Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 Iran Conflict: President Trump Says US Seized Iranian Ship
The shaky ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran deteriorated sharply over the weekend as both sides traded accusations of violations. On Saturday, Iran reimposed strict control over the strait, citing the ongoing U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports as a violation of ceasefire terms. Iran's Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on state TV that progress had been made in negotiations, with some issues "concluded," but warned that a "complete distrust" of U.S. negotiators remains. Yesterday, Trump announced the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Spruance intercepted, disabled, and boarded an Iranian-flagged cargo ship called the TOUSKA in the Gulf of Oman after it ignored warnings; US Marines now have custody of the vessel. Despite Trump saying negotiators, including Vice President JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, would arrive in Pakistan today, Iran's state news agency said there is "no clear prospect" for new talks. The ceasefire is set to expire on Wednesday.
2 Two Soldiers Seriously Injured In Alaska By Bear Attack During Training Mission
Two soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division were seriously injured when they encountered a brown bear during a land navigation training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska. The Army said both soldiers used bear spray during the encounter, but still sustained serious injuries. Both were transported to a medical facility in Anchorage, where they were receiving care. A spokesperson for the division said both soldiers showed improvement as of Saturday morning but would require ongoing treatment. The location of the bear was not immediately known, and the incident remains under investigation in coordination with installation authorities and local wildlife officials.
3 Los Angeles Woman Arrested On Iranian Arms Trafficking Charge
A 44-year-old Los Angeles woman was arrested Saturday night at LAX on charges of helping Iran traffic weapons to Sudan. Federal prosecutors identified the suspect as Shamim Mafi, an Iranian national who became a lawful permanent resident in 2016. According to a criminal complaint filed in March, Mafi and an unnamed co-conspirator operated a company in Oman called Atlas International Business, which received over $7 million in payments to broker weapons deals between Iran and the Sudanese Armed Forces, including drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition. She is also accused of submitting a letter of intent to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps to purchase 55,000 bomb fuses for Sudan. She faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.