Two Iranian state TV channels aired programs with armed hosts. Presenter Hossein Hosseini took on-air gun training from the IRGC, while Mobina Nasiri held a weapon sent from a Tehran rally.

Before leaving Beijing, President Trump’s delegation threw away all Chinese gifts, including burner phones and pins, to counter cyber tracking. Trump noted mutual espionage is a "common thing."

The USS Gerald R. Ford has returned to Norfolk after a year at sea. The historic deployment included anti-Iran operations in the Middle East and supporting the arrest of Nicolas Maduro.

Israel and the US are stepping up plans for fresh military actions against Iran as early as next week, including high-risk commando raids and the potential seizure of Kharg Island.

President Trump indicated the US might accept a 20-year halt to Iran’s nuclear program. While warning that patience is running out, Trump stressed the need to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz.