LIVE UPDATES: US launches new strikes on Iran
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Trump says work to start soon on new trade route that will bypass Russia, Iran
Trump has announced the US and Armenia will soon “break ground” on the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity”.
The TRIPP, announced last year, would connect Azerbaijan with its exclave of Nakhchivan via a 43km route.
President Donald Trump and Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. AP
Incidentally, the route could also open up a new path for Europe-Central Asia trade, bypassing both Russia and Iran.
In a Truth Social post today, Trump said the route “will transform the South Caucasus, and help our wonderful American Energy Companies gain access from Central Asia all the way to the United States”.
In the same post, he announced several unspecified “deals” between Armenia and the US.
Trump also endorsed Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for re-election.
The Trump administration played a role in brokering a peace arrangement between Armenia and Azerbaijan last year, including a meeting between leaders at the White House in August.
'Aggressive' activity prompted new US strikes
The Associated Press has now reported US forces took action near Bandar Abbas after “aggressive” activity, quoting two unnamed officials
It’s the second US strike in the region this week.
The US characterised both as defensive in nature.
US launches new strikes on Iran
The US military carried out new strikes in Iran overnight, targeting a site that posed a threat to US forces and commercial traffic, according to a US official.
The US also intercepted drones being launched from Iran, the official added.
Reuters first reported the strikes.
Drones, control station among US targets
CNN, quoting a US military official, has provided more updates on the US strikes.
The official said US Central Command shot down four Iranian attack drones.
US forces also struck an Iranian ground control station in the port city of Bandar Abbas that was about to launch a fifth drone.
The official reportedly characterised the strikes as “measured, purely defensive and intended to maintain the ceasefire”.
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