⚠️ U.S. STRIKE ON IRAN PAUSED FOR SECOND TIME: Israeli officials expressed frustration after President Trump canceled a planned strike on Iran for the second time in a week. They said the last-minute reversals are undermining military planning and harming Israel’s operational readiness.
Israeli officials now believe President Trump is prioritizing an agreement with Iran over further military escalation, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority.
An Israeli security official told Israeli Channel 11: “Washington informed us for the second time in a week of an imminent attack that could shake the Middle East before canceling it at the last minute without explanation, and this harms Israel's operational readiness and drains it.”
President Trump paused the planned U.S. strikes after Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, and regional mediators urged Washington to pursue diplomacy.
Qatar presented a new proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran signaled that it was open to negotiations, although major disagreements remain over control of shipping lanes and transit fees.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Gulf states are increasingly frustrated with what they view as an inconsistent U.S. strategy toward Iran. They fear that a prolonged conflict would leave them vulnerable to Iranian retaliation, including attacks on their territory and critical infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia is urging President Trump to prioritize diplomacy and de-escalation while seeking stronger U.S. security guarantees. The UAE, however, believes that only tougher U.S. military action will compel Iran to make concessions.
An Iranian diplomat told The Wall Street Journal: “Iranian officials are aware of Trump's political vulnerability and looking to exploit it if necessary. Should diplomacy fail, the IRGC is considering pre-emptive strikes even if the U.S. doesn't attack”.
A source close to the Iranian negotiating team told the Fars News Agency: “There is no agreement regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The news reports circulating about this matter are false. As long as the hostile actions of the US continue, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed. Ship traffic will only be possible through the designated route and with permission from the IRGC Navy”.
✈️ U.S. BLOCKADE OPERATIONS IN THE ARABIAN SEA: A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C stealth fighter launched from the USS Abraham Lincoln as the aircraft carrier transited the Arabian Sea and supported the U.S. blockade against Iran.
As of August 2, CENTCOM had redirected 35 commercial vessels, disabled two and boarded two.
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