middle east

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the U.S. bears direct responsibility for violating the ceasefire and fueling the regional escalation: "Washington's responsibility for violating the ceasefire is clear."

Iranian air defense systems were activated after what state media described as the detection of "hostile targets." The IDF confirmed strikes on several targets in the petrochemical complex in Mahshahr, in southern Iran.

Contacts between the United States and Iran are moving toward a draft agreement, but major disputes remain unresolved. In Tehran, officials insist the nuclear issue is not part of the initial understandings. A senior Israeli official said, “Trump made clear that he will stand firm in the negotiations on his consistent demand to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program.”

In Israel, officials are seeing growing signs that the United States may be nearing a decision on military action against Iran, though the timing remains unclear. The IDF is raising its alert level and maintaining especially close coordination with the United States.

Riyadh is exploring a regional 'non-aggression' agreement with Iran for the postwar landscape, as European backers signal support, according to the Financial Times.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel may act again against Iran to complete the campaign’s objectives. He also sent a tough message to Hezbollah about the fighting in Lebanon and the drone threat: "The homes in the first line of villages used for terror activity are being destroyed at this very moment."

In an unprecedented move, Lebanon has formally complained to the UN Security Council regarding Iranian interference. Meanwhile, Israeli and Lebanese delegations are meeting in the U.S. today for a critical new round of talks.

Thirty House Democrats are urging President Donald Trump to disclose whether Israel possesses nuclear weapons, citing transparency laws. The administration is expected to reject the request.

Despite months of fighting and targeted strikes, Washington says Iran’s nuclear timeline has barely budged. The IAEA warns it can’t track key stockpiles of highly enriched uranium.

Tensions spike in the Persian Gulf after missiles detonate near a U.S. destroyer in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM chief Brad Cooper says forces responded to Iranian aggression; Tehran vows a "night of rage," and Israel keeps its defenses on high alert.

With the cease-fire with Iran at risk near the Strait of Hormuz, Israeli and U.S. officials signal rapid-response readiness as Tehran weighs its next moves.

A local TV channel aired a satirical segment likening the fighting to Angry Birds—casting Hezbollah as birds and the IDF as pigs—prompting a furious response from the group and a demand by Lebanon's attorney general to remove the content.

Hamas announced a slate of leadership changes in Gaza, the West Bank, and abroad. According to assessments, choosing Khalil al-Hayya to lead Gaza could boost his chances of being appointed head of the terrorist organization’s political bureau.

President Donald Trump announced 'Project Freedom' to free ships stuck in Hormuz. In a post he wrote: 'This is a humanitarian gesture by the United States and Middle Eastern countries, but in particular by Iran.' Tehran responded: 'Only a fool would ignore our warnings.'

Tehran lays out a three-stage plan: mutual U.S.–Iran non-aggression that also covers Iran’s allies and Israel, an international mechanism to prevent renewed fighting, a 15-year pause on enrichment followed by a 3.6% cap under zero stockpiling, and region-wide security talks—while refusing to dismantle nuclear infrastructure or destroy facilities.

Mojtaba Khamenei, still absent from public view, had a statement read on Iranian state TV expressing hope the Gulf will see a "future without an American presence." He added: "After America’s humiliating defeat—a new chapter begins."

President Donald Trump claimed Iran told the U.S. it is in “total collapse” and asked to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. Iranian media rejected the claim.

After Hezbollah labeled his government “traitors” over efforts to engage Israel, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun said he is working to end the war without a “humiliating” deal.

Early in the fighting, Israel sent an "Iron Dome" battery and an IDF team to the Emirates amid tight security and diplomatic coordination, Axios reports.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed Navy Secretary John Phelan amid mounting Pentagon frustration over shipbuilding delays and priorities. The shake-up lands as the U.S. Navy enforces a sweeping naval blockade of Iran with more than 15 warships.