National Security & Military Deployments

Iran’s rial plunged to a record low of about 1.6 million to $1 on local markets amid panic over possible U.S. strikes after President Trump threatened action and a U.S. carrier group drew near the region. Regional diplomacy intensified — Egypt and Turkey spoke with Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff to seek calm, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Saudi Arabia and the UAE would not allow their airspace to be used for any attack, and Iran said it was open to dialogue but would “defend itself” if attacked even as state media branded protesters “terrorists” and activists, amid a three‑week internet blackout, estimate more than 6,000 killed in the crackdown.