Iran putting ‘reopening of the strait’ and other concessions on table - WH

A local IRGC-Basij commander in Iran has said on Thursday the use of what he called unauthorized satellite internet systems such as Starlink cannot be hidden from electronic monitoring systems, according to official media.

Hassan Pourghorban, commander of the Al-Ghadir Basij base in Lavasan and Shemiranat in Tehran province said satellite internet devices used in mountainous areas, remote villas or basements can be detected through electronic surveillance, including traffic patterns, precise geographic location and estimates of usage times.

"There has been an increase in the seizure of Starlink satellite internet receivers in the area," he added.

Conservative US radio host Mark Levin said on Thursday his audience supports a hardline approach toward Iran and opposes any agreement with Tehran.

Levin said in a post on X that his radio audience “want the Iranian regime destroyed and no deal,” adding that while the feedback was not a scientific poll, it reflected the views of a “solidly conservative and pro-Trump” group.

"Once again, my radio audience has made clear they want the Iranian regime destroyed and no deal. I understand this is not a scientific poll, but my audience is solidly conservative and pro-Trump. And sometimes we allow the online comments, which can come from anywhere and be anyone, influence our perspective. And the audience is very smart about the Iranian regime and the ramifications if it is not defeated -- political, military, and future ramifications," Levin said.

The United States on Thursday announced new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil shipping network, saying the measures aim to cut off funding to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its regional proxies.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a post on X that the sanctions were part of a campaign dubbed “Economic Fury,” which targets Iran’s “dark fleet” and illicit oil networks.

"The US is targeting the Iranian regime's dark fleet and illicit oil networks under Economic Fury. Today's sanctions cut off billions in revenue that funds the IRGC, proxy forces, and attacks on our partners. Any entity trading Iranian oil faces serious risk of US sanctions," Pigott said.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Thursday denied Iranian state media news that an American aircraft was shot down near Bushehr in southern Iran, saying no US aircraft were lost.

“CLAIM: Iran’s state TV claimed Iranian forces downed a US aircraft near Bushehr. FALSE,” CENTCOM said in a post on X. “No US aircraft were shot down. All US air assets are accounted for.”

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday condemned what it described as Iranian attacks against Kuwait involving missiles and drones.

In a statement carried by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the ministry said it “strongly condemns the heinous attacks” and expressed full solidarity with the State of Kuwait.

It added that Palestine supports all measures taken by Kuwait to protect its sovereignty.