Israel has elevated its armed forces, air force, and air defences to maximum readiness as confrontations between Washington and Tehran intensify across the Middle East. Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military is prepared to resume the offensive against Iran, though the IDF will engage only if Iran attacks Israel directly. Military sources consider several days of further combat in the Gulf highly likely.
The United States launched its heaviest wave of airstrikes on Iran since a memorandum of understanding was signed, hitting more than 90 sites overnight. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps struck American military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait with missiles and drones, while Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz entirely. The Israeli military has maintained close operational coordination with US Central Command to discuss scenarios for resumed hostilities.
President Donald Trump, speaking at a press conference in Ankara, said he did not believe the war would restart and expected it to end quickly. Meanwhile, Katz reiterated that Israel will maintain its military presence in Lebanon despite international appeals, and Israeli forces continue operations in southern Lebanon despite a preliminary ceasefire. The burial of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is taking place today in Mashhad.