美国总统特朗普：经济形势非常强劲，我们会解释这一点。

Middle East analyst Luciano Zaccara said that despite ongoing mediation, Iran and the US appear unwilling to return to negotiations. He said both sides have declared they will retaliate if attacked, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of reprisals with no end in sight. Zaccara added that stepped-up sanctions and a maritime blockade appear insufficient to achieve Trump's aim of strangling Iran's economy, and that direct attacks on vessels and oil facilities have also become an additional pressure tool.

Japan's Honda Motor said on Wednesday it has invested in U.S. startup Niron Magnetics, which is commercializing rare-earth-free permanent magnets. Both companies declined to disclose the size of the investment or its intended use. Niron, based in Minneapolis, said the investment is not part of a financing round and that it makes magnets from iron and nitrogen rather than rare-earth elements.