US Iran war LIVE: Trump encourages Iranian Kurds to go on offensive, IRGC urges neighbours not to shelter Americans

In the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, President Donald Trump has made a significant statement indicating his desire to have a direct role in selecting the next leader of Iran. This remark comes amid heightened military and political activities, including the U.S. evacuation of its embassy in Kuwait City. The situation escalates further as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has urged neighboring countries not to provide refuge to American forces, signaling a potential intensification of hostilities in the region. The backdrop of this conflict includes longstanding animosities between the two nations, particularly following the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and subsequent sanctions. Trump's involvement in Iranian leadership decisions underscores the U.S. commitment to exerting influence in the Middle East during this volatile period, while also raising concerns about the implications for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy. As the situation develops, both Iranian and American responses will be closely monitored by global observers.