Donald Trump has responded to Friedrich Merz’s comments regarding Iran’s actions towards the US. Trump criticized Merz on Truth Social, stating that Merz lacks understanding and warned of the global repercussions if Iran were to possess nuclear weapons.
Germany’s leader accused Iran of humiliating the US by involving American envoys in fruitless peace discussions in Pakistan. Trump asserted that King Charles of Britain concurs with him on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Iran’s Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, urged the UN Security Council to enforce measures compelling Israel to uphold the ceasefire in Lebanon fully. The US Central Command reported that US Marines boarded a commercial vessel suspected of heading to Iran in violation of the US blockade but released it after ensuring no Iranian port visits were planned.
The US military boarded another commercial ship during the blockade of Iranian ports, with this vessel being allowed to continue its journey unlike previous cases. The US aims to pressure Iran amid the ceasefire in the war, especially due to the impact of Iran’s actions in the crucial Strait of Hormuz on global energy supplies.
Rachel Reeves emphasized the need for targeted support for households affected by the Iran war fallout to prevent interest rate rises. At a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, key officials discussed the economic impacts of the war and the necessity of measured interventions.
The UK’s ambassador to the US remarked that America’s only notable “special relationship” is likely with Israel, which could strain relations amid tensions over the Iran war. However, the Foreign Office clarified that the ambassador’s comments did not reflect the UK government’s official stance.
In other developments related to the conflict, the UAE announced its withdrawal from OPEC to enhance its oil production capacity. Additionally, ongoing discussions between Iran and the US regarding the Strait of Hormuz have not led to a resolution, impacting global oil prices significantly.
