TEHRAN, Iran: Iran activated air defense systems over its capital late Thursday to counter small aircraft and drones as the administration of United States President Donald Trump faced a midnight deadline to secure congressional authorization for ongoing military operations.
Okay News reports that Tasnim News Agency and Fars News Agency stated the systems were activated to counter small aircraft and reconnaissance drones for roughly 20 minutes before the situation returned to normal.
The White House argued that a 60-day clock to seek authorization from the United States Congress was effectively paused by a ceasefire announced last month. A senior administration official told Agence France-Presse late on Thursday that hostilities beginning on Saturday, February 28 were terminated for War Powers Resolution purposes, noting no exchange of fire between the United States and Iran since the April 7 ceasefire.
Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written statement read on state television declaring that the United States suffered a defeat in its plans concerning the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. “Today, two months after the largest military deployment and aggression by the world’s bullies in the region, and the United States’ disgraceful defeat in its plans, a new chapter is unfolding for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz,” he said. Khamenei, who was wounded in the initial United States and Israel strikes that killed his father, Ali Khamenei, has not been seen in public since his succession in March.
The United States imposed a blockade on the ports of Iran two weeks ago, while Iran has maintained control over the Strait of Hormuz since the end of February. President Masoud Pezeshkian said the blockade was an extension of military operations. International benchmark Brent crude rose more than seven percent to $126 a barrel on Thursday.
Trump threatened on Thursday to withdraw United States troops from Italy and Spain for failing to support operations against Iran. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated it was possible his country may soon have to act again.
On the Lebanese front, the United States Embassy in Lebanon urged a meeting between Lebanese and Israeli leaders on Thursday. The Lebanese Health Ministry said Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon killed at least 15 people on Thursday, while the Lebanese Armed Forces reported a separate strike killed one soldier and multiple family members.
