Live updates: US and Iran continue to trade strikes

Al Hadath reported that Iran informed senior Pakistani officials that it had not withdrawn from the negotiations but had merely suspended them, stressing the need to resume the talks from the point at which they were halted.

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz told Fox News that President Donald Trump is giving "some space" for diplomatic talks with Iran.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran will halt its attacks as long as the United States does the same.

The official added that Tehran remains “more skeptical than optimistic" about the situation.

American forces completed an inspection aboard a commercial tanker on Saturday, signaling that military operations to restrict maritime traffic to and from Iran remain fully active, according to statements released by US Central Command (CENTCOM).

The interdiction involved a Comoros-flagged vessel identified as the M/T Charminar while it was navigating regional waters.

“Early today, US forces completed a verification boarding aboard Comoros-flagged M/T Charminar in the Arabian Sea, and the tanker is now continuing its journey," CENTCOM stated in a post on social media, emphasizing that the “naval blockade against Iran remains in full effect."

Military officials also released further information regarding an action conducted Friday against a second vessel, identified as the Mozambique-flagged M/T Lavine, which was intercepted in the Gulf of Oman.

According to CENTCOM, that tanker was disabled after it repeatedly disregarded explicit warnings and breached the blockade parameters, with officials noting that the ship “no longer transiting to Iran."

Since the military reinstated maritime enforcement measures against Iranian ports earlier this month, US naval units have turned back 12 commercial ships, disabled two vessels that “didn’t comply" with orders, and conducted verification boardings on two ships to “ensure total compliance" with the blockade.

US President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended plans to significantly expand military operations against Iran, driven by concerns that an intensified campaign would dangerously drain defense inventories of Patriot air defense interceptors and related munitions across the Middle East, according to a report Saturday by The New York Times.

Administration officials informed the newspaper that depleted defensive missile reserves represent one of several serious hazards surrounding renewed large-scale combat. Trump and senior aides are also concerned about regional escalation, exposing vulnerable Gulf partners to Iranian retaliation, energy market volatility, global economic strain, and worsening refugee conditions.

The decision to hold off followed a Friday meeting involving top White House advisers and senior cabinet members. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, officials disclosed to The New York Times that non-public discussions focused heavily on diminishing inventories of Patriot interceptors. Those vulnerabilities were highlighted last Friday when an Iranian ballistic missile penetrated defense systems in Jordan, killing three American service members.

Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, privately cautioned that while the military retained operational capacity for a major assault, doing so would jeopardize interceptor availability for US Central Command, according to officials who spoke with The New York Times. A spokesperson for General Caine declined to address private counsel provided to the president.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung stated that the president has “always been consistent in saying he prefers a diplomatic solution, but he continues to retain all options if Iran continues terrorist activities in the Strait of Hormuz or against allies."

Cheung added that following severe economic sanctions and military strikes “it would be wise for Iran to work towards a negotiated deal; otherwise, they know what will happen."

Trump has wrestled with navigating the nearly five-month conflict and restoring commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz as rising fuel costs accompany renewed hostilities. Diplomatic efforts have broken down, and recent heavy bombardments have failed to deter Iranian forces.

Very few within Trump’s inner circle backed a broader offensive, sources told The New York Times. One senior official questioned whether escalating military pressure would force Tehran to negotiate, observing that strikes often produce the opposite result by unifying the Iranian populace behind their leadership against an external adversary.

Military engagements showed signs of easing on Saturday for the first time in two weeks following 13 consecutive nights of American strikes, though friction persisted as clashes erupted between Saudi-aligned forces and Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

Prior to Friday's session, Trump noted that forces remained prepared for expanded strikes while signaling an opening for diplomatic engagement.

“Look, we’re locked and loaded," Trump told reporters Friday afternoon, adding, “We’re ready to go, but we’re talking to them, so maybe there will be, maybe there won’t be a tipping point."

In a Thursday interview with Axios, Trump had previewed potential plans for a broader strike, saying, “I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it."

However, Trump set aside major bombing plans by late Friday after military advisers highlighted dwindling defense munitions needed to safeguard American installations in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates from retaliatory barrages.

In late April, The New York Times reported that US forces had expended over 1,200 Patriot interceptors costing more than $4 million each, leaving supplies at concerning levels that have since deteriorated further.

Key advisers, including Jared Kushner, advocated instead for a lower-risk strategy centered on sustained economic pressure and diplomacy, Saturday’s report said. It remains uncertain whether active negotiations exist or can navigate internal divisions within Iran's leadership.

Arutz Sheva-Israel National News is stopping its round-the-clock news updates at this time in honor of the start of Shabbat in North America, where they are being written now.

Updates will resume Saturday night from Israel, following the conclusion of Shabbat at 20:21 Jerusalem time.

Shabbat Shalom!

US intelligence briefings cited by The New York Times on Friday indicate that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, displays a far greater willingness to build nuclear weaponry than his father who preceded him.

His father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in joint US-Israeli airstrikes during the opening phase of the war, had maintained a long-standing fatwa (religious decree) against weaponization. While American analysts previously maintained that Tehran sought the threshold capacity to assemble a device, many considered the former leader's religious reluctance genuine.

The younger Khamenei has avoided explicit public calls for a nuclear arsenal, noted The New York Times. Nevertheless, intelligence agencies assess that he and the hardline leadership that took power following the deaths of key Iranian figures harbour ambitions to produce sophisticated nuclear warheads.

The current administration in Tehran has already asserted stricter dominance over the Strait of Hormuz and proved unyielding at the negotiating table. Should the military campaign ultimately push Iran closer to building a bomb, it would represent a severe unintended consequence of the targeting of top leadership and the administration's early regime-change goals.

American officials quoted by The New York Times emphasize that much of the intelligence concerning Mojtaba Khamenei's views predates the current hostilities. Having sustained significant injuries in early strikes, the Supreme Leader has restricted his communications and public exposure to avoid being targeted. While he retains control over state affairs, analysts note he lacks the unassailable authority his father held over 36 years.

The intelligence findings arrive as President Donald Trump evaluates whether to broaden military operations against Iran. Evidence that the Iranian leader might favor weaponization offers potential justification for intensifying the campaign, noted The Times.

Although US sources confirm Tehran has not formally restarted its nuclear development, Iranian forces have taken measures to safeguard key infrastructure following American strikes on major sites last year.

Israeli tracking confirmed Iran relocated selected centrifuges to a fortified underground site in central Iran, labeled "Pickaxe Mountain" by US agencies. While this transfer could facilitate eventual enrichment efforts, officials believe the immediate objective is shielding equipment from aerial bombardment.

The subterranean facility at Pickaxe Mountain escaped damage during recent strikes and presents a far more formidable target. Buried far deeper beneath rock layers than previous sites, it remains shielded from standard conventional bunker-busters.

President Trump recently issued public warnings regarding the location, characterizing it as "a possible target for a nice big fat shot right in their front door."

He acknowledged, however, that US surveillance currently shows no active enrichment work underway at the site.

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

A credible threat by Iranian proxy forces targeting President Donald Trump and his aircraft led US officials to abruptly swap planes during his recent departure from Turkey, according to a report Friday by The New York Times, citing individuals familiar with the matter.

The security warning arose while the president was attending a NATO gathering in Ankara. Trump had arrived in the Turkish capital aboard a Boeing 747-8 recently donated by Qatar - a plane that lacks the full set of defensive systems installed on the long-serving Air Force One fleet, as The Times previously revealed.

Upon gathering intelligence about the impending hazard, the Secret Service advised Trump to change aircraft for his departure. Shortly thereafter, the president made a public announcement confirming he would fly out using the older Boeing aircraft.

The newly disclosed intelligence explains the White House's rapid decision to substitute aircraft and highlights ongoing questions regarding the defense capabilities of the Qatari-donated plane, which Trump had pushed to put into operation swiftly. Sources indicated that the proxy forces were not focusing exclusively on the donated jet, but were instead targeting the president himself regardless of the plane he boarded.

The White House offered no formal statement regarding the report. However, a senior administration official referenced Trump's previous public comments on Iranian plot attempts and expressed full confidence in the measures implemented to safeguard the president and his staff.

Knowledge of the intelligence threat remained tightly held across government channels; some staff members were informed only that the swap served as a precautionary safeguard due to general concerns regarding Tehran. Key lawmakers in Congress were similarly not briefed on the specific details.

Trump initially attributed the aircraft switch to giving US service members deployed in the United Kingdom an opportunity to view the new plane.

When the plane swap occurred, reports indicated Israeli intelligence had warned American agencies about Iranian plot attempts against Trump. Certain US officials met the Israeli intelligence with caution, suspecting it might be intended to push Trump toward escalating military action against Iran.

However, sources told The New York Times that the specific hazard in Turkey that triggered the plane switch was distinct from the intelligence provided by Israel.

At the time of the summit, the United States had resumed military strikes against Iranian targets while Trump was in Ankara, approximately 1,000 miles from Tehran. Speaking to reporters about the aircraft change, Trump explicitly addressed Iranian efforts to harm him.

“They want to take out the US leader - me," he said. “I’m on every list. I saw this morning, I’m on every single one of their lists. And so far, I guess I’ve been a little bit lucky, but that maybe doesn’t last very long."

Iranian-aligned groups have sought to target Trump since his first term, following the 2020 US drone strike that eliminated top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani.

Qatar pledged the Boeing 747-8 to Trump last year. Trump has indicated he intends to transfer the aircraft to his presidential library foundation after leaving office. Administration officials described the jet as an interim solution until long-delayed replacement aircraft commissioned from Boeing are ready for service.

Since Trump returned from Turkey, White House representatives stated that the donated plane will be temporarily withdrawn from service for roughly a month this fall for additional retrofitting.

It remains unclear what defense upgrades can be successfully integrated during a one-month window.

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

Austrian Airlines and ITA of Lufthansa Group announced on Friday evening that they are cancelling their morning flights to Israel.

The decision comes amid concerns of an escalation with Iran.

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

US President Donald Trump convened a high-level briefing Friday alongside senior cabinet officials and top national security advisers to evaluate a potential expansion of military operations against Iran, according to four sources informed on the proceedings quoted by The New York Times.

The White House discussions signal a critical juncture in US strategy toward Tehran following the breakdown of a fragile ceasefire and a companion memorandum of understanding designed to resume diplomatic negotiations for a comprehensive denuclearization agreement.

Trump offered a glimpse into his decision-making process during a Thursday interview with Axios, telling Barak Ravid, “I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it."

The president also suggested Israeli forces would likely not participate in any prospective wave of strikes, noting potential "consequences" for the country, an apparent reference to retaliatory strikes from Tehran.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to arrive in the United States on Monday for talks with Trump, according to the prime minister's office.

The initial truce collapsed after an Iranian drone strike struck a commercial vessel navigating the Strait of Hormuz late last month, triggering subsequent naval strikes. In response, Washington reinstated air raids on Iranian targets alongside a military blockade targeting the strategic maritime corridor.

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

At the invitation of US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will depart this coming Monday for a visit to Washington, Netanyahu’s office announced on Friday.

During the visit, the statement added, the Prime Minister will meet on Tuesday with President Trump at the White House and attend the funeral service for Senator Lindsey Graham, a friend of Israel.

Netanyahu reportedly planned to visit the United States this week, but ultimately postponed the visit to next week.

The visit follows an announcement by the Prime Minister's Office three weeks ago, which stated that Netanyahu spoke with Trump on the occasion of America's 250th Independence Day, and that the two leaders agreed to meet in the US in the near future.

Netanyahu’s visit to Washington comes amid tensions with Iran and speculations that Israel might enter the US fighting against the Islamic Republic. The Iran issue is expected to be a central component of the discussions between Netanyahu and Trump.

On Thursday, Trump told Axios' Barak Ravid that he is considering launching an attack on Iran on a scale beyond all previous attacks.

"I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," Trump said.

Trump added that Israel would join the US military's operation if he asked, but said that the US does not need the help in order to carry out the strikes he is considering.

Reports on Thursday indicated that Israeli defense officials increasingly believe that the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran could develop into a broader conflict in the coming days, potentially including missile attacks against Israel.

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

Bahrain and Kuwait secretly sent jets to strike sites inside Iran, their first direct retaliation against Tehran, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

Sources familiar with the matter told the newspaper that the strikes took place earlier this month, and the jets hit drone and missile storage depots.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), which attacked Iran multiple times early in the war, provided intelligence and defensive air cover for the operation, said The Wall Street Journal.

Spokespeople for both the governments of Kuwait and Bahrain did not comment on the report.

The WSJ report comes as tensions between the US and Iran continue. Early Friday morning, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed a 13th consecutive night of strikes in Iran targeting military command centers, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities to further diminish the threat Iran poses to civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran launched missiles towards Bahrain, triggering sirens. In addition, Jordan's military on Friday afternoon reported that it shot down seven missiles and six drones launched from Iran.

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' Israel desk is stopping its round-the-clock news updates at this time in honor of Shabbat. Jerusalem candle lighting time is 19:01 on Friday. Our North American desk will keep you informed until the 20:01 EDT candle lighting time in New York.

The updates from Israel will resume Saturday night, following the conclusion of Shabbat at 20:21 in Jerusalem.

Shabbat Shalom!

Jordan's military on Friday afternoon reported that it shot down seven missiles and six drones launched from Iran.

On Friday morning, Iran launched missiles towards Bahrain, triggering sirens.

Earlier on Friday, reports said that four people were killed and five others were wounded in Thursday night US missile strikes targeting the outskirts of the city of Ahvaz, Iran, the deputy governor of Iran's Khuzestan Province for security affairs told the state-run IRNA news agency.

Meanwhile, CENTCOM confirmed that it targeted Iranian military command centers, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities to further diminish the threat Iran poses to civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

“The international waterway remains open for transit despite recent attacks from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Commercial vessels continue to freely navigate the strait with U.S. military support." said CENTCOM, which added that more than 50,000 US service members are currently operating across the Middle East.

Earlier, Iranian media reported that explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz; explosions were later also heard along the southern coast of Qeshm Island.

Footage posted to social media appeared to show the strikes in Bandar Abbas.

Iran threatened to strike Israel again should US President Donald Trump expand the strikes on Iran to include the capital, Tehran, the New York Times reported Thursday, citing two Iranian officials.

The two officials told the newspaper that Iran’s Armed Forces are anticipating and preparing for the possibility of the war expanding if Trump carries through with recent threats to strike Tehran and critical infrastructure.

The officials further said that If Trump does follow through with said threats, Iran will expand the fight regionally, including by striking Tel Aviv and asking the Houthi rebels in Yemen to close Bab al-Mandab, a strategic waterway in the Red Sea.

Earlier on Thursday, Trump told Axios' Barak Ravid that he is considering launching an attack on Iran on a scale beyond all previous attacks.

"I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," Trump said.

Trump added that Israel would join the US military's operation if he asked, but said that the US does not need the help in order to carry out the strikes he is considering.

Addressing the attempts to revive talks to end the conflict, Trump said that the Iranian regime has not "received enough pain yet."

On Wednesday, the President warned that the US would begin blowing up Iranian bridges and power plants if Iran does not cease its attacks on international shipping.

Reports on Thursday indicated that Israeli defense officials increasingly believe that the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran could develop into a broader conflict in the coming days, potentially including missile attacks against Israel.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully completed the 13th straight night of strikes against Iran on Thursday night at 9:00 p.m. ET (4:00 a.m. Friday morning Israel time).

In a statement, CENTCOM said it targeted Iranian military command centers, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities to further diminish the threat Iran poses to civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

“The international waterway remains open for transit despite recent attacks from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Commercial vessels continue to freely navigate the strait with U.S. military support." said CENTCOM, which added that more than 50,000 US service members are currently operating across the Middle East.

Earlier, CENTCOM announced that US forces started another night of strikes against Iranian military targets at 6:45 p.m. ET on Thursday (1:45 a.m. Israel time on Friday morning).

Following the US announcement, Iranian media reported that explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz.

Explosions were later also heard along the southern coast of Qeshm Island.

Footage posted to social media appeared to show the strikes in Bandar Abbas.

Iran's Nour News agency reported that air defense systems were activated over the capital, Tehran, in an attempt to intercept what authorities described as a "hostile threat."

The latest US strikes came hours after US President Donald Trump told Axios' Barak Ravid that he is considering launching an attack on Iran on a scale beyond all previous attacks.

"I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," Trump said.

The President added that Israel would join the US military's operation if he asked, but said that the US does not need the help in order to carry out the strikes he is considering.

Addressing the attempts to revive talks to end the conflict, Trump said that the Iranian regime has not "received enough pain yet."

Later on Thursday, Trump issued a direct warning to Iran, declaring that any physical damage caused to commercial ships or cargo in the region will be paid for directly using Iranian funds currently held and controlled by the United States.

“Please let this statement serve to represent, until further notice, that from this point forth, any and all damages done to Ships, Cargo, or anything related thereto, will be paid for by Iranian Money that the United States has in its possession, and controls," Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.

He added, “These damages may be very substantial but, nevertheless, this is the fair and equitable thing to do."

In a split display on Capitol Hill, the US House of Representatives on Thursday approved a nonbinding measure directing President Donald Trump to halt military operations against Iran, while a parallel attempt to pass a binding resolution failed in the Senate, NBC News reports.

The House measure passed 214-208, driven by unified Democrats alongside four Republicans who crossed party lines: Representatives Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio, and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. The vote marks a fresh effort by the chamber to order the withdrawal of American forces unless explicitly authorized by Congress.

Later that day, the Senate rejected a "joint resolution" in a 47-49 procedural vote. Unlike the House version, that measure carried the force of law - though it would have faced a likely presidential veto if passed.

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine supported the resolution alongside almost every Democrat, with Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania acting as the sole Democratic opponent. Four Republicans - Senators Katie Britt of Alabama, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul of Kentucky - did not record votes.

The push was orchestrated by Democrats to force Republicans to take a formal stand on an increasingly unpopular war ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, while asserting legislative authority over war declarations.

While several Senate Republicans previously argued that military engagements exceeding 60 days require explicit congressional authorization under federal law, key members backed away from halting the campaign.

Despite similar leeway given to the White House by House Republican leadership, the passage of the House resolution underscores internal GOP friction and widespread public skepticism toward the conflict.

Seven Republicans and two Democrats did not vote on the House measure. The vote follows a similar war powers resolution passed by both chambers in early June. That approval followed three failed attempts by the House to pass a similar measure.

Iraq’s Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, presented a proposal for a ceasefire between Iran and the United States during his visit to Tehran on Thursday, the New York Times reported, citing Iranian and Iraqi officials.

According to the report, Iran rejected the ceasefire proposal.

The officials quoted in the report spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about matters of national security. The New York Times noted that Al-Zaidi was recently in Washington where he met with President Donald Trump.

The report further stated that Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, told local news media that the Iraqi leader had shared with Iranian officials his “insights and impressions" from his recent meeting with Trump.

Araghchi also said that Tehran and Washington do not have a problem when it comes to finding mediators and claimed that “the problem is America’s attitude."

The report comes after Trump told Axios' Barak Ravid earlier on Thursday that he is considering launching an attack on Iran on a scale beyond all previous attacks.

"I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," Trump said.

The President added that Israel would join the US military's operation if he asked, but said that the US does not need the help in order to carry out the strikes he is considering.

Addressing the attempts to revive talks to end the conflict, Trump said that the Iranian regime has not "received enough pain yet."

Trump warned earlier that the US would hold the Iranian regime responsible if its proxy, the Houthi terrorist organization, attacked civilian vessels.

"A year ago the United States of America attacked, very powerfully, the Houthis, for their interference with commerce and trade, by shooting at ships. Since that time, and during our conflict with Iran, they have acted very responsibly. Unfortunately, now they are starting up again, shooting at two Saudi Arabian ships last night," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

"Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if they do this again, the U.S. will hold Iran responsible, in that the Houthis are a Surrogate and/or Proxy of Iran, and major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves, who I am very disappointed with in that they have, until now, acted very professionally and smart," he said.

On Wednesday, Trump told a rally in Georgia that Iran wants to make a deal with Washington, but is not yet ready for one.

"They're getting hit so hard, and they want to make a deal - but I say they're not ready to make a deal because every time they make a deal they want to change it and everything. They're not ready," Trump said.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that US forces started another night of strikes against Iranian military targets at 6:45 p.m. ET on Thursday.

"This is the 13th consecutive night of strikes aimed to hold Iran accountable and diminish threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to commercial shipping," it said.

US President Donald Trump issued a direct warning to Iran on Thursday, declaring that any physical damage caused to commercial ships or cargo in the region will be paid for directly using Iranian funds currently held and controlled by the United States.

“Please let this statement serve to represent, until further notice, that from this point forth, any and all damages done to Ships, Cargo, or anything related thereto, will be paid for by Iranian Money that the United States has in its possession, and controls," Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.

He added, “These damages may be very substantial but, nevertheless, this is the fair and equitable thing to do."

Earlier on Thursday, Trump told Axios' Barak Ravid that he is considering launching an attack on Iran on a scale beyond all previous attacks.

"I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," Trump said.

The President added that Israel would join the US military's operation if he asked, but said that the US does not need the help in order to carry out the strikes he is considering.

Addressing the attempts to revive talks to end the conflict, Trump said that the Iranian regime has not "received enough pain yet."

Trump warned earlier that the US would hold the Iranian regime responsible if its proxy, the Houthi terrorist organization, attacked civilian vessels.

"A year ago the United States of America attacked, very powerfully, the Houthis, for their interference with commerce and trade, by shooting at ships. Since that time, and during our conflict with Iran, they have acted very responsibly. Unfortunately, now they are starting up again, shooting at two Saudi Arabian ships last night," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

"Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if they do this again, the U.S. will hold Iran responsible, in that the Houthis are a Surrogate and/or Proxy of Iran, and major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves, who I am very disappointed with in that they have, until now, acted very professionally and smart," he said.

On Wednesday, Trump told a rally in Georgia that Iran wants to make a deal with Washington, but is not yet ready for one.

"They're getting hit so hard, and they want to make a deal - but I say they're not ready to make a deal because every time they make a deal they want to change it and everything. They're not ready," Trump said.

The US Senate has blocked a proposed resolution intended to limit US President Donald Trump's authority to launch military action against Iran.

Defense Minister Israel Katz held a security consultation today (Thursday) with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir amid rising tensions with Iran.

Also participating in the meeting were Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, the commander of the Israeli Air Force, the head of the Operations Directorate, the head of the Intelligence Directorate, the head of the Planning and Force Build-Up Directorate, the commander of the Home Front Command, and other senior defense officials.

Opening the meeting, Katz delivered a stern message to Iran, saying: "We are preparing for every possibility. If Iran attacks Israel, it will suffer a crushing blow."

Western intelligence agencies reportedly assess that Iran may be the first to launch military action against Israel. Earlier in the day, Likud MK Moshe Saada commented on the developments during an interview on Channel 14, saying: "We all know that we're approaching a strike on Iran-perhaps even this weekend. Those are the current assessments."

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump told Axios on Thursday evening that he is considering launching a major strike against Iran. Trump told journalist Barak Ravid that he is aware such a decision would have significant consequences and stressed that he has not yet made a final decision.

"I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," Trump said," Trump said in the brief interview.

He added that Israel "would join within two minutes if I asked," but emphasized that "we don't need anyone" in order to launch a new operation against Iran.

Iranian media outlets are reporting the sounds of explosions heard on Qeshm Island.

US President Donald Trump told Axios's Barak Ravid that he is considering launching an attack on Iran on a scale beyond all previous attacks.

"I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," Trump said.

Trump added that Israel would join the US military's operation if he asked, but said that the US does not need the help in order to carry out the strikes he is considering.

Addressing the attempts to revive talks to end the conflict, Trump said that the Iranian regime has not "received enough pain yet."

Trump warned earlier today that the US would hold the Iranian regime responsible if its proxy, the Houthi terrorist organization, attacked civilian vessels.

"A year ago the United States of America attacked, very powerfully, the Houthis, for their interference with commerce and trade, by shooting at ships. Since that time, and during our conflict with Iran, they have acted very responsibly. Unfortunately, now they are starting up again, shooting at two Saudi Arabian ships last night," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

"Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if they do this again, the U.S. will hold Iran responsible, in that the Houthis are a Surrogate and/or Proxy of Iran, and major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves, who I am very disappointed with in that they have, until now, acted very professionally and smart," he said.

MK Moshe Saada: "We're Approaching a Strike on Iran - Perhaps Even This Weekend"

Likud MK Moshe Saada commented on developments surrounding Iran during a live interview on Channel 14 this afternoon.

During the interview, he said: "We all know that we're approaching a strike on Iran-perhaps even this weekend. Those are the current assessments."

Earlier, several municipalities announced that they were opening public bomb shelters amid preparations for possible developments. At the same time, the Health Ministry issued a statement saying that Israel's healthcare system is prepared for all possible scenarios involving a security escalation.

The ministry said it is holding ongoing situational assessments and continuously monitoring developments. It also announced that the National Hospitalization Authority convened today to ensure the healthcare system is prepared for every potential escalation scenario, and that it is maintaining continuous coordination with hospitals and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) nationwide.

The Health Ministry further emphasized that it is operating in full coordination with the Home Front Command, the defense establishment, and all relevant healthcare agencies to ensure continuity of medical care and the provision of services to the entire population under any scenario.

The ministry added that any public instructions or updates, if required, will be issued on an ongoing basis, and urged the public to rely only on guidance issued by the authorized authorities.

Amid Israeli assessments that the escalating confrontation between the US and Iran could spill over into Israel, at least three municipalities have ordered the opening of public bomb shelters.

In Ramat Gan, Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen instructed that public shelters be opened. The municipality stressed that there has been no change to Home Front Command guidelines and said the move was being taken as a precautionary safety measure.

Residents' building committees were also urged "to take extra precautions within their area of responsibility and prepare shared shelters for use if necessary."

"Municipal officials, led by the mayor, are in continuous contact with the Home Front Command," the Ramat Gan municipality said.

Similar steps have also been taken by local authorities in Karmiel, Eilat, and several other municipalities.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has claimed that Iran is "begging every day to make a deal" but is not actually working towards it.

Speaking to journalists, Rubio said, "Nothing that Iran is doing, nothing that anyone is doing to help Iran is increasing in any way their ability to target Americans."

He also noted that Iran has spent the past decades sponsoring terrorism and building missiles, and that they planned to "double their stockpile" in order to make them "untouchable," so as to tell the world, "We can now do a nuclear weapon and you guys can't touch us or we'll overwhelm your air defenses." Such a scenario would allow Iran to make a nuclear weapon and no one would dare to stop them, Rubio explained.

Though he stressed that, "The world will be a safer place because we addressed this" threat, Rubio also acknowledged that the war causes disruptions in the short term. However, he warned that more disruptive than the current war would be "a nuclear weapon in the hands of these radicals."

Regarding US President Donald Trump's recent threat to take out Iranian power plants, Rubio said, "Iran is begging us, both directly and indirectly, let's do a deal, let's talk, let's talk. Iran is begging every day. The problem with Iran is every time they make a deal, the people that are in charge there they either break it or they want to change it. So it looks like they're not ready to make a deal. So they're going to continue to pay a price. And every night the price gets higher and higher and higher. And that's what's happening now."

"Maybe in a few days they'll be ready to make a deal, once they realize that this is not a winning proposition for them. And that's what the President is outlining. The idea that this is going to continue - it's not going to continue this way, the price will continue to get higher every single night until they come to their senses. Right now apparently, they haven't come to their senses and so the President doesn't see a lot of utility in responding to their overtures at this point, because frankly, Iran is clearly not ready to make a deal, at least not one they're willing to live by."

On Wednesday night, US President Donald Trump said Iran wants to make a deal with Washington, but is not yet ready for one.

"They're getting hit so hard, and they want to make a deal - but I say they're not ready to make a deal because every time they make a deal they want to change it and everything. They're not ready," Trump told a rally in Marietta, Georgia.

The President stated that the US is “winning in the Islamic Republic of Iran and we are ensuring that they will never ever be able to do to us what they have done to so many."

“They’ve killed 52,000 plus protesters. People that were protesting have been killed over the last four months. Nobody wants to talk about it," he added.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump threatened a further escalation against Iran, warning that the US would begin blowing up Iranian bridges and power plants if Iran does not cease its attacks on international shipping.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: "From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT, including those located next to, or in, the Capital City of Tehran. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP."

Israeli defense officials increasingly believe that the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran could develop into a broader conflict in the coming days, potentially including missile attacks against Israel.

Israel is therefore preparing for the possibility of an Iranian response as early as this weekend.

Meanwhile the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Thursday morning completed its 12th consecutive round of strikes on Iranian targets, marking the first use of heavy bombers since the campaign began.

The US has also reinstated the maritime blockade on the Strait of Hormuz.

Israeli defense officials have warned that the greater the American military pressure on Iran, the higher the likelihood that Tehran will retaliate by attacking US targets in the region, and possibly Israel, if it views the Jewish state as part of the campaign.

According to information obtained by Arutz Sheva - Israel National News, Home Front Command soldiers received phone calls on Wednesday instructing them to remain on heightened alert in the coming days. The calls were described as a precautionary measure in preparation for various scenarios amid concerns over possible regional escalation.

At this stage, no new instructions have been issued to the public.

The United States Armed Forces used long-range Rockwell B-1 Lancer bombers during Tuesday's strikes on targets belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran, according to a report by Axios citing U.S. officials.

The report said this marked the first time the United States has deployed B-1 bombers in the current round of fighting with Iran, which resumed 12 days ago.

Amid mounting regional instability, the British government has temporarily pulled its diplomatic personnel out of Iran, leaving the embassy to function on a remote basis.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed the precautionary measure on Wednesday, citing deteriorating security conditions. The FCDO said it “continues to warn against any travel to Iran and is prompting British citizens in the country to evaluate the necessity of staying."

Officials emphasized that British citizens and individuals with dual British-Iranian nationality face significant dangers if they remain in Iran.

“Due to the ongoing security situation, we have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily withdraw UK staff from Iran. Our embassy continues to operate remotely," said the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in a statement.

The FCDO warned that dual and single UK passport holders face “a very high risk of arrest, detention and questioning", adding that “holding a British passport or having perceived connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you."

The government highlighted that the wider security climate across the Middle East remains “unpredictable". Recent military actions and retaliatory strikes taking place since July 8 have escalated the potential for broader conflict. Consequently, British citizens in affected areas are being instructed to brace for potential flight cancellations, sudden airspace closures, and severe travel disruptions.

In Iran specifically, the British government noted its ability to assist citizens is “extremely limited," cautioning that “no face-to-face consular assistance will be possible in an emergency".

Beyond Iran, the updated travel guidance applies to 13 locations in total: Turkey, Jordan, Kuwait, Yemen, Iraq, Oman, Israel, Cyprus, Bahrain, Qatar, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Palestine. The alert comes as ongoing hostilities between the United States and Iran ripple across the Middle East.

"British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions," the Foreign Office wrote in an update.

The FCDO clarified the background of the regional tensions, pointing out that diplomatic arrangements have not eliminated the volatility on the ground.

Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday night that US forces began launching more strikes against Iranian military targets, marking the twelfth night in a row of such strikes.

"The mission will continue to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters," it said.

Prior to the official announcement, explosions were reported in several areas across Iran, including in Bandar Mahshahr and Sirik.

The US strikes came shortly after US President Donald Trump said that Iran wants to make a deal with Washington, but is not yet ready for one.

"They're getting hit so hard, and they want to make a deal - but I say they're not ready to make a deal because every time they make a deal they want to change it and everything. They're not ready," Trump told a rally in Marietta, Georgia, on Wednesday afternoon.

Prior to the Georgia rally, Trump threatened a further escalation against Iran, warning that the US would begin blowing up Iranian bridges and power plants if Iran does not cease its attacks on international shipping.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced early Thursday morning that US forces began launching more strikes against Iranian military targets, marking the twelfth night in a row of such strikes.

"The mission will continue to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters," it said.

Prior to the official announcement, explosions were reported in several areas across Iran, including in Bandar Mahshahr and Sirik.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a direct threat to the United States, declaring that the Strait of Hormuz is under its full control and "completely closed" as long as American military operations in the region continue. In their statement, the IRGC clarified that no oil tankers will be permitted to pass, enter, or exit through the strait without prior coordination with Iranian authorities.

Additionally, the IRGC reported that an oil tanker caught fire following an explosion when it attempted to navigate a "mined channel" south of the Strait of Hormuz, and that two other oil tankers turned back and aborted their routes. The Iranian statement did not specify the names of the vessels involved or the exact timing of the incidents.

Later, Iran's Fars news agency reported a new wave of US strikes targeting a military site in the city of Bushehr, located in southwestern Iran.

Iranian media also reported, citing a security source, that two people were killed in a strike conducted by US forces in the area of the Shalamcheh border crossing.

The crossing is located in southwestern Iran, on the border with Iraq, and serves as a strategic point in the region.

The US strikes came shortly after US President Donald Trump said that Iran wants to make a deal with Washington, but is not yet ready for one.

"They're getting hit so hard, and they want to make a deal - but I say they're not ready to make a deal because every time they make a deal they want to change it and everything. They're not ready," Trump told a rally in Marietta, Georgia, on Wednesday afternoon.

The President stated that the US is “winning in the Islamic Republic of Iran and we are ensuring that they will never ever be able to do to us what they have done to so many."

“They’ve killed 52,000 plus protesters. People that were protesting have been killed over the last four months. Nobody wants to talk about it," he added.

Prior to the Georgia rally, Trump threatened a further escalation against Iran, warning that the US would begin blowing up Iranian bridges and power plants if Iran does not cease its attacks on international shipping.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: "From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT, including those located next to, or in, the Capital City of Tehran. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP."

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its forces completed another round of strikes against Iran for the 12th consecutive night.

"US forces struck Iranian military targets including maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites, and air defense assets. The strikes further degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial vessels."

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Saudi officials confirmed that a Saudi-owned ship was attacked while navigating the Red Sea region. As a result of the attack, a fire broke out in the forward section of the vessel.

All crew members on board are in good condition, and all were reported safe and unharmed.

Iran's official news agency reported, citing a security source, that two people were killed in a strike conducted by US forces in the area of the Shalamcheh border crossing.

The crossing is located in southwestern Iran, on the border with Iraq, and serves as a strategic point in the region.

American defense officials have initiated a significant movement of personnel, combat aircraft, and specialized medical teams to the Middle East, enhancing strategic flexibility for President Donald Trump as the administration evaluates expanding military action against Iran, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, over the past week, elite special-operations units left domestic installations for deployments across the region. Air Force fighter squadrons have positioned at regional bases, while heavy bomber units stationed in both the United States and Great Britain were placed on elevated readiness.

Simultaneously, said WSJ, over 150 medical specialists were dispatched to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, the principal overseas facility handling combat casualties.

The military posture shift follows the deaths of three American service members during an Iranian-backed strike in Jordan, as well as a fourth fatality in Iraq resulting from an explosive drone.

Military analysts noted that staging resources does not automatically guarantee a major offensive.

In response to queries regarding force movements, the Pentagon deferred to Central Command, which cited operational security in declining to elaborate on specifics. A White House statement reiterated that President Trump “always has all options at his disposal".

The report came as US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that US forces began launching more strikes against Iranian military targets, marking the twelfth night in a row of such strikes.

"The mission will continue to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters," it said.

Prior to the official announcement, explosions were reported in several areas across Iran, including in Bandar Mahshahr and Sirik.

The US strikes came shortly after US President Donald Trump said that Iran wants to make a deal with Washington, but is not yet ready for one.

"They're getting hit so hard, and they want to make a deal - but I say they're not ready to make a deal because every time they make a deal they want to change it and everything. They're not ready," Trump told a rally in Marietta, Georgia, on Wednesday afternoon.

Prior to the Georgia rally, Trump threatened a further escalation against Iran, warning that the US would begin blowing up Iranian bridges and power plants if Iran does not cease its attacks on international shipping.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: "From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT, including those located next to, or in, the Capital City of Tehran. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP."

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that US forces began launching more strikes against Iranian military targets, for the twelfth night in a row.

"The mission will continue to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters," it said.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker was attacked in the Red Sea near the Saudi city of Al-Shuqaiq, north of the Yemeni coast. The incident marks another step in the attempts by Yemen's Houthi rebels to enforce a naval blockade on Saudi territory.

Iran's Tasnim news agency reported that the targeted vessel was a Saudi oil tanker carrying approximately half a million barrels of crude oil, which was hit by a missile fired from within Yemen.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Iran wants to make a deal with Washington, but is not yet ready for one.

"They're getting hit so hard, and they want to make a deal - but I say they're not ready to make a deal because every time they make a deal they want to change it and everything. They're not ready," Trump told a rally in Marietta, Georgia.

The President stated that the US is “winning in the Islamic Republic of Iran and we are ensuring that they will never ever be able to do to us what they have done to so many."

“They’ve killed 52,000 plus protesters. People that were protesting have been killed over the last four months. Nobody wants to talk about it," he added.

The comments came hours after Trump threatened a further escalation against Iran, warning that the US would begin blowing up Iranian bridges and power plants if Iran does not cease its attacks on international shipping.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: "From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT, including those located next to, or in, the Capital City of Tehran. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP."

On Wednesday morning, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it successfully completed another wave of strikes against Iran, the 11th night in a row.

According to the statement, CENTCOM assets targeted Iranian military operations centers, maritime capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and military logistics infrastructure to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Over the past three months, Iran has attacked more than 30 commercial vessels transiting the international waterway vital for regional and global trade. The unwarranted attacks have endangered hundreds of innocent mariners and undermined freedom of navigation," said CENTCOM.

It stressed, “Despite Iranian aggression, the Strait of Hormuz remains open for commercial vessel transit. Since early May, CENTCOM forces have helped facilitate the transit of approximately 900 commercial vessels and 450 million barrels of crude oil."

Israel's defense establishment is preparing for the possibility of a broader regional escalation amid the continuing conflict between the United States and Iran.

Although Israel is not currently involved in the direct confrontation, the IDF and other security agencies are preparing for scenarios in which Iran could expand the conflict.

As part of those preparations, soldiers serving in the Home Front Command have been instructed to be ready to receive call-up orders should the situation escalate further. At the same time, reservists and recently discharged soldiers have received messages stressing that no immediate mobilization is underway and there is no reason for panic, but that they should remain alert and available for a possible call-up.

Security officials said that while Israel is not currently the focus of the conflict between Washington and Tehran, if Iran chooses to attack Israel, "it will suffer a harsh blow unlike anything it has experienced before."

The officials also stressed that the defense establishment continues to monitor developments and prepare responses for a range of possible scenarios.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued an exceptional advisory to airlines, recommending that they avoid operating in Jordan's airspace due to the Iranian attacks and concerns over aviation safety.

US President Donald Trump threatened a further escalation against Iran today (Wednesday), warning that the US would begin blowing up Iranian bridges and power plants if Iran does not cease its attacks on international shipping.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: "From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT, including those located next to, or in, the Capital City of Tehran. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP."

Earlier this afternoon, the Iranian Tasnim news agency reported a large explosion on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, following a US missile launch.

Earlier, the US Central Command announced that last night it successfully completed another wave of strikes against Iran - this is the 11th night in a row.

According to the announcement, US military forces attacked military operations centers, naval capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and military logistics infrastructure of Iran, with the aim of further eroding its ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

"Over the past three months, Iran has attacked more than 30 commercial vessels transiting the international waterway, which is vital to regional and global trade. These unjustified attacks have endangered hundreds of innocent sailors and violated freedom of navigation," the Central Command said.

The announcement also emphasized that "despite Iranian aggression, the Strait of Hormuz remains open to the passage of commercial vessels. Since the beginning of May, CENTCOM forces have helped secure the passage of approximately 900 commercial vessels and 450 million barrels of crude oil."

According to Iranian media, the American attacks in this round were extensive and hit targets in Bahman, Mahshahr, Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, Bushehr, and Parchin, among others. It was also reported that air defense systems were activated in the Sohank neighborhood in northeastern Tehran, west of Tabriz, and in Sirik.

The US and Iran have been engaged in a shooting war for nearly two weeks, sparked by Iran's refusal to abide by its agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping and attacks on ships navigating the Strait. Iran has launched missile and drone attacks on multiple countries throughout the region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, striking desalination and energy facilities along with US bases. Three American servicemen have been killed by Iranian attacks in Jordan.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed in an interview with Iranian journalist Javad Moghoui that he narrowly escaped assassination alongside the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the opening strike of the war in Iran.

According to Araghchi, Israel and the United States "had precise intelligence on the location of Khamenei and senior Iranian officials, enabling them to target them."

As Araghchi briefed Khamenei's Deputy Chief of Staff Ali Asghar Hejazi, the building they were in was hit by three explosions.

"I was just briefing Khamenei's Deputy Chief of Staff Ali Asghar Hejazi when the building was shaken by three explosions within seconds, each one closer than the last," Araghchi recounted. "I grabbed Hejazi's hand, and we made our way through beams, planks, and pieces of wood... Eventually we got out, and I saw that different parts of the compound had been targeted."

Araghchi added that a passerby evacuated him to a hospital, and for three days he did not know which senior officials had survived the attack.

"For three days we were cut off from all information, trying to find out who was alive and who had been killed," he said. "The enemies thought they could paralyze us by targeting the leadership, but they failed."

Later in the interview, Araghchi said he has not yet met the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, but claimed his appointment "sent a very important message to the world that there will be no change in the regime's policies or ideals."

He also said Iran is now focused on driving a wedge between the United States and Israel, adding, "Sometimes there are conflicts of interests and positions that can be exploited."

After intercepting four of six missiles launched from Iran on Wednesday morning, the Jordanian military announced that it also intercepted four drones launched from Iran.

The Jordanian Armed Forces said four Iranian missiles were intercepted, while two others fell in unpopulated areas.

The launches were aimed at the Aqaba area, reports said. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards later confirmed that it had targeted the US bases King Faisal and Prince Hassan in Jordan.

Explosions were heard in Eilat due to the missile attacks on Aqaba.

The Eilat Municipality said security forces are searching open areas near Aqaba to rule out the possibility of falling debris.

No impacts sites were recorded in Israel, and there were no reports of injuries or damage.

Shortly after the launches towards Jordan, Iran announced that it had intercepted a "hostile" drone over Tehran on Tuesday night.

Galei Zahal (Army Radio) on Wednesday published new details on Iran's underground "Pickaxe Mountain" facility, located near Natanz.

According to the report, the site already houses not only centrifuges that have been transferred there, but also all the components required to establish a uranium enrichment facility, although it is reportedly not yet operational.

Assessments indicate that Iran is prepared to establish an underground complex capable of carrying out the entire uranium enrichment process at the site. The report added that the introduction of enriched uranium into the facility would be considered a "bright red line," as it could indicate the capability to enrich uranium to weapons-grade purity of 90%.

Israeli defense officials believe that even with the United States' existing military capabilities, it would not be possible to completely destroy the underground facility. However, they assess that the site could be neutralized, thus preventing it from becoming an active enrichment facility.

Military correspondent Doron Kadosh also published additional details based on research by nuclear expert David Albright. He noted that construction of the tunnel complex began in 2020 inside a granite mountain and includes at least two entrances leading to a facility more than 100 meters underground.

The assessment is that the underground halls are large enough to eventually accommodate an enrichment plant housing thousands of centrifuges, as well as other activities related to Iran's nuclear program.

The report further stated that throughout 2025, Iran strengthened the site's defenses by adding a perimeter fence, layers of concrete and earth around the tunnel entrances, and sealing some of the access points.

According to the research institute, the facility is still under construction. However, if completed and activated, it could become a key component of Iran's continued efforts to advance its nuclear program.

At the same time, analysts believe the site has vulnerabilities, including its electrical, ventilation, and supporting infrastructure systems, which could potentially be targeted in a military strike.

The Iranian military issued a statement claiming to have launched a kamikaze drone attack against "American targets" at Camp Doha and other military facilities in Kuwait.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Tuesday night that, at 8:15 p.m. ET on July 21, it successfully completed the 11th consecutive evening of strikes against Iran which had begun about an hour earlier.

According to the statement, CENTCOM assets targeted Iranian military operations centers, maritime capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and military logistics infrastructure to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Over the past three months, Iran has attacked more than 30 commercial vessels transiting the international waterway vital for regional and global trade. The unwarranted attacks have endangered hundreds of innocent mariners and undermined freedom of navigation," said CENTCOM.

It stressed, “Despite Iranian aggression, the Strait of Hormuz remains open for commercial vessel transit. Since early May, CENTCOM forces have helped facilitate the transit of approximately 900 commercial vessels and 450 million barrels of crude oil."

Iranian media reported earlier that the US strikes were widespread and recorded in Behbahan, Mahshahr, Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, Bushehr and Parchin.

Air defense systems were reportedly also active in the Sohanak neighborhood in northeastern Tehran, west of Tabriz and Sirik.

The Nournews agency reported that air defense systems in Tehran were activated against “hostile targets".

Hours before the latest US strikes, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the operational headquarters of the Iranian army, warned the US against striking Iran's nuclear facilities.

“It is made clear that should the invading and terrorist forces of that nation take such a step, it will be regarded as an escalation of conflict across the region," it said in a statement quoted by IRNA news agency.

“In that event, all US assets, along with those of its allies and backers, will be subject to a decisive strike by the Islamic Republic of Iran's Armed Forces," the statement added.

The warning followed comments from US President Donald Trump, who vowed to hit any nuclear site that the Iranian regime seeks to reconstitute.

"How about these people? They're in this because of nuclear weapons, and they're trying to possibly reconstitute a site? We'll hit that site. Any site where they're even thinking about nuclear - we'll be hitting it very, very powerfully," Trump said during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House.

Trump’s comments came on the heels of a Wall Street Journal report, which cited Israeli intelligence assessments indicating that Iran relocated thousands of uranium enrichment centrifuges to a deep underground facility inside Pickaxe Mountain last autumn.

The report noted that these findings were shared with the United States and indicated that the transfer took place following the June 2025 war, during which Israeli and US strikes targeted Iran’s three primary nuclear sites.