Overview
- U.S. officials say the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is now in the Middle East as Air Forces Central launches a multi‑day readiness exercise to demonstrate regional combat airpower.
- President Trump wrote on Truth Social that a “massive armada” is moving toward Iran and warned any follow‑up to last June’s Operation Midnight Hammer would be “far worse” if Tehran refuses a nuclear deal.
- A senior U.S. official said Washington is “open for business” for talks if Iran reaches out and accepts known terms.
- Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said there has been no recent direct contact with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and that talks cannot proceed while threats persist.
- Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have signaled they will not allow their airspace or territory to be used for U.S. strikes, as rights groups report thousands killed in Iran’s protest crackdown under an internet blackout.