White House warns staff on prediction market bets amid Iran war - WSJ

US President Donald Trump on Thursday dismissed a Wall Street Journal report that he “declared premature victory” over Iran, calling the claim inaccurate and describing the outlet’s editorial board as “one of the worst and most inaccurate in the world.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said there was “nothing premature” about the situation, reiterating that Iran would “never have a nuclear weapon.”

The IRGC Navy said on Thursday that over the past two days of what it described as a “military silence period,” both “friend and foe” have understood that the management of the Strait of Hormuz has entered a new phase.

In a post on X, the force added: “By God’s permission, and thanks to God.”

The office of the Israeli prime minister said on Thursday remarks by Pakistan’s defense minister calling for the “annihilation” of Israel were “outrageous” and unacceptable.

It said such statements could not be tolerated from any government, particularly one that claims to act as a neutral mediator in peace efforts.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Thursday the European Union welcomes the ceasefire agreed between the United States and Iran and commended Pakistan and other regional partners for their mediation efforts.

In a statement on behalf of the EU, Kallas urged all parties to fully respect the ceasefire, halt military operations, and ensure freedom of navigation and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in line with international law.

She also called for an urgent end to hostilities in Lebanon, adding the need to protect civilians, civilian infrastructure, UN peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel, and for all parties to comply with international humanitarian law.

Germany’s foreign minister said he spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and called on Iran to respect the ceasefire, engage in constructive negotiations, and ensure free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, he said the discussion also covered the need to maintain regional stability and keep diplomatic channels open.