While regional leaders scramble to find a diplomatic exit to war, major powers Israel, the United States, and Iran are redoubling their positions.
President Donald Trump has insisted that a deal with Iran is almost ready, despite Tehran’s warning that it would “rain bullets” on U.S. forces if Iran launches a ground invasion.
Here’s what you need to know on day 31.
What are the main headings?
U.S. demands: President Trump said Iran had had “very good talks, both directly and indirectly,” and had agreed to “most” of a list of 15 demands the U.S. made to end the war. He claimed that Iran had provided the US with “20 boatloads of oil” scheduled to be shipped on Monday to “prove that it is serious.”
Iran warns: Iran’s parliament speaker accuses the US of “secretly planning a ground invasion” while negotiations are on hold, and says Iranian forces are “waiting” for US troops. The USS Tripoli carrying 3,500 U.S. military personnel has arrived in the Middle East after CNN reported earlier this month that a Marine Expeditionary Force would be deployed. Such units have traditionally been used for missions requiring ship-to-land movement.
Iranian oil: In an interview with the Financial Times on Sunday, President Trump raised the possibility of the United States acquiring Iranian oil, saying it would be his “number one favorite.” He also told the FT that he was still considering whether to seize Iran’s Kharg Island, a key fuel hub, adding that US forces would likely need to remain there for an extended period of time.
Diplomatic efforts: Pakistan says it is ready to hold US-Iranian talks “in the coming days” after “very productive” talks with the leaders of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey to discuss efforts to de-escalate the war.
Iran claims: A senior Iranian security official told CNN that Tehran will decide when the war ends, pushing back on the US assessment that the conflict could end within weeks.
Energy costs: Oil prices rose following Iranian warnings of a US ground invasion, with Brent crude rising 2.47% to $107.92. Asian stocks fell on Monday.
REGIONAL STRIKES: An Iranian attack damaged a building and killed an Indian worker in Kuwait on Monday, Kuwait News Agency reported. Meanwhile, Israel said early Monday that it had intercepted two drones from Yemen, as Iran-backed Houthi rebels intervened for the first time since the conflict began. This comes after Israeli forces attacked the Iranian capital Tehran late on Sunday and claimed they were days away from hitting all targets in Iran that they labeled as “high priority.”
Lebanon border: Israel has moved further into southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces are engaged in a gunfight with Hezbollah. Israeli forces have occupied land south of the Litani River, and Lebanese civilians have been urged to evacuate the area. Human rights activists have warned that Israel’s destruction of river crossings will cut off a “vital lifeline” to tens of thousands of Lebanese residents.
US Aircraft Destroyed: An Iranian attack on a Saudi air base appears to have destroyed a vital US Air Force E-3 Sentry aircraft. Images of the destroyed aircraft began appearing on social media over the weekend, and CNN identified the location of the images as Prince Sultan Air Base. CNN previously reported that at least 10 U.S. military personnel were injured in the attack on the air base, with no deaths reported.
