DANYA SAPERSTEIN

Trump and Starmer's conversation comes days after the UK authorized the US to use British military bases to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

This would be the first time Iran has hit a US aircraft in the war. Both the US and Israel are using F-35s, which are fifth-generation stealth jets costing upwards of $100 million.

Despite Hegseth's claims, US General Dan Caine did note that Iran still maintained "some capability" of launching strikes across the Gulf during the briefing. 

While the security forces have been weakened by US and Israeli attacks, Iranians say that they are still exercising strict control over the cities, especially at night.

Sa'ar emphasized the danger of this piracy by comparing the activity to that of the Houthis in the Red Sea in the past, suggesting that “it might become like a new practice of mad regimes."

Two explosive drones targeted the US embassy in Baghdad, with one landing near the embassy, according to security sources early Tuesday morning. Smoke was seen rising from the area.

US and Iranian representatives have reportedly re-established contact, according to Axios.

Other ships are free to pass, although many prefer not to due to “security concerns,” which Araghchi claimed have nothing to do with Iran.

Two sanctioned Iranian vessels departed a Chinese chemical port carrying what experts say may be sodium perchlorate, a key missile fuel ingredient, raising questions about Beijing’s Tehran relations.

The State Department claims to have directly assisted over 19,000 Americans abroad with security guidance and travel assistance through its 24/7 Task Force