Coverage of events across the Middle East region.
Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB claims an Iranian missile strike targeted a Qatari oil tanker near Oman’s coast after it allegedly ignored warnings while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. UKMTO confirmed the incident but said the vessel was hit by an unidentified missile, with no casualties reported.
Hamas has dissolved its de facto governing authority in Gaza after nearly 20 years, paving the way for a U.S.-backed technocratic administration as part of a post-war framework. The move comes amid ongoing ceasefire tensions and continued Israeli military operations in the enclave.
An Israeli drone strike on a vehicle in southern Lebanon killed four civilians, including a school principal, her mother, a domestic worker, and a Syrian laborer. The attack has raised fresh concerns over the fragile U.S.-Iran-backed ceasefire framework covering Lebanon.
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.
