An Israeli minister warned of new attacks against Iran, aiming to cripple its infrastructure, while awaiting a signal from former President Trump regarding a potential peace deal.
Israeli Threat of New Attacks on Iran
Israel has threatened Iran with new attacks, stating it will “relegate them back to the Stone Age” by targeting key energy and electrical facilities, as well as the country’s economic infrastructure.
The Israeli official stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are prepared for both offensive and defensive actions, with targets already designated to dismantle Iran’s “terrorist regime.”
Trump Extends Iran War Truce
Former President Trump extended a two-week truce in the conflict, initially set to expire Tuesday, without setting a definitive end date. He indicated the extension is to allow Iran to present a peace proposal.
Reports suggest Trump has given Tehran an additional 3-5 days to formulate a response, while the status of planned US-Iran peace negotiations in Pakistan remains unclear.
US Military Buildup in the Middle East
The US Navy’s USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier is en route to the Middle East, joining USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford in the region, increasing the US military presence to three aircraft carriers.
The US is reportedly preparing to deploy thousands of additional soldiers to the Middle East to increase pressure on Iran and encourage negotiations, potentially including around 6,000 personnel aboard the USS George H.W. Bush and accompanying warships.
Iran’s Mining Activity in the Strait of Hormuz
Axios reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has deployed additional mines in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially exacerbating disruptions to oil supplies—the largest in history, surpassing the 1970s oil crisis.
The US military is monitoring the Iranian mining operation and has reportedly discovered the number of newly deployed mines, though this information remains classified. US Navy is using underwater drones to remove mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump Orders Destruction of Iranian Mines
President Trump has ordered US forces to destroy any vessel laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz and has instructed a tripling of the pace of mine removal operations.
The Pentagon has refuted reports that removing the mines will take six months, countering earlier claims that Iran may have placed 20 or more mines in the strait or surrounding areas.
