Anti-aircraft defense systems came into action last night against small planes and drones in the sky over Tehran, Iranian media reported. The air defense systems were activated “to counter small drones and reconnaissance drones”.
“The noise of the anti-aircraft defense stopped after about 20 minutes of activity and response to small drones,” reported the Tasnim and Fars news agencies, specifying that Tehran was back to a “normal situation”.
Israel could “have to act again”
The Israeli army announced the death “in combat” of one of its soldiers in southern Lebanon, the fourth since the ceasefire with the pro-Iranian Hezbollah came into effect on April 17. Another soldier was injured.
Israeli Defense Minister Israël Katz stated that his country might “have to act again” against Iran so it does not “become a threat to Israel again.”
Lebanon: at least fifteen dead, including two children, in Israeli strikes
New Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon on Thursday killed at least fifteen people, including two children, despite the ceasefire, the Health Ministry announced.
The Lebanese army also reported that one of its soldiers and “several members of his family” were killed in a strike on their home in the Nabatiye region (south).
US Embassy in Beirut calls for Aoun-Netanyahu meeting
The US Embassy in Beirut has called for a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Lebanon is at a turning point. Its people have the historic opportunity to take back control of their country and shape their future as a truly sovereign and independent nation,” the embassy said on X.
US suffered a “shameful defeat,” says Iranian supreme leader
The United States suffered a “shameful defeat,” according to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in a message relayed by state television, two months after the start of the war.
“Two months after the largest military deployment and aggression led by the tyrants of this world in the region, and after the shameful defeat of the United States, a new chapter is opening up” for the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, the leader declared.
Iranian president denounces American naval blockade
Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian has described the American blockade of his country’s ports as a prolongation of military operations.
“What is done under the guise of a naval blockade is a continuation of military operations against a country paying the price for its resistance and independence,” Mr. Pezeshkian stated on X, adding that the continuation of this measure is “intolerable.”
Iran will play its World Cup matches in the US
FIFA President Gianni Infantino reaffirmed that Iran would participate in the 2026 World Cup and would play its three group stage matches in the United States as planned. Donald Trump said he was “OK” with Iran playing on American soil.
Oil prices drop once again
Oil prices ended lower on Thursday after a sharp rise at the beginning of the session, signaling market nervousness as the war continues in the Middle East.
The West Texas Intermediate barrel fell by 1.69% to $105.07. The North Sea Brent lost 3.41% to $114.01. Earlier in the session, it had climbed to $126.41, its highest since the start of the war in Ukraine.
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