A US blockade of Iran’s ports takes effect – Donald Trump said it would begin at 10:00 ET (14:00 GMT/15:00 BST).
Speaking at the White House, the US president said Iran wants a deal “very badly” and he was called this morning “by the appropriate people” seeking an agreement.
In a social media post, Trump warned any Iranian “fast attack ships” caught trying to approach the blockade “will be immediately ELIMINATED.”
Earlier, Iran’s parliament speaker said the country would not “surrender under threats” – there has been no response to Trump’s latest remarks.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued an advisory, saying ships in the area may encounter a “military presence” and “right-of-visit procedures during passage.”
Meanwhile, the Pope has responded to criticism levelled at him by Trump, saying he has “no intention to debate” the war with the US president – Trump had accused the pontiff of being “terrible for foreign policy.”
Weekend peace talks between the US and Iran ended without a deal – Trump says they failed because Iran wouldn’t “give up its nuclear ambitions”; Iran’s foreign minister blames “shifting goalposts” from the US.–BBC
