NEW: U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth has authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents from locations across the Middle East.

Source: Reuters

Iranian President Pezeshkian:

We are not seeking to manufacture nuclear weapons.

They are demanding that we give up our capabilities so that Israel can drop bombs on our heads.

Iran's Permanent Mission to the UN:

Threats of “overwhelming force” won’t change facts:
Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and U.S. militarism only fuels instability.

CENTCOM’s legacy of fueling regional instability, through arming aggressors and enabling Israeli crimes, strips it of any credibility to speak on peace or non-proliferation.

Diplomacy—not militarism—is the only path forward.

Iranian President Pezeshkian:

We have said many times that we will not make nuclear weapons. No person with a conscience would agree to drop bombs on innocent women and children.

President Trump is aware of the movement of US personnel in the Middle East.

Source: Reuters

Zelensky:

Serbian President Vučić is visiting Ukraine for the first time, and it is really important to be here, in Ukraine, and see the war with his own eyes.

Egypt has announced it will deny the North African Sumoud Convoy and the Global March to Gaza access to the border area near Rafah.

Iranian Foreign Minister:

Tehran cannot accept being deprived of its natural rights.

NEW: The head of U.S. Central Command has postponed Thursday’s testimony to lawmakers due to rising tensions in the Middle East.

The possibility of a round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran this weekend appears increasingly unlikely.

Source: WaPo

No US uniformed service members in the Middle East will be evacuating.

Source: Fox News

Zelensky:

People are not firewood that we throw into the fire. We do not treat our people the way the Russians do.

US Senator Tom Cotton:

"Hegseth confirmed that Iran’s terrorist regime is actively working towards a nuclear weapon"

The US ordered all embassies in striking distance of Iran to convene emergency action committees & send cables back to DC about what measures they are taking to mitigate risks.

Source: WaPo

US official to Axios:

It is becoming increasingly unlikely that the sixth round of nuclear talks between US and Iran will take place on Sunday in Oman as planned.

At the international "Comrades" marathon held in South Africa, spectators protested against Israeli runners with chants of "Get out, we don't want Israel here" and waved Palestinian flags.

US intelligence officials are increasingly concerned about Israel striking Iran without Washington's approval.

Source: WaPo

Tehran seeks to avoid conflict and wants the negotiations to succeed in order to ease sanctions.

Source: Financial Times