Iran continues to assault Gulf nations, including Jordan, with missiles and drones as its back-and-forth strikes with the U.S. enter the eleventh consecutive day. The Times of Israel reports that Jordan’s air defenses intercepted the projectiles, with no injuries or fatalities reported, though explosions were heard in southern Israel. Speaking at a regional summit in the Philippines, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is setting a dangerous precedent not only in the Strait of Hormuz, which it seeks to control, but across the broader region.
“If we create a precedent in the Middle East where a nation state can decide that they are going to control an international waterway, charge a toll and if you don’t pay them, blow up your ships, we have created a very dangerous precedent which will repeat itself in other parts of the world, including in this region,” he said.
Rubio said the United States is open-minded on the Middle East conflict and willing to engage, negotiate and settle differences with Iran, but Tehran is not serious about talks.
“If they’re serious, we’re serious. If they’re not, then we will do what’s necessary to protect our interests, and also the interests of our allies,” Rubio told his Southeast Asian counterparts in Manila, who have expressed serious concern about the renewed hostilities.
Meanwhile, Iran’s top joint military command said it will target the interests of the US and its allies if the US targets Iranian nuclear sites, Iran’s state media reported.
U.S. President Donald Trump has continued ordering strikes on Iranian infrastructure in response to attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz or on U.S. forces. Following his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, reports indicate progress as Lebanese forces have begun entering pilot zones formerly occupied by the IDF.
Aoun also said Lebanon intends to end all hostilities with Israel. Trump is expected to attend the transfer ceremony for the remains of the four U.S. service members who have died in the conflict. An Israeli official also confirmed to The Times of Israel that the next round of Israel-Lebanon talks is scheduled for August 4 in Rome.
With the fighting taking place within earshot of the Holy Land, The Fellowship and our supporters pray for God’s protection over Israel and her people. We also pray for continued wisdom and resolve for the United States, both in confronting Iran and in pursuing diplomatic progress with Lebanon.