ElBaradei, who led the International Atomic Energy Agency from 1997 to 2009, made the appeal in a post on X, urging regional governments to act before the situation deteriorates further. “Do everything in your power before this madman turns the region into a ball of fire,” he wrote, referring to Trump’s recent threats against Tehran.

In a separate post, ElBaradei questioned whether international actors could halt the escalation, tagging the United Nations, the European Union, as well as Emmanuel Macron, and the foreign ministries of China and Russia.

Trump has warned that Iran must either reach an agreement with Washington or reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route that has been effectively blocked since the outbreak of war following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28. In a post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated that Iran faces a 48-hour deadline or risk severe military consequences.

The remarks come amid intensifying hostilities in the region, with ongoing strikes and countermeasures raising concerns over broader instability and disruption to global energy supplies.

ElBaradei, an Egyptian diplomat and former vice president, led the IAEA during the early years of international scrutiny over Iran’s nuclear program. He and the agency were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 for efforts to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The rescued officer was the second member of a two-person crew aboard an F-15 aircraft that Iran said it had shot down using its air defense systems. U.S. officials did not provide operational details of the recovery mission, and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Trump confirmed the recovery in a post on his Truth Social platform, describing the operation as one of the most complex search-and-rescue efforts conducted by U.S. forces in hostile territory. He said the airman, a senior officer, had been injured but was in stable condition and under monitoring.

“This is the first time in military memory that two U.S. pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in enemy territory,” Trump wrote, adding that the operation was carried out without U.S. casualties.The first crew member had already been recovered earlier, according to a Reuters report on Friday.

The aircraft was brought down amid ongoing hostilities between U.S. and Iranian forces following the outbreak of war on February 28.The developments come as Washington escalates its demands on Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor that typically handles around 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Iran’s effective closure of the waterway has contributed to a growing energy crisis and heightened volatility in global markets.Trump reiterated that Iran faces a narrowing window to comply, stating that less than 48 hours remained before potential U.S. action.

His recent messaging has alternated between references to possible diplomatic progress and explicit threats of large-scale military strikes, including against Iran’s power infrastructure.The conflict has already resulted in thousands of deaths and significant disruption across the region, with mounting concerns over long-term economic damage and supply chain instability linked to restricted energy flows through the Gulf.

Iran has not publicly commented on the rescue operation but has previously stated that it deployed newly developed air defense systems in targeting U.S. aircraft operating in its airspace.

Speaking at the National Republican Congressional Committee fundraising dinner in Washington, Trump sought to rally party members, acknowledging historical trends in which incumbent presidents typically lose seats but insisting Republicans would defy expectations.

“We’ll have bigger majorities in the House and Senate than we do today”. The remarks came as Democrats scored a symbolic victory in Florida, where Emily Gregory flipped a state legislative district that includes Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, underscoring shifting political dynamics in a traditionally Republican stronghold.

House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated the party’s fortunes were closely tied to Trump’s leadership, presenting him with what he called the first “America First award” at the event.

The ongoing conflict with Iran has contributed to rising fuel prices and broader cost-of-living concerns, complicating the political landscape for Republicans. Gasoline prices have climbed to an average of $3.98 per gallon, up from under $3 before the conflict began, according to AAA.

Polling data from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows 59% of Americans believe U.S. military action against Iran has gone too far, while 45% report significant concern about affording fuel in the coming months.

Economic pressures extend beyond energy, with inflation expected to rise alongside higher borrowing costs and a weakening labor market. Employers cut 92,000 jobs last month, adding to voter unease over economic stability.

Some Republicans have voiced concerns about the administration’s communication and long-term strategy in Iran. Senator Lisa Murkowski said constituents were seeking clarity on the conflict and potential troop deployments, describing current messaging as insufficient.

Others urged patience, arguing that the political impact would depend on whether the administration achieves its strategic objectives, including curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and restoring stability to global energy routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump downplayed economic concerns as temporary, linking short-term disruptions to broader national security goals. He maintained that the military action was necessary despite its economic impact, framing it as a decisive move against Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

The political outlook for Republicans remains closely tied to developments in the conflict and their economic consequences in the months leading up to the elections.

Speaking in separate calls with regional counterparts, Wang urged renewed dialogue, saying indications from Washington and Tehran suggested a willingness to re-engage diplomatically. His remarks came amid conflicting claims from the two sides over whether any talks are underway.

Iran has denied entering negotiations, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that no talks had taken place and that discussing negotiations under current conditions would amount to conceding defeat. His comments underscored Tehran’s public resistance to engaging while the conflict persists.

U.S. President Donald Trump, however, maintained that Iran was already participating in talks and eager to reach an agreement, suggesting Iranian officials were reluctant to acknowledge this publicly.The White House has also warned of severe consequences if Iran does not accept a proposed peace framework, while reiterating readiness to escalate pressure.

Wang conveyed China’s position in discussions with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, emphasizing the need to resume negotiations and avoid further escalation. He said prolonging the conflict would lead to additional casualties and broader regional spillover.

China also expressed support for diplomatic initiatives led by regional actors, including Türkiye’s ongoing engagement with both Washington and Tehran aimed at facilitating dialogue.

Despite the diplomatic activity, violence on the ground has shown little sign of easing after nearly four weeks of conflict. Intensified rhetoric from all sides has further complicated prospects for immediate de-escalation.

Wang reiterated that dialogue remains the only viable path forward, warning that continued fighting risks deepening humanitarian and geopolitical consequences across the region.