The coming days will be decisive for the outcome of the war in Iran, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday, warning Tehran that the conflict could escalate if no agreement is reached. Washington has proposed a 15-point plan through intermediaries. These new American threats follow Iran’s attack on a Kuwaiti-flagged oil tanker carrying crude off the coast of Dubai, causing a fire on the ship. Tehran has launched a series of strikes on merchant ships in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz in response to military operations by the United States and Israel on February 28. The de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil transit, has caused global oil prices to skyrocket, leading to increased efforts by countries to protect their economies. Having previously blamed NATO countries for not aiding in the reopening of Hormuz, Donald Trump on Tuesday turned his criticism towards European countries, including France, accusing them of preventing the U.S. from using their airspace to transport American arms for the war. The Elysee Palace expressed surprise at the message published by the American president on social media, emphasizing that Paris has not changed its position since the beginning of the conflict. Accusing France of actively obstructing the transfer of ammunition to Israel, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced that it would cease procuring military equipment from France. Meanwhile, Israel continues its military operations in Iran and Lebanon, invading the south of Lebanon denouncing attacks by Hezbollah. Three UN peacekeepers from the Interim Force in Lebanon (Finul) were killed in two separate explosions, with the source of the blasts remaining unconfirmed. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated the state’s intention to destroy homes in villages near the border with Lebanon and establish a “security zone” up to the Litani River, reviving memories of the illegal occupation of South Lebanon between 1982 and 2000. A minister called for the annexation of the territory to make the Litani the northern border of Israel. Several European countries call in a joint declaration for “direct political negotiations” between Lebanon and Israel to progress towards a lasting end to the conflict. CONTEXT: – Tensions escalate between the U.S., Israel, Iran, and other involved countries – Military conflicts, naval attacks, and diplomatic actions between nations in the Middle East FACT CHECK: – Increased U.S. threats towards Iran following attacks on ships and escalating military operations – European countries criticized by U.S. President Trump for their role in the conflict – Israel intensifies military activities in Iran and Lebanon, leading to casualties and calls for annexation of territory.
