🇮🇷⚡️🇺🇸🇮🇱 An Iranian security and political source for Al-Mayadeen:

An Iranian political-security source told Al Mayadeen that the overall framing of current developments, particularly Trump’s five-day deadline, amounts to a new form of deception accompanied by a shift in tactics.

According to the source, on the eighteenth day of the war, US War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir pushed for what was described as a “major strike” against Iran as a way out of the ongoing stalemate. Trump reportedly adopted this idea and signaled it by threatening Iran’s energy infrastructure and central power stations.

However, after receiving a firm Iranian response, warning of immediate retaliation against all energy sources in countries hosting or supporting US aggression, Trump backed down. This, the source said, heightened concerns among the far-right in "Israel", who viewed the move as a betrayal and feared Trump might abruptly end the war while declaring a symbolic US victory.

The source added that there are indications Vice President J.D. Vance’s team and CIA Director John Ratcliffe are working to sideline Benjamin Netanyahu from Trump’s inner decision-making circle. At the same time, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reportedly coordinating closely with Netanyahu, with both sides strongly advocating for what they call a final, decisive military strike as the only path to ending the war in victory.

From the outset, the source noted, the CIA has pushed for decisions based on realistic assessments and verified intelligence about Iran’s internal situation, rather than assumptions or wishful thinking.

The source stressed that the Islamic Republic remains determined, under all scenarios, to ensure that Washington understands this must be its last war against Iran and to prevent Trump from claiming any form of victory. Given the possibility of deception or sudden moves by adversaries, Iran is focusing on preparing for a comprehensive, large-scale confrontation while continuously studying all potential war scenarios to contain any unexpected escalation or surprise attack.

❗️Iran should withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), — Tasnim

🇱🇧❌ Hezbollah has fired more than 100 missiles into occupied Palestine today, excluding dozens of missiles fired at Zionist soldiers in south Lebanon - enemy army spox

🧐 Finally, Hezballah using FPV drones.

The Isrealis will be wiped out.

Hezbollah released footage of the destruction of several Israeli Merkava tanks.

🇮🇱 Zionist "i24news":

"Increasing evacuations from northern settlements and a loss of trust in the government amid escalating bombings and fears of a collapse of civilian life at the border"

Zelensky arrives in Saudi Arabia for 'important meetings'

'Stand with those who are ready to work with us for security'

🇮🇷⚡️🇺🇸 Araghchi's advice to hotel owners in the Gulf countries. Do not provide accommodation services to military personnel who may endanger the safety of other customers

⚡️#BREAKING Hezbollah publishes first official video of an FPV drone targeting of a Merkava tank belonging to the Israeli army at the newly established Markaba site in southern Lebanon

🇱🇧🔥🔫 Hezbollah blasted 4 more tanks in Qantara with FPV drones

🇱🇧⚔️🇮🇱🔻Hezbollah fired an anti-tank missile at a tank operating under the Golani Brigade. One soldier was killed, four others were lightly injured.

Iraqi oil exports drop by 80 percent amid US-Israeli war on Iran: Report

Baghdad has issued letters to foreign energy firms to reduce production as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed

❗️Journalist Jeremy Scahill reports that an Iranian official confirmed Tehran has already conveyed its terms for ending the US-Israeli war through intermediaries, while the US has yet to respond. The official warned that Washington appears to be choosing escalation instead of de-escalation. According to Scahill, this account directly undercuts repeated claims by US President Donald Trump that Iran is seeking talks from a position of weakness.

Scahill added that there are no direct negotiations currently underway between Tehran and Washington, with all communication taking place via third parties. He noted that it is "Trump's emissaries who have repeatedly been asking for talks."