Iran war latest: Iran’s president apologises for strikes on neighbours and responds to Donald Trump’s unconditional surrender demand
Iran-US Conflict Updates: Duration Uncertain, Trump Demands Surrender
The duration of the conflict remains uncertain as the US provides indefinite timelines, with its most recent assessment extending into weeks. Donald Trump asserts he will only accept ‘unconditional surrender’ as a resolution. Below are the latest developments, with Sky News’ military analyst Michael Clarke providing insights on the recent strikes.
India Hosts Iranian Warship Amid Regional Tensions
A state-owned Iranian warship, the Lavan, arrived at India’s southern port of Kochi on Wednesday, according to an Indian government source. The vessel docked following an urgent request from Tehran, as reported by Reuters. Meanwhile, a US submarine targeted the Iranian navy frigate Dena on the same day.
India’s foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, described the Lavan and two other ships as part of a “fleet review” that “got caught on the wrong side of the events.” He emphasized that the decision to allow docking was driven by humanitarian concerns, stating, “I think we really approached it from the point of view of humanity, of other than whatever the legal issues were.” He added, “I think we did the right thing.”
UK Preparing for US Air Operations
The UK’s defense chief, Richard Knighton, expects US bombers to be launched from the UK within days. A B-1 Lancer bomber, known as ‘The Bone’ and capable of carrying 24 cruise missiles, landed at RAF Fairford on Friday. HMS Dragon is set to depart for Cyprus soon, though a specific timeline remains unspecified.
Knighton defended the UK’s readiness for the conflict, rejecting claims of unpreparedness. He stated, “I completely reject(s) criticism that the UK was unprepared,” noting that forces have been reinforced “for several weeks.” He emphasized the UK’s role in protecting Britons in the region, describing Iran’s actions as “reckless” and highlighting the unpredictability of such an indiscriminate response.
Russia’s Intelligence Role in Iran-US Dynamics
Sky News’ Moscow correspondent, Ivor Bennett, reported that there is “no official confirmation” of intelligence-sharing between Russia and Iran regarding US positions. While the US “downplays these reports,” it does not deny them outright. Bennett noted that such exchanges could benefit Iran in targeting US assets, adding, “That kind of intelligence sharing could potentially help Iran hit US assets in the region.”
He explained that Russia may support Iran to sustain its influence in the Middle East, stating, “Russia sees the country as crucial to maintaining Moscow’s influence in the Middle East.” However, the challenge for Vladimir Putin is balancing this with his relationship with the US and Donald Trump, as he aims for favorable outcomes in Ukraine peace talks. Bennett concluded, “Intelligence sharing with Iran may be seen by Moscow as a good way to avoid direct confrontation with the US.”
Emirates Resumes Flights After Suspension
Emirates announced it would restart operations after halting flights from Dubai International Airport. Passengers with confirmed bookings for Saturday afternoon flights can now proceed to the airport, though the airline continues to monitor the situation. The Dubai Media Office cited the suspension but did not specify the reason.
Authorities at the world’s busiest international airport reported that operations resumed, bringing relief to passengers who had been sheltering after a loud overhead explosion. The cause of the disruption and any damage to the facility remain unexplained.
Iranian Leader Rejects US Surrender Demand
Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, dismissed the US’s call for an unconditional surrender as “a dream they should take to their grave.” He made the statement in a pre-recorded address broadcast by state television. Earlier, Donald Trump tweeted, “There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”