✈️ U.S. DEPLOYS SPECIAL FORCES AND BOMBERS: The Trump administration has ordered the deployment of special forces and B-1 bombers to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The U.S. military used a B-1 long-range bomber on Tuesday to strike Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps sites in Iran, Axios reported. It was the first U.S. B-1 mission since fighting with Iran resumed 12 days ago, although CENTCOM did not disclose the mission in its statement about Tuesday’s strikes.
IRGC bases were also reported targeted by B-52 bombers.
The U.S. is surging forces, medics and weaponry into the Middle East to provide President Trump with additional military options as he considers expanding the campaign against Iran.
Special-operations forces deployed from U.S. bases during the past week, according to flight-tracking data and U.S. officials cited by The Wall Street Journal. Fighter squadrons have been positioned across the Middle East, while bombers at bases in the U.S. and U.K. are on high alert to increase operations.
⚠️ IRAN THREATENS REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SHIPPING: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf said: "The equation of this war is clear: either all or none! In a region where we do not sell oil, no one will sell oil. If our security is not ensured, no infrastructure will be safe, and the security of the strait is in the absence of American forces. We have repeatedly said that the situation of the strait will not return to pre-war conditions".
The Iranian Embassy in Spain addressed the U.S. with the threat: "Prepare as many coffins as possible".
IRGC Aerospace Force Commander Majid Mousavi said Iran will target electricity infrastructure in U.S. regional allies if Iranian bridges or power plants are attacked.
⚠️ RUBIO SAYS THE PRICE FOR IRAN WILL KEEP RISING: Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran does not appear willing to reach an agreement and that the price it pays will rise each night until it changes course.
Rubio also said: "Iran has involved the Houthis in this conflict, and we will see what happens".
Addressing Iran’s negotiating position, Rubio said: "Iran is begging us, both directly and indirectly, let's do a deal, let's talk. The problem with Iran is every time they make a deal, the people that are in charge there either break it or want to change it. It looks like they're not ready to make a deal. So they're going to continue to pay a price. Every night the price gets higher and higher, and that's what's happening now."
⚓ HOUTHIS CLAIM ATTACKS ON SAUDI OIL TANKERS: The Houthis said they targeted two Saudi oil tankers, ENCELA and LAYLIA, using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.
CENTCOM rejected Iranian claims of control over the Strait of Hormuz:
"Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz. The international waterway remains open for transit regardless of IRGC threats and attacks. Commercial vessels continue to use the strait with U.S. military support. Since early May, American forces have helped more than 900 ships transit the strait".
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