The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that four oil tankers ignited after striking naval mines in a zone it declared off‑limits south of the Strait of Hormuz, and confirmed the vessels remained ablaze.
In a separate development, the US Embassy in Yemen accused the Houthi movement of killing UN staffer Mohammed Al Shami while he was detained, alleging the group hid his body for months and denied his family any contact.
US‑Iran negotiations have stalled, and President Donald Trump told reporters the United States is “locked and loaded,” suggesting a large‑scale attack is being considered after the recent midterm elections.
According to the Wall Street Journal, a second wave of six aircraft is reportedly on the way, though flight‑tracking data cannot verify the payloads. Meanwhile, a THAAD missile‑defence system has been stationed in Israel since October 2024, and US forces are rapidly replenishing THAAD and Patriot batteries in southern Israel in anticipation of possible Iranian missile retaliation.
Saudi‑led coalition forces reported intercepting three drones aimed at Saudi territory, including one over the Mecca region and others in the Eastern Province and the south, though details were limited.
Open‑source flight‑tracking indicates at least ten US military cargo planes have landed at Israel’s Ovda and Nevatim bases, most arriving from Fort Bliss, Texas, a pattern previously observed before earlier strikes on Iran.
US officials also said a Patriot battery is being moved from Texas to strengthen regional air defenses, reflecting concerns about Iranian ballistic missile responses.
Tracker accounts noted that northern Israeli cities such as Kiryat Shmona and Safed opened public shelters, while Iran is reportedly repositioning missile launchers in its western sector.
Despite the heightened activity, Israeli outlet Walla reported no unusual increase in US aircraft arrivals over the past week.
The decision on whether to launch a military operation or pursue diplomatic avenues rests with President Trump, who has been briefed by CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper on options that could involve a short, intense campaign.
