Arabic version: الولايات المتحدة وإيران تشاركان في أعمال عسكرية جديدة في اليوم 96 من الحرب
As the US-Israel war on Iran entered its 96th day, both nations have reported new military actions, escalating tensions across the Gulf region. The United States military announced it conducted “self-defence” strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, while Iranian media reported explosions in the vicinity. This escalation has also affected neighboring countries, with Kuwait intercepting incoming drones and missiles, and Bahrain activating warning sirens.
According to Al Jazeera, the latest hostilities began after US forces struck an Iranian oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, damaging its engine room. In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have targeted a US-Israeli vessel with naval missiles, and subsequently launched attacks on various US military assets in the region.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain fraught with uncertainty. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is alive and becoming “increasingly engaged” in negotiations, despite not having made a public appearance since being reportedly wounded in strikes. However, deep mistrust persists between the two nations, complicating any potential agreements.
In the Gulf, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that an additional wave of Iranian drones attempted to target US forces in Kuwait but failed. CENTCOM dismissed IRGC claims of successful strikes against US positions, asserting that all Iranian attacks had been unsuccessful. Meanwhile, criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of the conflict is growing among Democratic senators, with some labeling the foreign policy as a “dumpster fire.”
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to strengthen northern Israel in response to perceived threats from Hezbollah, pledging $20 billion for security improvements. Criticism of Netanyahu’s strategy is rising, with opponents accusing him of prioritizing political survival over national security. In Lebanon, Israeli attacks have resulted in casualties, with reports of at least five deaths and numerous injuries from strikes in southern towns, while Hezbollah has launched multiple attacks against Israeli forces.
