Coverage of events across the Middle East region.
Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir visited troops in southern Lebanon near Beaufort Castle and said Israel would continue operations against Hezbollah, warning that any threats or violations would be met with immediate action.
A cargo vessel reported an attack near Yemen’s Hodeidah port, according to UK maritime authorities, while at least 14 pro-government soldiers were killed in separate clashes with Houthi forces in the country’s west. The incidents come amid escalating tensions in the region involving Houthi threats and counterclaims by Yemeni authorities.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels have threatened to target Saudi airports and other critical infrastructure, warning of retaliation if they say Saudi Arabia continues violating Yemeni airspace. The warning came after the Houthis claimed Saudi fighter jets attempted to prevent an Iranian passenger plane from landing in Sanaa.
National mourning ceremonies continue in Tehran for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of his family killed in an airstrike during the early phase of the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran. Large crowds gathered at the Grand Mosalla Mosque, where the coffins are being displayed for public viewing and the ceremony is being broadcast live on state television. Iranian media say Mojtaba Khamenei will not attend the funeral amid reports citing security concerns.
Satellite imagery released by Planet Labs shows extensive damage across multiple military installations in Iran, including facilities in Bushehr and Isfahan, with analysts reporting severe destruction of several strategic sites such as ammunition depots, hangars, and missile-related infrastructure.
Iran’s military warned that any U.S. interference in the Strait of Hormuz would receive a “decisive and immediate response,” saying vessels must follow designated Iranian navigation routes or risk facing a swift and severe reaction.
A bomb blast at a café in central Damascus killed at least seven people and injured 16 others, Syrian authorities said. Officials reported that emergency teams evacuated the wounded while security forces sealed off the area and launched an investigation, with no group claiming responsibility so far.
Iran’s Acting Defense Minister Majid Ibn al-Ridha has said that the country’s missile and drone programs are a “red line” of national security and will not be open to any negotiations. He added that Iran will continue to strengthen its defense capabilities using domestic resources and technology.
Israeli Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen has said that Israel’s control over Gaza will continue to expand until it reaches full control of the territory. He stated that military operations are being intensified and claimed that Israel already controls around 70% of Gaza, with plans to extend this further.
Two IRGC personnel were killed and two others seriously wounded in a shooting attack in Iran's Kermanshah Province. While Iranian authorities described the incident as a terrorist attack, the Kurdish group Xorî Hîwa claimed responsibility, alleging it targeted regime-linked collaborators. Iranian officials have not confirmed the group's claim.
Iraq has given Iran-backed armed groups until the end of September to disarm, as Baghdad faces growing U.S. pressure ahead of Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi's expected visit to Washington. The move follows recent attacks on U.S. interests by Iran-aligned factions in Iraq.
The United States and Iran have reportedly agreed to halt further military attacks and resume technical-level negotiations following a new exchange of strikes. The move is expected to ease tensions and help safeguard commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
