✈️ U.S. REDEPLOYS AIR POWER FOR POSSIBLE ESCALATION: The U.S. has informed Israel that it intends to escalate strikes against Iran in the coming days, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority.
Channel 14 reported that the U.S. is determined to deploy 100 refueling aircraft throughout Israel. Channel 13 reported that U.S. refueling aircraft were being evacuated from Ramon Airport in Eilat following the targeting of Aqaba.
The U.S. military is also redeploying significant strike forces to the Middle East, including F-16s from Spangdahlem, Germany, and F-35s from Lakenheath, Britain, according to the Wall Street Journal, Air & Space Forces Magazine and N12.
Advanced fighters and dozens of refueling aircraft are reportedly being stationed at Israeli Air Force bases rather than Ben Gurion Airport, reversing recent drawdowns in which B-52s, F-22s, F-15s and A-10s returned to their home stations following the conflict’s onset in March.
The deployment includes the 480th Fighter Squadron, which specializes in "attacking enemy air defense systems."
CENTCOM reported that sailors prepared U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighters for takeoff aboard the USS Boxer while the vessel transited the Arabian Sea. The USS Boxer is the flagship of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach confirmed that the operation remains ongoing and said regional air-power missions are continuing despite repeated attacks on bases.
⚠️ TRUMP WARNS GULF STATES OF MAJOR ESCALATION: President Trump sent a message to Gulf states: 'If a ceasefire is not reached this week, be prepared for a major escalation with Iran' — Channel 13.
❗️ IRAN-BACKED FACTIONS PREPARE FOR CONFRONTATION: Instructions have been issued to Iran-backed Iraqi factions to prepare for confrontation, according to Channel 14.
Channel 14 also reported: "Iran is seeking a ground invasion of U.S. bases in Kuwait".
⚓ IRGC SUSPENDS TRAFFIC THROUGH STRAIT OF HORMUZ: The IRGC Navy said four vessels allegedly backed by the U.S. attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz through an “unsafe route” while disabling their navigation systems.
Two vessels were halted by IRGC forces, while the other two changed course.
The IRGC claimed “full control” of the strait and said shipments of oil, gas and chemical fertilizer now require prior “coordination and permission.”
It warned that vessels entering the designated route under what it called “American propaganda” would “undoubtedly be involved in an incident.”
An informed source told Fars that the IRGC Navy has suspended all vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz until the U.S. ends its “hostile actions.”
The IRGC said its forces recently confronted vessels attempting to transit under U.S. military protection and warned that further attempts to breach the closure would face a direct military response.
🔸 ISRAEL AND GULF STATES DISCUSS ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: Energy Minister Eli Cohen said: "Meetings have been held between Israel and Gulf countries to promote an alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz".
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