Middle East

Yemen's Iran-backed group threatens wider escalation as pro-government forces reinforce key battlefronts.

Even as Tehran continues firing missiles and issuing threats, Gulf states believe the Iranian regime is losing regional influence, as Saudi and Emirati figures call for a stronger regional coalition to confront the threat. Jordan, increasingly in Iran’s sights, warns: “We will not allow the kingdom to become a battlefield.”

Kuwait says it intercepted Iranian drones and ballistic missiles after another night of US strikes as Tehran threatens: “US troops would flee if they knew what we were planning.” Signs of damage to civilian infrastructure in southern Iran are beginning to emerge, with residents waiting in long lines for fuel. 

Evacuations at major Jordanian transport hubs prompt US travel warnings, triggering immediate counter-defense upgrades across neighboring Israeli frontier towns.

According to an Israeli security official, Iran’s new supreme leader is no longer in the country, while Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Ahmad Vahidi and other senior officials are drafting statements in his name. The official also claimed the US does not want Israel to participate in offensive operations, even if the Iranian regime attacks it.

Joseph Aoun arrives in Washington for crucial meetings with President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Lebanon hopes the US will pressure Israel to withdraw, but diplomatic sources warn: “Israel will not withdraw without full security guarantees on the ground.”

At least seven bridges, a railway junction and an observation tower were targeted in southern Iran. US Central Command says the strikes were intended to hamper the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ ability to move forces and equipment in the Strait of Hormuz region. 

Axios reports that the Trump administration is considering the deployment as part of a possible expansion of offensive operations against Iran. Earlier this week, Trump threatened to strike Iranian bridges and power plants unless Tehran reopened the Strait of Hormuz and returned to negotiations.

Early-stage discussions explore expanding military cooperation to include combat troops, fighter jets, and air defense systems, while Islamabad seeks energy investments and holds back on deployment.

The operation will focus on safeguarding maritime trade and protecting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea. Two Gulf states are actively participating in the strikes, while Israel and several European countries are part of the regional defense network.