💥 U.S. STRIKES IRANIAN LAUNCHERS ON LARAK ISLAND: A U.S. official told Al Jazeera that the U.S. military carried out airstrikes against two Iranian launch platforms on Larak Island. The official said the launchers were preparing to fire missiles toward the Strait of Hormuz. At least two were killed in the U.S. attack.
The IRGC responded: “Several of our fighters and citizens were killed and injured in an attack by the American-Zionist enemy on Larak Island. The enemy's aggression against Larak Island will be met with a response, and the aggressor will be punished”.
Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, warned: “Test our will once more, and pay a heavier price. Retaliation is coming; Just run!”
Intense U.S. military aircraft activity has also been reported over the skies of Baghdad.
⚓ BAHRAIN INVESTIGATES REPORTED VESSEL HIJACKING: Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry said its Coast Guard is investigating reports that a Bahraini-flagged vessel was hijacked and robbed at gunpoint in Gulf waters. The vessel was allegedly intercepted by armed men and forced into waters claimed by Iran.
⚓ U.S. DECLINES SAUDI REQUEST TO LEAD HOUTHI CAMPAIGN: The U.S. rejected a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for Washington to lead a military campaign against the Houthis, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority.
U.S. officials said Washington would support a Saudi-led operation but would not lead it, partly because Houthi forces are currently targeting Saudi-linked vessels rather than U.S. ships in the Red Sea.
🛡️ ISRAELI NAVY RAISES ALERT AFTER ENCOUNTER WITH TURKISH WARSHIPS: Turkish Navy warships approached Israeli Navy vessels in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea and imposed specific maritime navigation routes on them, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority.
The Israeli Navy has raised its readiness and alert levels in anticipation of any further operational developments or escalation in the Mediterranean.
🎯 IDF ELIMINATES THREE HAMAS TERRORISTS IN GAZA: The IDF said it eliminated Yasser Abu al-Khair and Mohammed al-Din, two Nukhba operatives in Hamas’ military wing, in a strike in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza.
According to the IDF, the terrorists recently advanced attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians and worked to rehabilitate Hamas’ capabilities in systematic violation of the ceasefire. The IDF said they were eliminated to remove the threat they posed.
In a separate strike in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, the IDF eliminated Hassam Osama Hussein Nasir, a terrorist in Hamas’ military wing. The IDF said Nasir advanced attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians and was eliminated to remove an immediate threat.
⛽ SMOTRICH MOVES TO REDUCE FUEL TAX: Amid an expected surge in fuel prices resulting from the blockade on Iran, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is moving to reduce the excise tax on gasoline to lower prices for consumers.
The Finance Ministry confirmed that Smotrich instructed officials to advance the reduction. Professional discussions are underway to determine its size and implementation mechanism. Smotrich intends to sign the order as soon as possible, with the goal of bringing the reduction into effect within the coming days.
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