TLDR Iran SITREP

President Trump warned that new talks are Iran's 'last chance' to avoid escalation, but Tehran denied any direct negotiations, stating it is only discussing a safe-passage mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz with Oman. The IRGC attacked a US military base in Kuwait with multiple drones, and a cargo vessel was struck by a projectile near the strait. The Board of Peace conditioned any Israeli withdrawal from Gaza on Hamas's complete disarmament, as the IDF killed two senior Hamas operatives in airstrikes. Defense Minister Katz reversed his on-air dismissal of the IDF West Bank chief after settler leader backlash.

President Trump announced he canceled a planned large-scale military strike on Iran, claiming parameters for a deal were reached and talks would resume Monday. Iran denied any agreement, calling Trump's claim a psychological operation. Gulf states reportedly urged de-escalation before the strike was called off. The IDF and Defense Minister Katz clashed publicly after Katz announced the replacement of the Central Command chief without coordination.

The US launched a sixth consecutive night of strikes on Iran, expanding targets to areas near Tehran for the first time, while Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on US military facilities in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. Iran instructed Yemen’s Houthis to prepare to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if US strikes hit Iranian power infrastructure. Israel postponed Prime Minister Netanyahu’s trip to Washington after Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral was delayed.

The US launched a third consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military targets, as Iran retaliated with attacks on UAE-flagged tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and US bases in Jordan and Bahrain. President Trump reversed his plan for a 20% Hormuz toll, replacing it with Gulf investment deals, while Israel and Lebanon resumed talks in Rome focused on an IDF withdrawal pilot. Houthi rebels threatened a siege on Saudi Arabia after strikes on Sanaa airport, and oil prices rose amid the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump canceled a third night of strikes on Iran and announced that a deal framework had been approved, though Tehran said no final decision had been made. The IDF intercepted a drone near Metula and is poised for an offensive against Hezbollah in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon. Overnight Israeli strikes hit Gaza, and the UN reported record settler violence in the West Bank.

Hezbollah formally rejected the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, leading Prime Minister Netanyahu to withhold a cabinet vote on the deal. The IDF continued strikes in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and personnel, while a Palestinian teen was killed in the West Bank. In Gaza, at least 12 were killed in Israeli strikes, and the US State Department reiterated Level 4 travel advisories for the region.

US forces struck Iranian missile sites and mine-laying boats near Bandar Abbas in self-defense, while Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the IDF to intensify strikes against Hezbollah after a surge in drone attacks. US-Iran talks continue in Qatar, but Tehran warns that an Israeli strike on Beirut would jeopardize negotiations.

Israeli warplanes struck targets in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley and Tyre overnight, while the IDF intercepted a suspected drone near Kiryat Shmona. Hezbollah claimed it forced an Israeli Heron 1 drone to retreat with a surface-to-air missile. The US is preparing a fresh round of strikes on Iran, with military staff canceling weekend leave, though no final decision has been made. Iran’s foreign minister accused the US of excessive demands in talks, as Pakistan’s army chief shuttled between Tehran and Washington. In Gaza, Israeli forces struck central refugee camps despite a ceasefire. A report revealed Iran moved billions through Binance to fund military networks.