Republican Senator Lindsey Graham labelled Pakistan’s potential mediation in the US Iran conflict “problematic” after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif said Islamabad does not support joining the Abraham Accords, which aim to normalise diplomatic, economic and security ties between Israel and several Arab states.
President Donald Trump moved Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting from Camp David to the White House because of forecast bad weather, and Fox News reported all Cabinet members are expected to attend, including outgoing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard; Trump announced the change on Truth Social.
US forces launched strikes in southern Iran targeting missile launch sites and boats alleged to be laying mines near the Strait of Hormuz. Washington described the actions as “defensive strikes”, while Tehran condemned them as a breach of the ceasefire and warned of retaliation.
Negotiators in Qatar are continuing discussions on a memorandum of understanding intended to halt the fighting and reopen shipping lanes; US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said talks could “take a few days”.
The conflict has triggered one of the biggest recent shocks to global oil supplies by disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the route for nearly one fifth of the world’s oil and LNG trade, and has pushed oil prices higher amid fears of prolonged disruption.
A Spiegel report said the Trump administration plans to reduce key US military assets available to NATO allies during a crisis — including fighter jets, bombers and warships — raising concern in Europe over Washington’s commitment to the alliance. Israel has also signalled stronger military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon.