Symbolic imageUS weighs Iran strike and pulls diplomats over alleged plots
US ambassador Tom Barrack says Washington could "absolutely" strike Iran this weekend, while Trump stays open to a deal. Tehran warns of an "apocalyptic war".
Barrack, ambassador to Turkiye, told podcast host Mario Nawfal that Trump is "open and available and accessible to a deal" but has been clear about what he wants. Bloomberg reports Trump is preparing escalation after the US and Israeli elections, while the New York Times says the US and Israel have drawn up plans to renew strikes.
Memo on Iranian plots
In a Friday memo to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, first reported by Axios, Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton wrote that Iran has "substantially increased" efforts to target Americans, with plots at "advanced stages". The US evacuated nonessential embassy staff in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday; the New York Times reports it is drawing down at other regional missions.
Ministers urge restraint
Eight foreign ministers meeting in Türkiye on Friday, including those of the UK, France, Germany and Saudi Arabia, urged restraint and full reopening of Hormuz. Turkish minister Hakan Fidan said an attack would create "nothing but losers". Reuters reports President Pezeshkian blames the US for the failed interim deal and urges a new try.