Saudi, Israeli officials in US as Trump ‘weighs’ Iran strikes

US President Donald Trump is weighing options against Iran that include targeted strikes on security forces and leaders to inspire protesters, multiple sources said, even as Israeli and Arab officials said air power alone would not topple the clerical rulers. Two US sources familiar with the discussions said Trump wanted to create conditions for “regime change”.

Meanwhile, officials from Israel traveled to Washington to share intelligence on potential targets inside Iran, while Saudi officials in the US sought to help avert a wider regional war by pushing for a diplomatic solution.

EU sanctions Iranian officials over protest crackdown

The European Union on Thursday announced sanctions on 15 Iranian officials, including top commanders and officials of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, over Tehran’s crackdown on nationwide protests. Six organisations were also sanctioned.

Still room for US-Iran talks, says Russia

Russia said that there was still room for negotiation between Iran and the US and warned that any use of force against Tehran would have dangerous consequences. — Agencies