⚠️ ISRAEL WARNS AND PREPARES EXPANDED STRIKE CAMPAIGN IN IRAN AS IRGC CLOSES STRAIT OF HORMUZ, THREATENS CIVILIAN SITES HOSTING U.S. FORCES, AND U.S. WEIGHS TROOP SURGE
⚠️ ISRAEL SIGNALS A BROADER CAMPAIGN IN IRAN: A senior military official said there will be a significant escalation in attacks in Iran in the coming week, alongside hopes for a decrease in launches. In Lebanon, the same official said Israel is stabilizing along the line of contact.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel warned Iran to stop firing at Israel’s civilian population, but the fire continues. He said Israeli strikes will now escalate and expand to additional targets and areas that assist the regime in building and operating weapons against Israeli civilians.
“IDF operations in Iran against security and military targets are continuing without interruption. We will continue to hunt down the leaders of the terror regime and its commanders, and to destroy its strategic capabilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I warned the Iranian terror regime to cease its missile fire toward Israel’s civilian population. Despite the warnings, the fire continues – therefore, IDF strikes in Iran will intensify and expand to additional targets and domains that assist the regime in building and operating weapons against Israeli civilians. They will pay heavy and escalating prices for this war crime. The Israeli home front is strong, and the IDF is strong, and we will continue to act in Iran with full force until all war objectives are achieved.”
⚠️ IRAN DECLARES THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ CLOSED: The IRGC said three container ships of different nationalities attempted to enter the designated transit corridor this morning and were turned back with warnings from the IRGC Navy. It said the Strait of Hormuz is closed and warned that any movement there will be met with a harsh response.
The IRGC also said ships traveling to or from ports of allies and supporters of the Zionist-American enemies, through any corridor, are strictly prohibited.
♟️ UAE PUSHES FOR A MULTINATIONAL NAVAL FORCE The Financial Times reported that the UAE is pushing to form a multinational naval force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Abu Dhabi is prepared to deploy its own navy and is lobbying allies and the UN for support.
According to the report, only Bahrain has backed the plan so far, while other countries remain cautious.
❗️ IRAN THREATENS CIVILIAN SITES HOSTING U.S. FORCES: Iranian officials told Fars News Agency that intelligence assessments identified a broader network of locations used by U.S. military personnel beyond Bahrain and the UAE. The statement said alternative accommodation and operational sites for foreign forces were identified in Lebanon, Syria, and Djibouti.
Iran warned hotel owners and civilian facility operators that any site hosting foreign military personnel will be considered a legitimate defensive target. Officials said the warning is comprehensive, applies regardless of location, and requires such activity to stop immediately.
The IRGC also called on residents of the region to leave areas where U.S. forces are stationed. “We are obliged to eliminate the terrorist forces of America and the usurping regime wherever we find them. We urge you to leave areas where American forces are stationed immediately so that no harm comes to you,” the statement said.
🪖 U.S. MAY EXPAND ITS MILITARY PRESENCE IN THE REGION: The Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon is considering sending another 10,000 American soldiers to the Middle East. The report said this would be in addition to 5,000 Marines and about 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division already on their way to the area.
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