EconoTicker

Washington—In a surprise post on Truth Social, former President Trump called on “everyone in Tehran” to evacuate immediately, warning that the urgency reflects Iran’s need to negotiate. CNN, citing a White House official, reported the message underscores U.S. pressure on Iran to come to the bargaining table. Critics argue that threatening 10 million residents is hardly a constructive invitation to talks.

A few hours ago at the G7 summit, President Trump told reporters he plans to “do domething” immediately after the meeting ends. He then surprised world leaders by leaving the summit early to fly back to the U.S. Fox News reports the National Security Council is convening in the Situation Room in preparation for his return.

Washington—Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth told Fox News that “what you are watching in real time is Peace through Strength and America First.” He emphasized that U.S. forces are “postured defensively in the region to be strong in pursuit of a peace deal,” underscoring America’s readiness to deter aggression while seeking diplomatic resolution.

Gulf of Oman—The NASA FIRMS live fire database has detected that three ships are on fire in the Gulf of Oman, just a few kilometers from the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The origin of the blazes remains under investigation, and regional maritime authorities have dispatched response teams to contain the fires and ensure the safety of surrounding vessels.

Haifa—Iran’s Oil Ministry, citing the Times of Israel, reports that Bazan Oil Refining Company has completely halted operations at its Haifa refinery following an Iranian missile attack. The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange says three people were killed in the strike. Bazan, Israel’s largest refinery—processing about 10 million tons (200,000 barrels) of crude annually—is one of the country’s oldest and most critical energy facilities, located in Haifa’s eastern industrial zone.

An institute named “Ghadirshenasi Pezhvak” has sparked outrage by publishing a poster with a bank account number, asking the public to send donations as sadaqah for the health of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Saeed Shahabadi, chairman of its board, was also seen alongside prominent cleric Alireza Panahian—affiliated with Khamenei’s office—in another organization called the “International Arba‘ein Foundation.”

Tehran—Israeli fighter jets struck a military base on the outskirts of Tehran overnight, targeting command centers and ammunition depots, Iranian state media reported. Loud explosions shook nearby suburbs, and emergency teams were deployed to assess the damage and tend to any casualties.

Tehran—The Israel Defense Forces released video showing drone strikes they say hit a group of Iranian soldiers and an accompanying vehicle en route to southern Tehran’s air defense positions. According to the IDF, the precision strikes were intended to disrupt an imminent counterattack.

Tehran—The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps yesterday released footage showing a vast underground facility stocked with hundreds of attack drones. IRGC commanders said the hidden arsenal underscores Iran’s preparedness to deter “any aggression,” with drones ranging from short-range tactical models to longer-endurance variants. State media broadcast the reveal as a warning to regional adversaries.

Tehran—The Israeli Air Force struck the Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) building, killing 18 employees. Despite the devastation, national TV and radio services have resumed broadcasting from the IRIB complex.

Tehran—Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told IRNA that “a significant portion of the enemy’s attacks are not military strikes but actions carried out with the help of internal agents,” urging citizens to report any suspicious activity immediately. He warned that Israel has even deployed hidden drones inside Iran. Over the weekend, Tehran also saw homemade bombings, vehicle explosions, and a major water-main rupture—events officials link to the same covert operations.

Tel Aviv—U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee reported that the Tel Aviv branch of the U.S. Embassy suffered minor damage when it was hit by an Iranian missile. No casualties were reported, and embassy operations continue from alternate facilities.