Washington: US President Donald Trump announced that the United States is nearing the fulfillment of its military objectives in Iran and is contemplating reducing its military presence in the Middle East. Trump emphasized that the responsibility of guarding the Strait of Hormuz should fall on the nations that heavily rely on it for oil transportation, rather than the US. However, he assured that the US would assist if requested.

According to Anadolu Agency, the UK has agreed to expand US access to British bases for operations aimed at neutralizing Iranian missile threats in the Strait of Hormuz. Downing Street confirmed that the arrangement includes US defensive measures to target missile sites used to attack shipping lanes in the region.

Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, asserted that Iran's defense capabilities are underestimated by its adversaries. Khamenei accused opponents of misjudging Iran's strength and alleged that attempts to instill fear through the assassination of leaders would not lead to political collapse. Instead, he claimed that Iranians have established a comprehensive defense line across the nation, thwarting such plans.