Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has warned that Gulf powers will no longer shield US bases, following overnight American strikes that tested the April ceasefire. In a Telegram post, Khamenei said the US would no longer have a safe haven in the region.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it reserved the right to retaliate against any ceasefire violations, claiming its air defences shot down a US MQ-9 drone and fired at a fighter jet that entered Iranian airspace. The US strikes have raised tensions, with Brent crude oil rising 3% on Tuesday amid uncertainty over the conflict.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have begun operating beyond the so-called 'Yellow Line' in southern Lebanon, a military official confirmed. The line marks approximately 10km inside Lebanese territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said operations are being intensified to take control of strategic areas.
An Israeli airstrike on a village in eastern Lebanon's Bekaa Valley killed 12 people, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency. Israel also issued an expropriation order for land in the occupied West Bank near the Nabi Samuel site, believed to contain the grave of the prophet Samuel.
In other developments, Iran's vice-president announced the first steps to restore internet access after a near-total blackout since the war began. Turkish President Erdogan expressed support for peace talks during a call with his Iranian counterpart. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a tanker explosion off Oman, with no casualties but some fuel discharged.
