US-Iran war updates: Donald Trump warns Tehran ‘make a deal before it is too late’, biggest bridge destroyed
LIVE UPDATES: US President Donald Trump has confirmed the destruction of Iran’s largest bridge, warning Tehran they need to make a deal ‘before it is too late’.
Scroll down for the latest news and updates.
Max Corstorphan is reporting live.
Australian troops reportedly sent to Middle East
Reports have emerged claiming Australia has sent 90 SAS troops to the Middle East, strategically positioned in case the situation deteriorates further.
The Daily Telegraph reported the claim, suggesting the group of elite Special Air Services troops were deployed two weeks ago.
On Friday, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said: “Australia is not taking offensive action against Iran and we are not deploying troops on the ground in Iran.”
It is understood that the troops will not engage in conflict and may be positioned to evacuate diplomats if necessary.
US missing from crucial Strait of Hormuz talks
Dozens of countries are seeking ways to restart vital energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz after US President Donald Trump said securing the waterway was for others to resolve.
UK foreign minister Yvette Cooper said Iran’s “recklessness” in blockading the Strait was “hitting our global economic security” as she chaired the virtual meeting, which included Australia, France, Germany, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and India.
“We have seen Iran hijack an international shipping route to hold the global economy hostage,” Ms Cooper said in opening remarks broadcast to the media before the rest of the meeting took place behind closed doors.
The United States did not attend the talks, one official said.
Iran’s largest bridge destroyed, Trump warns more to come
US President Donald Trump has confirmed Iran’s largest bridge had been destroyed by a US-Israeli strike, warning Tehran it should make a deal before it’s too late.
“The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again,” Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Much more to follow!
“IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY!”
The bridge, in Karaj, north-west of Tehran, has been cut in half according to local media.
