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Ghalibaf 'a hot option' for White House - Politico

Mar 23, 2026, 21:48 GMT+0

The Trump administration is quietly weighing Iran’s parliament speaker as a potential partner — and even a future leader — as the president signals a shift from military pressure toward a negotiated endgame, according to a report by Politico.

The report cites two officials who suggest at least some in the White House see Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as a workable partner who could lead Iran and negotiate with the Trump administration in the war’s next phas.

But the White House has not committed to backing any one figure and is instead assessing multiple candidates, the officials said.

“He’s a hot option,” one administration official said, cautioning that no decisions have been made. “He’s one of the highest… But we got to test them, and we can’t rush into it.”

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Zelenskyy says Russia supplying intelligence to Iran

Mar 23, 2026, 21:34 GMT+0

Ukraine’s military intelligence has “irrefutable” evidence that Russia continues to provide intelligence to Iran, a development Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said could prolong the war in the Middle East.

“Russia is using its own signals intelligence and electronic intelligence capabilities, as well as part of the data obtained through cooperation with partners in the Middle East,” Zelenskyy wrote on X after meeting the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence.

Speaking later in his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said there is “growing evidence” of continued Russian efforts to funnel intelligence to Iran.

US says Iran mined Hormuz Strait, Tehran says 'no need' to do that

Mar 23, 2026, 20:09 GMT+0

Iran has placed a number of underwater naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, CBS News reported citing US officials, while Iran's military says it is already controlling the strait and does not need to mine it.

The CBS report cited one official as saying there are at least a dozen mines deployed across the waterway, while another put the number at fewer than a dozen.

The US assessments cited by CBS says the mines include Iranian-made limpet mines Maham-3, a moored mine equipped with magnetic and acoustic sensors to detect nearby vessels, and the more advanced Maham-7, designed to evade sonar detection and can be deployed from ships or aircraft.

However, a spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the Islamic Republic has “full control and initiative” in the Persian Gulf and Oman waters and is managing the Strait of Hormuz “intelligently and powerfully.”

“With sufficient dominance and capability, there is no need for mining in the Persian Gulf,” Ebrahim Zolfaqari said. “We will use any means necessary to ensure security.”

Pezeshkian, Pakistan PM hold phone call amid reports of Islamabad mediation

Mar 23, 2026, 20:00 GMT+0

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke with Pakistan’s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, shortly after reports that Tehran and Washington may hold peace talks in Islamabad as early as this week.

In the phone call, Pezeshkian called on Islamic countries not to allow the United States and the Israel to use their territory and facilities to launch attacks against Iran.

"If they are unable to stop the continuation of the war and aggression, they must at least refrain from enabling the continuation of unlawful attacks against Iran, as this would lead to a broader war and greater insecurity in the region," he said.

Trump thinks war objectives can be achieved through a deal, Netanyahu says

Mar 23, 2026, 19:44 GMT+0

US President Donald Trump believes the objectives of the war with Iran could be achieved through a deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said following a phone call with Trump.

Netanyahu said in a video statement released by his office that Trump saw a chance to use the war achievements to secure an agreement that would protect Israel’s vital interests.

Airstrikes rock Tehran and Isfahan as Israel says it hit IRGC security HQ

Mar 23, 2026, 19:20 GMT+0

The Israeli military said it struck a main Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) security headquarters in central Tehran on Monday, describing the site as a key command hub embedded within civilian infrastructure.

"The headquarter was used by the IRGC to synchronize unit activities and to conduct situational assessments. It was also responsible for directing the Basij Battalions," the IDF said.

Videos obtained by Iran International also showed massive airstrikes on Qaemieh in the central city of Isfahan, where eyewitnesses said facilities belonging to Iran’s criminal investigation police and the Special Units headquarters were hit.