Pentagon

A US missile strike hit an Iranian oil tanker near Kharg Island, with Iranian state media reporting four projectiles struck the vessel and no casualties. Israeli strikes killed at least three and wounded 23 in southern and eastern Lebanon after Hezbollah launched a drone at IDF troops. The Pentagon polygraphed about 50 Joint Staff members over leaks on munitions shortages, and US intelligence assesses Iran is weighing major escalation before the midterms.

Iran issued sweeping new conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including a full US military withdrawal and compensation, while the IRGC insisted the waterway’s status is separate from Oman-mediated talks. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed a collective-defense pact in Mecca, with Turkey indicating Egypt may join. Mossad’s new chief dismissed two senior officials, drawing internal accusations of serving Netanyahu’s interests. Israeli forces conducted demolitions in southern Lebanon, and a fire at Saudi Arabia’s Jazan refinery was brought under control.

The IRGC intercepted two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz under US escort, while the US and Israel are reportedly discussing a land blockade of Iran. In Gaza, the IDF killed a Mujahideen Brigades commander involved in the October 7 abductions. In the West Bank, Israeli civilians entered Nablus, sparking clashes. Saudi Arabia is preparing for a ground operation against the Houthis in Yemen.

An Israeli airstrike killed a Lebanese army general and two soldiers in southern Lebanon, which the IDF said was under review after the vehicle entered an active combat zone without coordination. In the Gulf, the US and Iran continued to exchange fire, with US forces striking Iranian radar sites and Iran launching ballistic missiles at US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. In the West Bank, a settler rampage in Huwara left nine Palestinians wounded, and an IDF soldier was filmed beating two men. The Pentagon reportedly raised its threat assessment of Israeli spying on the US to the highest level.