Iran warns of false-flag operations in call with Turkey

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States will ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open and warned NATO may need to be re-examined after some allies denied airspace and basing access.

“The Strait of Hormuz will be open. When this operation is over, it will be open, and it’ll be open one way or another,” Rubio said in an interview with Al Jazeera.

“It will be open because Iran agrees to abide by international law... Or a coalition of nations... will make sure that it’s open. One way or the other, it’s going to be open,” he added.

Rubio said US objectives include weakening Iran’s military capabilities, including its air force, navy and missile systems, and reducing its ability to produce drones and weapons.

He also criticized NATO allies over restrictions on US operations, saying, “We have countries like Spain... denying us the use of their airspace and bragging about it.”

“If NATO is just about us defending Europe... but them denying us basing rights when we need them, that’s not a very good arrangement,” he said, adding the alliance “is going to have to be re-examined.”

European Council President Antonio Costa said on Tuesday he had a phone call with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian in which he urged de-escalation and the protection of civilians and infrastructure amid the war.

Costa said he called on Iran to stop attacks on countries in the region and stressed the need for all parties to fully respect international law.

He also urged Iran to engage with the United Nations to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump urged countries facing jet fuel shortages due to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz to secure supplies themselves, while criticizing the United Kingdom’s stance on the conflict with Iran.

“All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the US, we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT,” Trump said on Truth Social.

“You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the USA won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!” he added.

The sources said the detainees had worked with financial entities tied to the Islamic Republic, including companies linked to the Guards, helping transfer funds on their behalf.

They said companies linked to those arrested were shut down and their offices closed.

UAE authorities also summoned some other money changers and told them to leave the country, the sources said.

The development follows earlier measures targeting Iranian nationals in the UAE. In recent days, some Iranian residents outside the country found their residency visas revoked before returning, preventing re-entry, according to accounts received by Iran International on Saturday.

Several affected individuals said the cancellations were carried out without prior notice. One Iranian resident said that after traveling to India with his family following the outbreak of war, he discovered his residency had been revoked, while his non-Iranian family members were still allowed to return to the UAE.

Earlier reports had also pointed to the cancellation of tourist visas for Iranian nationals traveling to the country.

Israel’s military said it carried out another wave of strikes overnight on weapons production sites in Tehran, targeting facilities linked to missile and advanced arms development.

The military said the targets included a plant used to produce and fill ballistic missile warheads, as well as research and production sites for missile components and other weapons.

It added that Israeli forces also continued to hit air defense systems in Tehran, including launch sites and anti-aircraft positions.