The Sky TG24 special on the war in Iran
War Iran USA, Trump: "Agree or destroy them". New tensions in Hormuz
The Trump administration is split on Iran. Vice President JD Vance is pushing for an end to the conflict, while Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and US Central Command number one Brad Cooper are pushing for a return to fighting. Trump says he is still undecided whether to attack Iran: "Deal or destroy them." New explosions were reported on Qeshm Island.
In Israel, meanwhile, President Herzog has decided to entrust the task of forming a new government to Gadi Eisenkot. The task will be entrusted tomorrow while Netanyahu calls for a government of national unity and Eisenkot responds by inviting him to abandon the extremists.
Iran's military says it is "stronger" than at the start of the Middle East war, declaring itself ready to respond to any attack "immediately" and "without geographical limits" following recent US threats.
During the night the tycoon admits to an attack lasting a few minutes on Qeshm island to destroy "a small anti-aircraft device".
Over 30 victims, including dead and injured, in a Saudi attack against a livestock market in Taiz, Yemen.
There are six Italians among the 14 international volunteers arrested in the West Bank while helping Palestinians harvest olives. In the group of compatriots, 4 activists and 2 journalists, also Giorgia Lombardi, municipal councilor of La Spezia. Expulsion procedures are scheduled for today.
Ukmto: "Reported accident between cargo ship and military forces in the Gulf of Oman"
The British maritime agency Ukmto announced on At the time of reporting, there was no information on the conditions of the crew, the extent of the damage or any environmental impact. The authorities have been informed and the relevant investigations are underway. Vessels are recommended to take into account the latest information on maritime safety and to maintain a high level of attention on the evolving operational context, the post concludes.
Tehran: "Military apparatus is stronger than at the beginning of the war"
Iran says its military has strengthened since the start of the war with the United States, while mediators including Qatar are working to avoid a resumption of fighting after months of stalemate in the conflict. Washington also offered a $20 million reward for information regarding Tehran's nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Instagram that he had held telephone conversations in the last 48 hours with ministers from 12 different countries.
Media Iran: "Two explosions heard on Qeshm island"
At least two strong explosions were felt on the Iranian island of Qeshm, in the Strait of Hormuz. This was reported by the Tasnim news agency.
War in Iran and Hormuz blockade, Europe spent 127 billion more on energy costs
The alarm came from the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen who spoke at the WinWin Brussels Summit dedicated to startups
Marina Pasdaran: "Two oil tankers hit mines near the Strait of Hormuz"
The Revolutionary Guard Navy reported at 9.12pm (GMT) that two oil tankers hit mines near the Strait of Hormuz. This is what 'Al Jazeera' reports, citing Iranian state television. According to the Pasdaran navy, the two tankers passed through an "unsafe" part of the Strait of Hormuz with their navigation systems turned off and "suffered heavy damage and stopped after hitting sea mines".
Hormuz, Centcom: "Ship hit and immobilized in the Gulf of Oman"
The forces of the United States Central Command (Centcom) "immobilized a merchant ship in the Gulf of Oman on November 7, after the ship's civilian crew ignored repeated warnings and attempted several times to violate the naval blockade against Iran", announced from Tampa the US Command which coordinates the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. A U.S. military aircraft fired precision munitions into the stern of the St. Kitts-flagged M/V Huda, rendering it inoperable after Centcom forces ordered the crew to abandon the target areas. "The merchant vessel had attempted to leave regional territorial waters after calling at an Iranian port. Centcom continues to strictly enforce the US naval blockade against Iran. Enforcement actions taken since July have led US forces to divert 147 commercial vessels that had complied with the blockade and immobilize five merchant vessels that had refused to obey. "In addition, Centcom has already destroyed 10 other Iranian commercial oil tankers that were part of the multibillion-dollar clandestine network of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. All seafarers transiting near Iranian coastal areas or surrounding waters are advised to heed blockade warnings issued by US forces."
War in Ukraine and Iran, what could change after Trump's defeat in the midterms
The victory of the Democratic Party and the conquest of the majority in Congress in the midterm elections opens a new chapter for Donald Trump. From European capitals to Beijing, from Moscow to Tehran, questions are being asked about how much the new structure will affect the White House's foreign policy. The U.S. Constitution blurs the lines between President and Congress: The Oval Office commands the military, but Capitol Hill holds the key to the budget.
Media Iran, explosions on the island of Qeshm
Explosions were heard on the Iranian island of Qeshm in the Persian Gulf, Iranian state news agency IRNA reported. No information was immediately provided about the causes of the explosions or any casualties.
Israel: demonstration in Tel Aviv against Shin Bet chief: "New government remove Zini"
About 200 people demonstrated in Tel Aviv's Habima Square against Shin Bet chief David Zini, accusing him of pandering to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by investigating allegations of foreign interference in last week's Knesset elections. Several protesters called for the formation of a new government that would oust Netanyahu and remove Zini from office. Eli Bechar, former prosecutor general of the Shin Bet, said that Zini's continued leadership of the intelligence agency responsible for internal security represents "a danger to Israeli democracy". During the demonstration, 'The Times of Israel' reports, the former head of the Shin Bet Ami Ayalon also spoke, with a speech similar to a civic education lesson. Ayalon also confirmed Haaretz newspaper reports on Thursday that he had met with Zini this week after being invited to advise on the investigation into alleged election interference. Ayalon, who has criticized Zini in the past, called the invitation a "courageous" gesture and "perhaps a small step towards overcoming" their differences. The former leader, however, implied that Zini is influenced by Netanyahu and that the electoral investigation is in conflict with the Shin Bet's task of protecting "the democratic rule of law" in Israel. "The head of the Shin Bet is at the service of Israeli democracy. Not of those who govern,” Ayalon said.
The Italians arrested in the West Bank have been expelled and will arrive at Venice airport tomorrow morning
"The six Italians arrested while picking olives 20 km from Ramallah have been expelled and will arrive tomorrow at 9.15am at Venice airport." This was announced by Europa Verde co-spokesman Angelo Bonelli, MP for Avs, to whom the Italian ambassador in Tel Aviv communicated the news. "Collecting olives is a crime for the Israeli army which protects violent and murderous settlers. What is happening in Gaza as in the West Bank are crimes against humanity which take place in the complicit silence of Europe and the Italian government which opposes sanctions on Israel. The six Italians will leave El Al tomorrow morning at 06.25."
Israel, Herzog will entrust Eisenkot with the task of forming the new government tomorrow
President Isaac Herzog has invited party leader Yashar to the presidential residence, where he will officially award him his post on Sunday at 5 pm. Netanyahu has called on the parties of the so-called "block of change" to form a national unity government with the parties of his outgoing coalition. “If the Likud and its allies show interest in a broad coalition government, they are welcome to publicly announce the breaking of their alliance with the extremists,” Yashar replied
Israel, Eisenkot's party invites Likud to unity government
Yashar, the party led by Gadi Eisenkot - which should be given the task of forming the next Israeli government tomorrow - has invited the allies of Likud, the party of incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to join its coalition. “If the Likud and its allies are suddenly interested in 'unity' and a large government, they are more than welcome to publicly announce the dissolution of their alliance with the extremists... and their willingness to join a government led by PM Eisenkot,” Yashar wrote on X, shortly after Netanyahu called for the formation of a unity government in a video message.
Netanyahu calls for 'national unity' government
Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu has called on the parties of the so-called bloc of change to form a government of national unity with the parties of his outgoing coalition and issued grave warnings, saying that a government formed with Arab parties, which he called "supporters of terrorism", would destroy the country. The Times of Israel reports it. The statement comes on the eve of Israeli President Isaac Herzog's announcement of who will be in charge of forming the next government following last week's vote; Netanyahu's opponents are increasingly optimistic about the possibility of ousting the country's longest-serving prime minister. While calling for unity, Netanyahu said that such a government should include all of his allies from the previous coalition, namely the ultranationalist factions of Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit, the ultra-Orthodox parties and the Likud.
Iran, Rezaei to Trump: you lost the war and the elections
"You lost the war and the election. Vance has conceded defeat, Rubio is heading for the exit, Hegseth is about to be fired, and the commander of CENTCOM is now a podcaster!" the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran Mosehn Rezaei jokes about X. "So, who exactly in Washington do we need to convince of this message? Start a war, and you will face a devastating response"
Media, 'Miller in favor of arresting journalists'
Stephen Miller, Donald Trump's new chief of staff, is in favor of arresting journalists who do not reveal their sources in the government. The Atlantic reports this, noting how Miller's position is in stark contrast to that of Susie Wiles, who rejected the Justice Department's idea of using a strong fist, including arrests, in criminal investigations into leaks relating to national security. In the days leading up to the midterm elections, Trump complained of feeling bogged down by the war in Iran and inflation and noted that only Miller seemed capable of delivering concrete results. The defeat of the Republican Party strengthened Trump's position and pushed him to promote the loyalist. A choice that shows that he wants someone close by who will "break heads" and who "won't stop him", some sources told The Atlantic. Trump met with Wiles the day after the election and she offered to resign, but no decision had been made at that time. The turning point came on Thursday after pressure from the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Bill Pulte, a friend of Trump, and the pressure campaign of Miller's wife who, for weeks, pushed for his promotion.
Iran: media, US working on task force for land blockade
The US military is working to establish a task force aimed at implementing a land blockade of Iran, after months of naval blockade. The move comes as part of Washington's efforts to limit Tehran's transfer of advanced weapons systems and other sanctioned material across its land borders and the Caspian Sea. This is what Reuters revealed, citing a document from the US Central Command
