran dead, America's greatest enemy is the radical leftist and highly incompetent Democratic Party!" writes Donald Trump on Truth.

The world's 20 largest listed airlines have lost some $53 billion in value since the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran, which began on 28 February. The Financial Times writes this, according to which the airline industry is experiencing its worst crisis since the Covid-19 pandemic, as the war has caused disruptions at hub airports in the Gulf and halted flights. The newspaper also points out that companies are worried about a possible fuel shortage. Aircraft propellant, called jet fuel, has doubled since the beginning of the war, with the risk of price increases.

"If everyone had been in the shelters there would have been no injuries". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this on a visit to Arad this morning, adding: 'All the people are at the front in this battle. We are dealing a heavy blow to the enemy and we continue to strike. Please brothers and sisters enter the protected spaces." Please brothers and sisters enter the protected spaces." As many as 175 people were injured last night in Iranian attacks on the southern Israeli cities of Dimona and Arad, 11 of them seriously, after Israeli air defence failed to intercept Iranian ballistic missiles.

The safest city in the world, that financial hub built on parched oil fields to breathe new life into a strip of desert with no appeal, is now a desolate, semi-abandoned metropolis with the lights of its many skyscrapers turned off.

Nine Hezbollah militiamen were killed by Israeli troops and drone attacks in southern Lebanon. This was reported by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), according to which the troops opened fire after seeing Hezbollah gunmen approaching Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. After the Israeli soldiers fired, the air force carried out air strikes "eliminating the terrorists", the IDF said in a note.

'We have systems and defences in place that ensure the security of the UK, and that will continue to be the case'. Housing Minister Steve Reed said this when commenting on Sky News on reports that Iran possesses missiles potentially capable of reaching the UK. Israel claimed overnight that Iran possesses weapons capable of reaching many European capitals. Reed would not comment on Iran's specific capabilities. Regarding the war with Iran in general, however, Reed reiterated the government's position: 'We have not gone to war. We will not be drawn into this conflict, but we will take the necessary defensive measures to protect British interests, the British people and our allies in the region'.

The Israeli army stated that Iran has launched over 400 ballistic missiles against Israel since the beginning of the war in the Middle East, intercepting about 92% of them. "Iran has launched over 400 ballistic missiles. We have had a very good interception rate. We have a success rate of about 92%,' Israeli army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani was quoted as saying by Israeli media. On Saturday, Iranian missiles hit two cities in southern Israel, injuring at least 175 people.

The Iranian army reported that an 'enemy F-15 aircraft', which had come too close to Iran's southern coast near the island of Hormuz, was intercepted by the army's air defence force. According to the BBC, the Iranian army claims to have targeted the F-15 'after intercepting it and launching a missile'. According to the state news agency Irna, 'the army's air defence ground-to-air systems' hit the plane. According to the Iranian military, 'an investigation to obtain information on the fate of the fighter jet has been initiated and is still ongoing'.

The IDF and the Shin Bet eliminated Walid Mohammed Deeb, a senior official of the Hamas financial apparatus in Lebanon. The Israeli Armed Forces announced this on X. Deeb, the military explained, "was responsible for transferring funds to various Hamas departments in Judea and Samaria (West Bank, ed.), Lebanon, and other countries. In addition, he was in charge of recruiting militants and directing terrorist activities from Syria and Lebanon'.

Fifteen people were injured, most of them slightly, in the Iranian missile attack that hit central Israel this morning. Israeli media reported this, citing rescuers.

The Qatari Ministry of Defence releases the names of the victims of the helicopter crash in Gulf waters, among them an officer of the Qatar-Turkey Joint Forces and two Turkish citizens, civilian collaborators who were passengers in the helicopter. The other victims are soldiers of the Qatari armed forces. The search for another Qatari officer, one of the pilots of the helicopter, is still ongoing. "The Ministry of Defence extends its sincerest condolences to the families of the martyrs," reads a post on X.

They must not enter, ever. This time it would be the end. At night, teams of young men drive around the perimeter of the village, skirting the tobacco fields. Others patrol the narrow streets of the centre on foot. They know what they must do: prevent Hezbollah from infiltrating and hiding their weapons.

So far, the patrols have been effective. Only very few times have the militiamen of the Party of God tried. And when they did, they were repulsed. Father Toni, the village parish priest, still remembers well that day, when two Hezbollah men appeared on the ridge of the hill to plant two rocket launchers. He was warned by the volunteers, "our angels", as he calls them. He rushed in person to drive them out of the village. "I put my body in front. I had to defend my community, my children. We chased them several times. The hills are clear. Don't launch rockets from here."

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered the 'immediate destruction of all bridges over the Litani river used for terrorist activities, in order to prevent the passage of terrorists and Hezbollah weapons to the south'. The announcement of the order, given jointly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, comes after the IDF announced that they will bomb another bridge over the Litani river, 'due to Hezbollah activities and the transfer of terrorists to southern Lebanon, disguised as civilians'.

At least seven people were injured, one of them moderately, by the impact of a cluster munition in Tel Aviv, according to the Magen David Adom medical service, following the latest Iranian ballistic missile attack. This was reported by the Times of Israel. The Mda said it intervened following reports of several sites of cluster bomb impacts in and around Tel Aviv. It is not yet clear if there are injuries in other areas. The impact caused damage to several homes and roads.

Saudi Arabia expelled several staff members of the Iranian embassy, renewing its condemnation of the attacks launched by Iran 'which will lead to further escalation and have serious consequences for present and future relations'.

In a Foreign Ministry note, Riyadh announced that it had notified 'the military attaché of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Kingdom, the deputy military attaché and three mission staff members of their obligation to leave the Kingdom, declaring them persona non grata. They are required to leave the Kingdom within 24 hours'. For its part, the Saudi Defence Ministry reported that it had intercepted a missile launched towards Riyadh, while two others fell in unpopulated areas, and four drones launched towards the country's eastern province.

The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority has ordered the extension of the airspace closure to all flights for another 72 hours. Al Jazeera writes this. This morning, Iranian media reported a drone attack on a military base near Baghdad International Airport.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi had a telephone conversation to discuss the latest developments in the region on the occasion of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which marks the end of the month of Ramadan. This was written by the Iranian Mehr news agency. The two foreign ministers, the report says, "stressed the need for continuous dialogue between the two countries".

The Iranian army claims to have attacked Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport with a 'state-of-the-art Arash 2 drone'. The BBC reports. According to Iranian military spokesman Mohammad Akraminia, the drone has a range of 'about 2,000 kilometres' and 'thanks to its very low equivalent radar section, it is able to easily evade radar systems'. He also stated that the drone's flight range and capacity are high and that it 'has been successfully used in recent operations'.

Iran has set six conditions for ending the war with the US and Israel: a guarantee that the conflict will not be repeated, the closure of US military bases in the region, the payment of compensation to Iran, an end to the war against all regional groups affiliated with Iran, the implementation of a new legal regime for the Strait of Hormuz, and the prosecution and extradition of anti-Iranian media workers. This was reported by the Tasnim agency, an emanation of the Pasdaran

A Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarine has arrived in the Arabian Sea. This was reported by the Daily Mail, citing military sources, according to which the submarine left the port of Perth, Australia, on 6 March and is now believed to be positioning itself in the northern part of the Arabian Sea, near the Strait of Hormuz. The HMS Anson submarine is equipped with Tomahawk Block IV missiles with a range of 1,600 kilometres and heavy Spearfish torpedoes.

Iranian MP Alaeddin Boroujrrdi claimed on state television that some ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz are subject to a '$2 million tax' imposed by Iran. This was reported by the BBC, pointing out that they could not independently verify the Iranian MP's claim about the toll. Boroujrrdi stated that a 'new regime of government' is being imposed in the Strait and that 'the war has a cost', adding that this demonstrates 'the authority and right enjoyed by the Islamic Republic of Iran'.

Eight overnight attacks targeted a US diplomatic and logistics centre at Baghdad International Airport. This was reported by an Iraqi security official, pointing out that the attacks, 'carried out until dawn using rockets and drones, targeted the US centre', and that 'some rockets fell near the base'. A police source reported that a rocket launcher was found in a Baghdad neighbourhood near the airport

Hezbollah claims to have attacked Israeli soldiers in Misgav Am, northern Israel. According to rescuers, a rocket fired from Lebanon killed one person. In a statement, the group said its fighters targeted 'an assemblage of enemy Israeli soldiers' in Misgav Am 'with a rocket fire', one of a series of attacks claimed against Israeli troops in northern Israel and southern Lebanon. This is the first Israeli casualty caused by rocket fire from Lebanon since clashes with Hezbollah began on 2 March.

A total of 175 people were injured last night in the Iranian attacks on the southern Israeli cities of Dimona and Arad, 11 of them seriously, doctors reported, after the Israeli air defence failed to intercept at least two ballistic missiles. Israeli media reported this. The Soroka Medical Centre reported that 115 people were injured in Arad, nine of them in serious condition. Among the wounded was a five-year-old girl, writes the Times of Israel. In Dimona, on the other hand, 60 people were injured, including a 12-year-old boy in serious condition, Ynet adds. Following the attacks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defence Forces, General Eyal Zamir, pledged to continue fighting Israel's enemies on "all fronts". The IDF then stated that the Air Force is conducting a series of attacks on Tehran, targeting the Iranian regime's infrastructure. Iranian state media claimed yesterday that the attacks were directed against the Israeli nuclear research centre, located about 10 kilometres from Dimona and 30 kilometres from Arad, in retaliation for an alleged US attack against the uranium enrichment plant in Natanz.

Iran said it was ready to cooperate with the International Maritime Organisation to improve maritime security and protect seafarers in the Gulf, Iran's representative to the UN agency said. Ali Mousavi said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all ships except those linked to "Iran's enemies," adding that passage through the channel is possible due to the coordination of security measures with Tehran, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency quoted by Al Jazeera. "Diplomacy remains Iran's priority. However, a complete cessation of aggression, as well as mutual trust, are even more important,' Mousavi said, adding that Israeli and US attacks on Iran are at the 'root of the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz'.

In a short note circulated via the Telegram channel, the Israeli Defence Forces announced that attacks were underway 'against Iranian regime targets in the heart of Tehran'.

The Iranian army has announced that it will target energy facilities and water desalination plants in the region if Donald Trump carries out his threats to destroy Iranian power plants. 'If Iran's oil and energy infrastructure is attacked by the enemy,' army operations command spokesman Khatam al-Anbiya tells Fars, 'all energy, IT and water desalination facilities belonging to the US and the regime in the region will be targeted'.

"If Iran does not fully open, without threat, the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours from this very moment, the United States will strike and annihilate their various power plants, starting with the largest!" This is Donald Trump's ultimatum to Tehran entrusted in a post on Truth.