The U.S. launched overnight strikes on missile sites and boats laying mines in southern Iran in what officials described as self-defense operations, rather than enforcement of a deadline President Donald Trump had set for the regime last week. The Times of Israel reports that the ceasefire remains in effect, but both Washington and Tehran are downplaying hopes for a breakthrough agreement.
There was no immediate reaction to the development by Iranian officials, although Khamenei published a statement on his Telegram channel warning that the Gulf powers would no longer be a shield for United States bases and that Washington would no longer have a safe haven in the region.
He said the US “in addition to no longer having any safe haven in the region for aggression and the establishment of military bases, is moving further and further away from its former position with each passing day.”
Several US bases in the Middle East were attacked by Iran during the recent war, and the Gulf states that host US assets were bombarded by missile and drone strikes.
Talks were held the same day in Doha, but no major developments were reported. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that a deal with Iran remains possible despite the strikes. Trump also posted on Truth Social that Iran is expected to hand over its nuclear materials — something the regime has refused to discuss until the Strait of Hormuz blockade is addressed.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered intensified operations in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, as IDF troops and northern Israeli communities continue to face drone attacks. At Washington’s request, operations have remained limited to southern Lebanon in order to avoid jeopardizing potential diplomatic agreements.
The Fellowship and our supporters pray for the safety of U.S. military servicemembers stationed in the Gulf and throughout the region as they face explicit threats. We also pray for the IDF soldiers and reservists defending communities along Israel’s northern border.
