⚠️ U.S. ENFORCES NAVAL BLOCKADE ON IRAN AS TRUMP THREATENS TO ELIMINATE APPROACHING VESSELS, IRGC ISSUES WARNING, AND DIPLOMATIC GAPS REMAIN WITH TEHRAN
⚓ U.S. NAVAL BLOCKADE AND FORCE POSTURE: The U.S. naval blockade of Iran has taken effect, with significant naval assets deployed. A US official told The Wall Street Journal: "More than 15 warships are supporting the U.S. blockade of Iran".
The USS George HW Bush aircraft carrier has reportedly entered the Mediterranean Sea through the Strait of Gibraltar heading east.
‼️ TRUMP STATEMENTS AND DIRECT THREATS: President Trump highlighted increased maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. "34 ships went through the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, which is by far the highest number since this foolish closure began".
He also issued a direct warning regarding Iranian naval activity. "Iran's Navy is laying at the bottom of the sea, completely obliterated — 158 ships. What we have not hit are their small number of, what they call, 'fast attack ships', because we did not consider them much of a threat. Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our blockade, they will be immediately eliminated, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at sea".
♟️ U.S. ASSESSMENT OF IRANIAN RESPONSE: U.S. officials signaled low expectations of immediate escalation at sea. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said: "The Iranians may start firing, but this is not wise".
A US official told The Wall Street Journal: "The likelihood of Iran firing on U.S. ships is low due to the damage to its capabilities".
🗣️ IRGC WARNING: The IRGC signaled potential escalation if hostilities resume. "If the war resumes, we will reveal capabilities that the enemy has no idea about. We will reveal combat methods that the enemy will not have a great ability to counter".
🔸 DIPLOMATIC CHANNELS AND CEASEFIRE STATUS: U.S. officials are still pursuing diplomatic engagement alongside military pressure. A source told CNN: "US officials are looking to hold a second direct meeting with the Iranians before the end of the ceasefire".
Sources told The Israeli Broadcasting Authority: "The US has informed Israel that the gaps with Iran are significant. The path to reaching an agreement between Washington and Tehran is not yet closed".
⚔ HEZBOLLAH RESPONSE IN LEBANON: Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem rejected cooperation with Israeli or U.S.-aligned pressure on Lebanon. "It is unjustifiable for the state of Lebanon to be a tool for implementing what Israel wants by pressuring the resistance".
He said the Lebanese Army would not act against Hezbollah. "The Lebanese Army will not do what is expected of it, which is to fight against the people".
Qassem rejected negotiations with Israel and called for their cancellation. "We reject negotiations with the Israeli entity, as they are futile and require a Lebanese agreement and consensus". "We call for the cancellation of negotiations with Israel".
He also urged Lebanese authorities not to abandon Hezbollah’s position. "The Lebanese authorities should not renounce resistance and should not implement what America and Israel want".
Qassem warned that Hezbollah would continue its stance on the ground. "We will let the field speak". "We will not surrender and will remain in the field. Anyone who wants to surrender can go it alone".
He framed the conflict in broader regional terms. "This is Lebanon's war against the Israeli-American enemy, and it's not the wars of others on our land". "Lebanon is targeted by the Greater Israel project. We believe in the sovereignty of our country and no one can impose on us how to govern it".
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