🛰️ ISRAEL PLANS MAJOR EXPANSION OF MILITARY SPACE CAPABILITIES: Israel is planning to expand its military capabilities in space, including the eventual development of space-to-ground strike capabilities. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel aims to become the first country to develop a true space-to-ground attack capability.
The broader plan includes advanced satellites, encrypted communications, cyberwarfare and missile-defense systems. One concept under discussion is the U.S. “Rods from God” idea, involving satellites deploying dense tungsten rods at extreme speeds to strike targets on Earth without explosives. Major challenges remain, including cost, weight and effectiveness. Israel is considering an investment of around NIS 16 billion ($5.4 billion) in space capabilities over the next decade, although the funding has not yet been secured.
⚓ TRUMP: ALL MINES REMOVED OR DETONATED FROM INTERNATIONAL WATERS OF STRAIT OF HORMUZ: President Trump announced that the U.S. Navy had removed or detonated all mines from the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz and said Iran had been warned that any vessel laying additional mines would be destroyed immediately.
“I have just been informed by the US Navy that all mines have been removed and/or detonated from within the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed. Through Space Force, we are watching every square inch of the Strait. We are also monitoring Pickaxe Mountain and the already destroyed three other nuclear sites. A zero tolerance policy on mine placement is now in full force”.
Trump separately said Iran is not paying large parts of its military and is killing protesters on an unprecedented scale, adding that this must stop.
⚠️ U.S.-IRAN PRESSURE EXPANDS AS CHINA AND QATAR RESPOND: China warned Washington against interfering with its commercial ties to Iran, signaling potential retaliation if the U.S. broadens sanctions against Chinese companies.
The U.S. State Department is offering up to $10 million and possible relocation for information on senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders. The Prime Minister’s Office said: “Congratulations President Trump and Secretary Scott Bessent on the latest sanctions against the Iranian regime. You justly exact a steep price from that cruel dictatorship and from those who assist its continued aggression”.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson described the U.S. sanctions on Iran as “unilateral” and said Qatar supports mediation efforts to resolve the issue.
❗️ IRANIAN TV VIDEO TARGETS BARRON TRUMP: Iranian state television Channel 3 aired a video targeting President Trump’s son, Barron Trump, claiming his movements and security arrangements had been monitored. The video referenced a $10 million reward for targeting Barron and identified locations he is known to visit.
The U.S. Secret Service said it is aware of the material and investigates threats against its protectees. The bounty and surveillance claims have not been independently verified.
🔹 U.S. PREPARING TO RETURN DIPLOMATS TO REGIONAL EMBASSIES: The United States is preparing to return diplomats to embassies in Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE, signaling reduced concerns about a renewed full-scale war with Iran, according to The New York Times. Some diplomatic posts will remain below full staffing levels, with restrictions on family members still in place because of ongoing security risks.
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