⚠️ A source close to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Tehran is expected to increase pressure and harassment against Gulf states in the coming period. Iranian officials reportedly assess that U.S. domestic events, including the 250th Independence anniversary celebrations and the November elections, are increasing the Trump administration’s sensitivity to regional instability.
According to the source, there is a growing assessment within the Revolutionary Guards that contacts with the Americans are mainly intended to preserve the current situation: no strikes, but also no lifting of the sanctions blockade. Sources also said shortages of fuel and cash inside Iran are worsening, increasing pressure on the regime.
A source close to the Revolutionary Guards said: “The more the economic situation in Iran deteriorates, the more pressure there will be in the Gulf. If there is no money and no progress with the Americans, the other side must be made to feel the price.”
⚠️ Mohammad Jafar Assadi, deputy head of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central military command, said: “The United States demands our total surrender, and the Iranian nation will never surrender. Without surrender, war is inevitable.”
💥 U.S. Central Command said American forces disabled the Botswana-flagged oil tanker M/T Lexie after the vessel ignored repeated warnings while sailing toward Iran’s Kharg Island. According to CENTCOM, a U.S. aircraft fired a Hellfire missile into the ship’s engine room after the crew failed to comply with instructions over a 24-hour period.
CENTCOM said it began implementing a blockade on maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13. U.S. forces have since disabled six commercial vessels and redirected 122 as the ceasefire with Iran continues.
♟️ Analysis circulating in U.S. political and strategic circles argues the current pressure campaign against Iran is being shaped as a broad coalition effort involving Israel, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and additional regional partners. The assessment says Iran faces growing strategic isolation, with no allies reportedly willing to directly challenge the American-led naval posture in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.
The analysis also states European countries are gradually increasing support for maritime security operations. According to the assessment, the coalition approach explains the slower pace of negotiations and military pressure, while avoiding actions that could fracture Gulf support due to fears of retaliation against oil infrastructure.
✈️ About 60 U.S. Air Force aerial refueling tankers, including KC-135 and KC-46 aircraft, reportedly remain stationed at Ben Gurion Airport, with another 16-18 located at Ramon Airport near Eilat. Reports say the United States has requested permission to keep the aircraft in Israel through the end of 2027.
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