WASHINGTON / TEL AVIV: In an interview with Newsmax on Thursday, US President Donald Trump stated that he would not use nuclear weapons against Iran and currently has no plans to deploy US ground troops to the region.
However, the White House is preparing contingency plans to utilize the massive weapon dubbed the “mother of all bombs” against Iranian targets, CBS News reported, citing informed sources.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration rolled out fresh Iran-related sanctions on Thursday targeting 16 individuals and 10 entities, according to an official notice published on the US Treasury Department’s website.
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to convene senior security officials on Thursday evening for strategic talks expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear program and threats across multiple security fronts, local outlet Ynet reported.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed that Israel is actively pursuing an “offensive, proactive policy” against Iran and regional threats alongside reinforced border defense measures.
Maritime threats have escalated significantly, with attacks on commercial vessels in and around the strategic Strait of Hormuz intensifying. At least 10 ships have been struck since Sunday, marking the highest volume of maritime attacks over a similar timeframe since the outbreak of the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
While Iran’s army chief declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Tehran’s demands are met, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) asserted that the US and its regional partners maintain effective control over the waterway, noting that more than 40 commercial vessels successfully crossed the strait within a 24-hour period.
In the Gulf, Saudi Arabia stated that Iran is encouraging the latest escalation by Houthi forces while continuing to arm and support the militia. Attacks targeting the Kingdom have resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people this month.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com