US Affirms Diplomacy Continues Amid Rising Tensions With Iran

A senior US official emphasized that despite ongoing attacks between the US and Iran, diplomatic efforts are continuing, according to a CNN report. The recent escalation began three days ago with attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, followed by US strikes in Iran, which responded with missile and drone attacks on American bases in the Gulf region. Although no military actions occurred overnight Friday, tensions in the Middle East remain high.

In Iran, a funeral was held for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei four months after his death, with senior regime figures attending, though his son Mojtaba was absent. Meanwhile, reports from the Wall Street Journal revealed that Israel shared intelligence with the US about a new Iranian plot to assassinate President Donald Trump. The Israeli embassy in Washington declined to comment, and the Iranian UN delegation did not immediately respond.

President Trump, speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, acknowledged threats against his life, stating, "They want to eliminate the leader of the US, me. I am on every list. I saw this morning, I am on every one of their lists. So far, I guess I've been a little lucky, but that may not last much longer." The White House referred the Wall Street Journal to these remarks when asked about the assassination plot.

Despite the military confrontations and assassination threats, US officials maintain that diplomatic channels remain open as the situation in the Middle East continues to unfold.