(VOVWORLD) -US President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that he expects the war in Iran to end soon, but said hostilities are unlikely to end this week.
 US President Donald Trump (Photo: REUTERS/Carlos Barria) |
He added the US is close to announcing a list of countries who will escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that carries about 20% of the world’s oil shipments.
A direct communication channel between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was reactivated in recent days, according to American news website Axios. It’s the first known direct communication between the parties since the US and Israel first attacked Iran 17 days ago.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Monday issued a renewed warning to owners of US-linked industries in the region, urging workers and nearby residents to evacuate ahead of possible attacks.
International media reported that the US Embassy in Baghdad’s Green Zone was attacked and several facilities were on fire after multiple strikes Monday night.
The United Arab Emirates Armed Forces mobilized air defenses against missile and drone threats from Iran. Authorities also temporarily closed part of the country’s airspace as a precaution.