The United States and Saudi Arabia conducted joint overnight strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq, killing approximately 20 Iranian advisers, including members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. These strikes were described by the U.S. military as a “powerful response” to Iran’s recent missile attacks on U.S. forces in Jordan. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi condemned the joint strikes following an emergency meeting.
Amid escalating tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Washington, exploring all options to curb Iran’s nuclear program, including diplomacy, economic pressure, and military force. Prime Minister Netanyahu affirmed that President Trump is “in full control of the Iran war.” Concurrently, the U.S. imposed sanctions on two Iranian companies for charging tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, seeking to diminish Tehran’s influence over the critical shipping lane. President Trump also expressed he would be “disappointed” if China provided weapons to Iran.
Regional instability continues to mount, with Hezbollah launching an explosive drone at an Israeli vehicle in southern Lebanon, sparking fears of further escalation. An Israeli Defense Forces reservist from a classified unit was also indicted on charges of spying for Iran. In the Red Sea, Yemen’s Houthi group is reportedly considering imposing fees on commercial ships, following a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, which is now seeking an international coalition to safeguard shipping. The conflict broadened further with an explosion and fire on two ships, including a U.S.-owned natural gas storage tanker, at an Egyptian port.
The Pentagon is accelerating defense production, awarding Lockheed Martin a significant contract worth up to $58.6 billion for Patriot interceptor missiles. This move comes as conflicts in Iran and Ukraine strain U.S. weapons stockpiles. A top U.S. commander for the Middle East also cautioned troops that sharing cellphone videos online could inadvertently assist Iran in targeting American bases.