Iran's so-called “Axis of Resistance” has suffered major setbacks across the Middle East, but Tehran appears to be adapting rather than abandoning its regional strategy.

The fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria disrupted an important part of Iran's regional network, while Hezbollah in Lebanon has also been significantly weakened. Iran's land corridor through Syria has faced major disruption.

However, Iraqi Shiite militias and Yemen's Houthis are emerging as important pillars of Iran's reconfigured regional network.

The report examines how Iran may be moving toward a more decentralized and coordinated model, with allied groups strengthening military and political ties while maintaining their own interests.

The geography is also significant. The Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial global energy chokepoint, while the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Red Sea provide another potential pressure point through Houthi activity.

Iraq has also emerged as a key location for attacks targeting U.S. positions and interests across the region, while the Houthis have demonstrated the ability to threaten Israeli, Saudi and other regional interests.

Iran's Axis of Resistance Evolves | Iraq Militias & Yemen Houthis Become Key Pillars

US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper visited the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea during a 10-day tour of the Middle East that concluded on Saturday, as the US military's war with Iran and wider regional tensions continued to dominate developments. Cooper's visit came amid reports of mental health concerns and supply problems aboard the aircraft carrier. The Lincoln arrived in the Middle East in January and has been supporting the US military campaign against Iran, including operations linked to the blockade of Iranian ports.&nbsp;The carrier has spent more than 240 consecutive days at sea, setting a record. Its extended deployment has renewed concerns about the impact of prolonged operations on both the ship and its more than 5,000 sailors and Marines. In a statement issued on Saturday, Cooper described the deployment as historic, saying, “History will record this deployment as one of the most operationally intense and consequential of the modern era.”&nbsp;According to Central Command, Cooper also visited Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where he met civilian and military leaders. The US Navy's blockade followed Iran's declaration of control over the Strait of Hormuz after the war started on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes. Before the conflict, roughly one-fifth of the world's traded oil and natural gas passed through the strategic waterway at the entrance to the Persian Gulf.Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran have stalled. Iran is separately holding discussions with Oman over how the Strait of Hormuz should be managed, despite the waterway having traditionally been regarded as an international passage.<h2>'Hezbollah commanders killed in Lebanon strikes': Israel&nbsp;</h2>Meanwhile, Israel said its military strikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday targeted two Hezbollah commanders. Lebanese authorities and the country's state news agency reported that at least 11 people were killed in two separate attacks. The strikes were described as the deadliest since a truce between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group, took effect in June.&nbsp;Israel's military said early Sunday that a later strike killed Abu Hassan Alaa, whom it described as a senior Hezbollah commander. Israel said he had participated in attacks against Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon and had led militants involved in attacks targeting Israeli soldiers and civilians over several years. Earlier, the Israeli military said a strike in Ansar killed Ali Samir Al-Haj Hassan, whom it also identified as a Hezbollah commander. The military said his family was present but was not targeted.&nbsp;The developments come after Israel and Lebanon announced a framework agreement in late June outlining a potential Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon in return for Hezbollah's disarmament. The proposed framework also envisages steps toward an eventual peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which remain technically at war nearly eight decades after Israel's establishment. Hezbollah has rejected direct negotiations and was not a party to the US-mediated agreement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wildfires-rage-across-greece-and-croatia-as-tourists-flee-firefighters-battle-flames-and-smoke-1786877594864">Wildfires rage across Greece and Croatia as tourists flee; firefighters battle flames and smoke</a><h2>Hamas delegation arrives in Cairo for Gaza ceasefire talks</h2>A Hamas delegation led by group leader Khalil al-Hayya arrived in Cairo on Sunday for talks related to a Gaza ceasefire, Hamas said. Egyptian state-run media reported that al-Hayya met Major General Hassan Rashad, head of Egypt's intelligence service. Al-Qahera News television said al-Hayya reaffirmed Hamas' commitment to implementing US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan 'to end the suffering of the residents of the Gaza Strip and to begin the reconstruction process'.&nbsp;The discussions came as mediators worked to advance a roadmap involving the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the transfer of administrative authority to Palestinian technocrats. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected Trump's latest proposal to revive the stalled ceasefire process. Netanyahu has said Israel will not withdraw from the roughly 60 per cent of Gaza it currently controls until Hamas is completely disarmed.&nbsp;Hamas, which controls the remaining territory, has long opposed disarmament. It was unclear whether al-Hayya would meet Trump's son-in-law and negotiator Jared Kushner, Board of Peace high representative Nickolay Mladenov, or executive board member and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The three are expected to travel to Israel and Egypt this week.<h2>Iran and Qatar dispute claims over missing pilots</h2>In another development, Iran accused Qatar of holding three Iranian pilots whose aircraft were downed in March. Qatar rejected the allegation. Iran's Armed Forces General Staff's Missing Persons Committee said Qatar's armed forces had captured and were holding the three pilots, who went missing after their jets were shot down in March. Iranian state television reported Sunday that the committee's commander had called on Qatar to allow Iranian Air Force experts to conduct an investigation at the site.&nbsp;In a statement released Saturday, the committee claimed the pilots had not been permitted to communicate with their families or Iranian officials involved in their cases. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari denied the allegation. In a post on X, he said the pilots had been shot down and that Qatari search-and-rescue teams had recovered the remains of one of them.&nbsp;The developments come as the Iran war continues to reshape the security situation across the Middle East, with the US military presence, the Strait of Hormuz, Israel-Hezbollah tensions, Gaza ceasefire negotiations and the Iran-Qatar dispute emerging as key regional flashpoints.

US-Iran war updates: Admiral Brad Cooper visits USS Lincoln, Israel strikes Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas holds Gaza ceasefire talks in Cairo and Iran disputes Qatar over missing pilots

US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper visited the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea during a 10-day tour of the Middle East that concluded on Saturday, as the US military's war with Iran and wider regional tensions continued to dominate developments. Cooper's visit came amid reports of mental health concerns and supply problems aboard the aircraft carrier. The Lincoln arrived in the Middle East in January and has been supporting the US military campaign against Iran, including operations linked to the blockade of Iranian ports. The carrier has spent more than 240 consecutive days at sea, setting a record. Its extended deployment has renewed concerns about the impact of prolonged operations on both the ship and its more than 5,000 sailors and Marines. In a statement issued on Saturday, Cooper described the deployment as historic, saying, “History will record this deployment as one of the most operationally intense and consequential of the modern era.” According to Central Command, Cooper also visited Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where he met civilian and military leaders. The US Navy's blockade followed Iran's declaration of control over the Strait of Hormuz after the war started on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes. Before the conflict, roughly one-fifth of the world's traded oil and natural gas passed through the strategic waterway at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran have stalled. Iran is separately holding discussions with Oman over how the Strait of Hormuz should be managed, despite the waterway having traditionally been regarded as an international passage. 'Hezbollah commanders killed in Lebanon strikes': Israel Meanwhile, Israel said its military strikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday targeted two Hezbollah commanders. Lebanese authorities and the country's state news agency reported that at least 11 people were killed in two separate attacks. The strikes were described as the deadliest since a truce between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group, took effect in June. Israel's military said early Sunday that a later strike killed Abu Hassan Alaa, whom it described as a senior Hezbollah commander. Israel said he had participated in attacks against Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon and had led militants involved in attacks targeting Israeli soldiers and civilians over several years. Earlier, the Israeli military said a strike in Ansar killed Ali Samir Al-Haj Hassan, whom it also identified as a Hezbollah commander. The military said his family was present but was not targeted. The developments come after Israel and Lebanon announced a framework agreement in late June outlining a potential Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon in return for Hezbollah's disarmament. The proposed framework also envisages steps toward an eventual peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which remain technically at war nearly eight decades after Israel's establishment. Hezbollah has rejected direct negotiations and was not a party to the US-mediated agreement. Also Read: Wildfires rage across Greece and Croatia as tourists flee; firefighters battle flames and smoke Hamas delegation arrives in Cairo for Gaza ceasefire talks A Hamas delegation led by group leader Khalil al-Hayya arrived in Cairo on Sunday for talks related to a Gaza ceasefire, Hamas said. Egyptian state-run media reported that al-Hayya met Major General Hassan Rashad, head of Egypt's intelligence service. Al-Qahera News television said al-Hayya reaffirmed Hamas' commitment to implementing US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan 'to end the suffering of the residents of the Gaza Strip and to begin the reconstruction process'. The discussions came as mediators worked to advance a roadmap involving the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the transfer of administrative authority to Palestinian technocrats. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected Trump's latest proposal to revive the stalled ceasefire process. Netanyahu has said Israel will not withdraw from the roughly 60 per cent of Gaza it currently controls until Hamas is completely disarmed. Hamas, which controls the remaining territory, has long opposed disarmament. It was unclear whether al-Hayya would meet Trump's son-in-law and negotiator Jared Kushner, Board of Peace high representative Nickolay Mladenov, or executive board member and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The three are expected to travel to Israel and Egypt this week. Iran and Qatar dispute claims over missing pilots In another development, Iran accused Qatar of holding three Iranian pilots whose aircraft were downed in March. Qatar rejected the allegation. Iran's Armed Forces General Staff's Missing Persons Committee said Qatar's armed forces had captured and were holding the three pilots, who went missing after their jets were shot down in March. Iranian state television reported Sunday that the committee's commander had called on Qatar to allow Iranian Air Force experts to conduct an investigation at the site. In a statement released Saturday, the committee claimed the pilots had not been permitted to communicate with their families or Iranian officials involved in their cases. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari denied the allegation. In a post on X, he said the pilots had been shot down and that Qatari search-and-rescue teams had recovered the remains of one of them. The developments come as the Iran war continues to reshape the security situation across the Middle East, with the US military presence, the Strait of Hormuz, Israel-Hezbollah tensions, Gaza ceasefire negotiations and the Iran-Qatar dispute emerging as key regional flashpoints.

US, Israel, Iran and Hamas face rising tensions as the USS Lincoln patrols the region, Lebanon strikes kill 11 and Gaza ceasefire talks resume

US top commander visits USS Lincoln amid Iran war, Gaza and Lebanon tensions

The fragile truce between Israel and Lebanon is facing renewed pressure as Israeli strikes intensify across southern Lebanon. The latest escalation has raised fresh concerns about the durability of the ceasefire and the possibility of further clashes in the region.

The developments come amid continued tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with diplomatic efforts facing major challenges. Watch this report for the latest updates, ground developments and what the renewed strikes could mean for the fragile truce in southern Lebanon.

Truce Fails as Israeli Strikes Intensify Across Southern Lebanon

Reports say there had been multiple attempts by crew members onboard USS Abraham Lincoln to jump overboard. Pressure is mounting on Trump with despair growing amid the Iran war. Tune into Gravitas at 9 PM to find out more.

US Military Meltdown in Gulf Signals End of Trump Era | GRAVITAS

Tensions between Israel and Syria continue to focus on the strategically important Golan Heights, as both sides remain locked in a dispute over territory and security.

Israel captured most of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 war and later extended its laws and administration over the area. The United Nations and most of the international community continue to regard the territory as occupied Syrian land.

The situation has become more complicated since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, when Israeli forces moved into the UN-patrolled buffer zone and expanded their military presence in southern Syria.

The latest developments come amid wider efforts to determine the future of Israel-Syria relations, with the Golan Heights remaining one of the most sensitive territorial issues in any potential agreement.

Israel, Syria Tussle Over Control of Golan Heights

West Asia remains on edge as Iran and Oman move closer to finalizing a Strait of Hormuz shipping agreement while tensions continue to rise across the region. Israel has launched fresh strikes on southern Lebanon, with the IDF citing Hezbollah ceasefire violations. At the same time, Iran has reportedly warned Gulf nations that their energy infrastructure could become targets if they fail to persuade the United States to halt military action.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reportedly urged U.S. President Donald Trump to delay military action and prioritize diplomacy. Meanwhile, Washington continues to express frustration over stalled talks with Tehran, even as negotiations over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz continue through Oman.

Iran Warns Gulf States | Israel Strikes Lebanon as Hormuz Talks Continue | West Asia Crisis

West Asia is witnessing another dangerous escalation despite reports that Iran and Oman are close to finalizing a framework for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Fresh Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have heightened tensions, even as diplomatic efforts continue between Israel and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly warned Gulf nations that any fresh U.S. military action could trigger retaliation against critical infrastructure, including oil fields, refineries, electricity grids, water facilities, and transport networks. The developments come as Washington continues to pursue negotiations with Tehran while expressing concerns over divisions within Iran's leadership.

As uncertainty grows over the future of the Hormuz shipping route and the fragile Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, fears of a broader regional conflict continue to mount.

Iran Warns Gulf States of Retaliation | Israel Launches Fresh Strikes on Lebanon | GRAVITAS 

The Houthi rebels are expanding their role in the West Asia conflict by targeting Saudi oil tankers and tightening their maritime blockade in the Red Sea. Yemeni authorities accuse the Iran-backed group of copying Tehran's strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

With attacks on energy infrastructure, threats to global shipping, and reports that the Houthis may seek to charge vessels for safe passage, concerns are growing over the security of one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.

Houthis Copy Iran’s Strategy? Red Sea Blockade Threatens Global Shipping

The Israeli military says it has killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, while an Israeli soldier was injured during operations. Israel says it targeted Hezbollah positions inside a security zone to eliminate threats against its forces.

The strikes come as the United Nations voices concern over extensive demolitions near Beaufort Castle, a UNESCO-listed heritage site recently added to the list of World Heritage in Danger. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to reject the US-backed framework agreement that calls for its disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawal.

Israel Kills Hezbollah Fighters Despite Ceasefire | UNESCO Site Damaged In Lebanon

The United States has signed a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, a move being presented as an energy partnership but one that is raising serious strategic questions across West Asia. While Washington says the deal supports Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear ambitions, critics warn it could reshape the regional balance of power.

The agreement has sparked concerns in Israel over nuclear proliferation, while questions remain about uranium enrichment restrictions, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) oversight, and whether the deal is linked to Saudi Arabia normalizing ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords.

US-Saudi Nuclear Deal Sparks Fears of Middle East Nuclear Arms Race | Israel, Iran on Edge

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced what he describes as a historic agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas, calling it a crucial step toward establishing a new governing authority in Gaza and advancing long-term peace in the region.

According to reports, mediators in Cairo have proposed a framework under which Hamas would gradually surrender its weapons, while Israeli forces would withdraw in phases. However, Israel has not fully endorsed the proposal, insisting that there will be no military withdrawal until Gaza is completely demilitarized.

Hamas has responded by saying that any handover of its heavy weapons will depend on Israel ending its military operations, withdrawing its forces, and committing to a permanent ceasefire. The proposed agreement also includes an international stabilization force and a new Palestinian police structure to oversee Gaza's future security.

Trump Announces Hamas Disarmament Deal | Israel, Hamas Yet to Fully Agree on Gaza Plan

The conflict in West Asia has intensified once again as the United States launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran, following Tehran's missile attacks targeting American bases in Jordan. The renewed escalation comes after nearly a week-long pause in hostilities, raising fresh concerns over regional stability. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes were carried out in response to attempted Iranian attacks on US forces stationed across the region. Iran confirmed launching ballistic missiles toward US positions in Jordan, while the US said all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted.

US-Iran Conflict Escalates: Fresh Strikes, Missile Attacks and Rising West Asia Tensions

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Washington, D.C., to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the United States as he met President Donald Trump at the White House. Protesters called for an end to the Gaza conflict and criticized Israel's military operations, while the two leaders discussed regional security, Iran, and broader Middle East developments. Watch the latest updates, key moments from the protests, and highlights from the Trump-Netanyahu meeting.

Protests Against Benjamin Netanyahu During His Visit to the United States | Trump-Netanyahu Meet

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described his latest White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump as "one of the best conversations" they have ever had. The high-level discussions focused on Iran's nuclear program, regional security, and the broader situation in West Asia following the Iran conflict. Netanyahu said both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and strengthening Israel's long-term security. Meanwhile, protesters gathered outside the White House, with anti-Zionist Orthodox Jewish groups, Christian organizations, and other faith-based activists calling for an end to the war in Gaza, an end to violence in the West Bank, and a renewed push for diplomacy over military action.

Netanyahu hails Trump meeting as 'One of the Best' amid Iran tensions and White House protests

The conflict in West Asia has intensified after joint US-Saudi airstrikes in Iraq reportedly killed at least 20 members of a former paramilitary alliance linked to pro-Iran groups. The strikes came as Iran launched ballistic missiles targeting US military positions, while the US military claimed all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted.

Meanwhile, Iran says it struck oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz and has proposed a temporary maritime arrangement with Oman to manage shipping routes through the strategic waterway. Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting drones targeting key oil facilities, while Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea.

US-Saudi Strikes Kill 20 in Iraq | Iran Fires Missiles, Targets Oil Tankers | Hormuz Crisis Deepens

Violence has surged once again in the occupied West Bank after Palestinian officials accused Israeli settlers of setting fire to two mosques and vandalizing buildings in the village of Qusra. The Israeli military says troops were deployed to the area and confirmed evidence of arson and graffiti, though the suspects had already fled.

West Bank Violence Escalates as Settlers Torch Mosques, Israel Conducts Raids | West Asia Crisis 

Iran has warned that any renewed US military strikes, especially alongside Israel, could trigger a wider regional conflict across West Asia. The warning comes ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington, as tensions continue to rise. Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Jazan and Yanbu, threatening key global energy routes. The conflict has raised concerns over the security of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and global oil supplies, while Iran insists that diplomacy—not military escalation is the only path forward.

Iran Warns of Wider West Asia War | Houthi Strikes Saudi Aramco |US, Israel, Saudi Tensions Escalate

West Asia's security landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation following the Iran conflict. Saudi Arabia is advancing its civilian nuclear ambitions, Turkey is seeking to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program, and regional powers are rapidly reassessing their military strategies and deterrence capabilities. The shifting balance of power has reignited concerns about a possible regional arms race. While Saudi Arabia deepens its strategic ties with the United States and maintains close defense cooperation with Pakistan, Turkey is pushing to regain access to fifth-generation stealth fighters. Meanwhile, Israel continues to maintain one of the region's most advanced militaries under its long-standing policy of nuclear ambiguity.

West Asia on edge | Iran war sparks fears of Nuclear Arms race as Saudi Arabia and Turkey Rearm

Iran has issued a fresh warning against the United Kingdom, threatening to target RAF Fairford after accusing Britain of assisting US military strikes on Iranian territory. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared that any military base used to launch attacks on Iran is now a legitimate target. The warning comes after reports that a US Air Force B-1 bomber departed from RAF Fairford, a major American forward operating base in England, fueling speculation over Britain's role in the escalating West Asia conflict.

Iran threatens UK airbase after US Strikes | RAF Fairford faces warning as Middle East war escalates

The US-Iran conflict has entered a dangerous new phase as American forces carried out their 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military targets. Iran responded with fresh regional attacks while tensions spread across Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington is "not finished" with Iran and threatened further strikes on fortified nuclear facilities. Meanwhile, the Houthis' blockade threats and disruptions to global shipping continue raising fears of a wider regional war and an energy crisis.


US-Iran war escalates: Trump warns more strikes as Hormuz Crisis deepens | West Asia War

The US-Iran conflict has entered a dangerous new phase as both countries exchanged heavy strikes overnight, escalating tensions across the Middle East. The United States reportedly targeted key infrastructure inside Iran, while Tehran responded with attacks on American military installations and strategic assets across the Gulf region. According to reports, Iran claimed strikes on US military facilities in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, while also targeting critical infrastructure linked to American operations. The conflict has also intensified around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes, raising fears of a wider regional war and disruptions to global energy supplies.

US-Iran war escalates | Iran strikes US bases in gulf after American airstrikes | Strait of Hormuz 

Lebanese authorities have arrested a man accused of spying for Israel and allegedly infiltrating Hezbollah's internal network in what investigators describe as one of the most significant intelligence breaches faced by the Iran-backed group in recent years. According to Lebanese investigators, the suspect allegedly provided highly sensitive intelligence that helped Israel identify and target several senior Hezbollah military commanders during 2024, including Fouad Shukur and Ibrahim Akil. Officials say the suspect maintained close access to Hezbollah's leadership and reportedly met individuals linked to Israel's Mossad intelligence agency during trips to Turkey before passing information about targets in Beirut.

Hezbollah security breach: Lebanon arrests alleged Israeli spy linked to top commanders' killings

The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered its fifth consecutive day as U.S. forces launched another wave of strikes targeting Iranian military capabilities that Washington says threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media reported explosions in several cities, including Bandar Abbas, Rask, Chabahar, Qeshm, Bandar Imam Khomeini, and areas near Bushehr, where Iran's only civilian nuclear power plant is located. The U.S. Central Command also confirmed that it targeted a vessel accused of attempting to violate the renewed naval blockade on Iranian ports, while Iran reportedly responded by launching attacks against U.S. military positions in Bahrain and Kuwait.

U.S.-Iran war intensifies | Fresh American strikes hit Iran as Trump issues new warning to Tehran

The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered its fifth consecutive day as U.S. forces launched a fresh wave of strikes targeting Iranian military capabilities linked to threats against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. According to U.S. Central Command, the military operation focused on strategic Iranian military infrastructure, while Iranian state media reported explosions in several cities, including Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, Rask, and areas near Bushehr.
The U.S. military also confirmed that it disabled a vessel attempting to reach an Iranian port after it allegedly violated the renewed naval blockade, further intensifying tensions in the region. Meanwhile, Iran reportedly launched attacks against U.S. military positions in Bahrain and Kuwait, while Iraqi Kurdish security forces intercepted and destroyed eight explosive-laden drones near coalition facilities.

U.S.-Iran war escalates: U.S. Launches fresh strikes on Iran as Trump warns 'better behave' 