Overnight attention stayed on Trump's stated imminent decision on renewed strikes against Iran and his claim Tehran wanted a deal, with U.S. outlets also noting restricted movement for Iran's UN delegation in New York and increased activity around nuclear sites.
By morning state media shifted focus to deterrence, reporting the start of the nationwide 'Janfaday-e Iran' drill and a 313,000-strong rally in Tehran attended by President Pezeshkian, presented as answer to U.S. threats. Qalibaf warned U.S. General Dan Caine his nightmare had become reality.
The IRGC Navy said it hit the Togo-flagged tanker Trend for illegal Hormuz transit, as foreign outlets tracked fuel-price and shipping fallout. Separately, an overnight armed clash in Zahedan left four dead, with state media reporting two Jaish al-Zulm militants killed.