Real-time News

US President Trump: Iran is facing a major crisis.

US President Trump: Our primary goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

US President Trump: (Regarding the British Prime Minister) He faces immigration and energy issues.

US President Trump: (Regarding the British Prime Minister) I think he will open the North Sea.

US President Trump: Iran wants a deal, but they won't reach the kind of deal I think is necessary.

US President Trump: The South Korean president told me that he would rather not get involved in the Iran issue.

Turkish diplomatic sources say the Turkish Foreign Minister spoke by phone with the Iranian Foreign Minister to discuss efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz and extend the US-Iran ceasefire.

On August 18, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, commenting on Japanese statements regarding President Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup Island (known as Etorofu Island in Japan), told Russian media on the 17th that he suggested the Japanese leadership focus on domestic affairs rather than "attacking" Russia. Lavrov said that if Japan attempts to divert international attention from its "blatantly aggressive" military policies by criticizing Russia, then "I suggest they mind their own business; they have many domestic problems to solve." Lavrov stated that Japan is attempting to "rewrite" international law according to the wishes of its close ally, the United States. He added that Japan's attempts to evade historical responsibility for its crimes, coupled with its current efforts to expand the Self-Defense Forces' overseas activities by violating constitutional constraints, are "very worrying."

August 18th - A massive wildfire in eastern Belgium entered its fourth day on the 17th. Local emergency services stated that the fire has stopped spreading towards the German border, but it is not yet under control, and changing weather conditions could cause the fire to resurface.

The Federal Reserve accepted a total of $255 million from six counterparties in its fixed-rate reverse repurchase operations.

U.S. Energy Secretary Wright: (Regarding U.S. military operations in the Strait of Hormuz) The United States is shipping out 8 or 9 million barrels of oil per day.

Iraqi Prime Minister: We will announce to the public the results of our investigation into the attack on the office of the head of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Canadian Prime Minister Carney: We will have the opportunity to discuss the progress of the negotiations in more detail in the next 48 hours.

U.S. Energy Secretary Wright: (Regarding Iran) The U.S. is pursuing a long-term strategy.

U.S. Energy Secretary Wright: We will continue to enhance our ability to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Canadian Prime Minister Carney: He expects to speak with US President Trump before the tariff deadline on August 19th, local time.

The Yemeni military has used artillery fire in the southwestern province of Taiz to strike a Houthi tank, a military vehicle, and six patrol points.

On August 18th, according to Iran's Press TV, an Arab diplomat stated that US President Trump's "reckless" decisions and his "condescending" attitude towards regional allies have sparked widespread discontent, exacerbating the trust crisis between Washington and key regional countries. In an interview, the source explained that regional countries have realized that Washington has not only failed in its military confrontation with Iran but also lacks the ability and confidence to reach a diplomatic understanding with Tehran. The source further pointed out that this reality has led some regional countries to increasingly believe that they must take urgent action to resolve their issues with Iran through bilateral negotiations, rather than relying on US decisions.

U.S. Central Command: As of August 17, it had forced 64 merchant ships to change course, rendered 3 ships inoperable, and boarded and inspected 2 ships to ensure they were in compliance with requirements.