Journalists locked out of the White House after Trump ban

US President Donald Trump cut his weekend retreat at Camp David short and returned to the White House on Saturday, a day earlier than planned, amid rising tensions in West Asia. The White House did not provide a reason for Trump's early departure from the secluded Maryland retreat. Simultaneously, the US State Department and various diplomatic missions in the region issued security alerts, cautioning of a possible "unforeseen escalation."

The escalating situation was exacerbated by an alleged Houthi missile strike towards Riyadh early Saturday, according to Saudi Arabia. The Houthis claimed they targeted "sensitive sites," further fueling concerns over the potential for the conflict to spread across the region. In response, Iran proposed seven conditions to the United States for reinitiating discussions to resolve the conflict.

Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei shared three of these demands with Al Jazeera: ceasing hostilities in all fronts, releasing Iran's frozen funds, and an end to the US naval blockade. Rezaei did not disclose the remaining four demands.

Rezaei also warned that Iran was prepared for "decisive war" should Washington reject their demands, stating that Trump's threats would not yield any results. Iran and Qatar were currently in contact, with Iran awaiting a response from the US.