IDF strikes Hezbollah shortly after Netanyahu refutes claim that Lebanon is included in ceasefire • Lapid slams ceasefire as ‘political disaster’ • global markets rally • Gulf remains on high alert
The main route linking Bahrain and Saudi Arabia was closed, while Kuwait ordered citizens nationwide to stay near protected areas from midnight till 6 a.m.
The attack follows US President Donald Trump's ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz oil chokepoint by Tuesday night.
The strikes included attacks on Kharg Island's air defenses, a US official confirmed to Walla on Tuesday.
Later on Tuesday, Iran officially cut off all direct communications with the US over Trump's threat. It is currently unclear if the nations will resume direct talks before the 8 p.m. EST deadline.
Iran could achieve USD 70-90 billion in annual revenue if the Islamic regime is allowed to charge a toll in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a J.P. Morgan paper.
Footage and reports circulated by Iranian outlets and social media accounts identified the site as the Rafi Niya Synagogue, located near Palestine Square in central Tehran.
Pezeshkian's declaration comes as Trump's deadline to reach a deal and open the Strait of Hormuz approaches its end.
The IDF said it had completed a wide-scale operation on Iran after reports that railways in Karaj and Qazvin, as well as bridges in Kashan and Tabriz-Zanjan, were destroyed.
Trump has threatened to escalate strikes against Iran's power plants and bridges if a deal, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, is not reached by 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
A diplomatic memo cited by The Times says Iran’s supreme leader is in severe condition and unable to take part in decision-making, deepening uncertainty over who is running the country.
