04/01/2026, 07:2104/01/2026, 07:21
The USA wants to leave the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is still blocked by Iran, to other countries. The USA has “nothing to do” with the problem – a consequence of the American-Israeli war against Iran – said US President Donald Trump in the White House. However, it is completely uncertain whether and when passage through the strait, which is important for global oil and gas trade, will be possible again. Meanwhile, a good month after the start of the American-Israeli attacks, Iran is continuing to bombard neighboring Gulf states with missiles and drones.
The night update at a glance.
Kuwait airport attacked by drones
In Kuwait, fuel tanks at the international airport were hit by drones, the country’s civil aviation authority said overnight. According to initial findings, only property damage was caused. A tanker came under fire off the coast of Qatar. The British Merchant Shipping Safety Authority (UKMTO) said there was damage to the hull above the water surface. The crew is safe. It was initially unclear who was responsible for the attack.
Trump: Opening the Strait of Hormuz is a matter for other countries
Because of Iran’s almost complete blockade, Trump had asked NATO partners for help in securing the strait militarily. Because they did not comply, he repeatedly criticized the allies sharply. Trump now reiterated that after the US attacks end, it will be up to other countries to get oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. France or other countries would be able to “take care of themselves,” Trump said. Chinese tankers, for example, would pass through the strait and look after themselves. “We have no reason to do this,” Trump said.
Trump rages against EU states.Image: keystone
The USA imports relatively little crude oil from the states of the Persian Gulf – but rising world market prices affect all countries. This also puts pressure on Trump and his Republicans, especially since the midterm elections for the US Congress are coming up in November.
Report: Emirates want to open Strait of Hormuz by force
According to the Wall Street Journal, the United Arab Emirates is seeking a coalition with the United States and other allies to open the Strait of Hormuz by force. Emirati diplomats have urged the United States and military powers in Europe and Asia to do so, a country official told the newspaper. The Emirates therefore want the UN Security Council to approve this through a resolution. The Iranian power apparatus believes it is fighting for its survival and is prepared to drag the global economy into the abyss by sealing off the Strait of Hormuz, it was said.
A military operation without Iran’s consent is considered very complex and dangerous. Iran could easily attack targets in the strait from the mainland. Warships in the narrow waterway would probably have extremely little time to fend off attacks.
Trump wants Iran to be returned to the “Stone Age”.
Trump expects the US attacks on Iran to end in two to three weeks. There is no need for a deal with Tehran for this. That was “irrelevant” because they were ensuring that Iran’s rulers could not build nuclear weapons, he said. “If we feel that they are going back to the Stone Age for a long time and that they will not be able to develop a nuclear weapon, then we will leave,” he said. Iran has always denied seeking nuclear weapons.
According to his spokeswoman, Trump wants to give an “important update” on Iran in a speech to the nation on Thursday at 3 a.m. German time.
Israel’s prime minister expects the fall of the Iranian power apparatus
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he believes that Iran’s government will fall sooner or later. “The Ayatollah regime in Iran is weaker than ever,” he said in the evening. But the fight against Iran’s leadership is not over yet.
Netanyahu expects the Iranian regime to fall.Image: keystone
It is unclear whether Israel would stick to Trump’s timetable for ending the attacks. Trump himself had also often given times in the past, which he later changed. For now, the allies are continuing their attacks in Iran.
Heavy air strikes in Beirut
Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force again carried out heavy air strikes on targets in the Lebanese capital Beirut during the night. A senior commander of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia and another “terrorist” were hit, the army said on Telegram. According to preliminary information from the Lebanese Ministry of Health, at least five people were killed and 21 others injured in the attacks. Previously, the north of Israel had again come under constant fire from the militia.
According to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Iran has not yet made a decision on negotiations with the USA. Araghchi told the Arabic broadcaster Al Jazeera that his country had reservations. “We have no confidence that negotiations with the USA will produce results. “The trust is zero,” he said. In addition, Iran will only accept a complete cessation of hostilities in the region, but not a ceasefire limited to its country alone. By this, Araghchi also means the attacks on groups allied with Iran, such as the Lebanese Hezbollah. (hkl/sda/dpa)