Middle East Tensions Rise: Iran Attacks and Trump’s California Drone Concerns

On Thursday, Trump asserted that the rise in oil prices resulting from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran is advantageous for the U.S., a notable shift from his previous advocacy for lower energy prices.

“The United States is the largest oil producer globally, by far. So when oil prices increase, we profit significantly,” he stated on Truth Social.

“However, of even greater concern to me as President is halting an evil empire, Iran, from acquiring nuclear weapons and wreaking havoc in the Middle East and beyond. I will never allow that to happen! Thank you for your attention regarding this matter,” he added.

During his State of the Union address last month, Trump had previously highlighted declining gas prices of $2.30 a gallon, a figure that has since risen by over 50% to a national average of $3.60 per gallon, as reported by AAA.

This claim comes amid ongoing efforts by U.S. officials to clarify a strategy for permitting oil and natural gas tankers to traverse the Strait of Hormuz.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that a French soldier lost his life in an attack targeting Irbil in Iraq’s northern Kurdish region.

Macron identified the soldier as Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion, part of the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins from Varces.

“To his family and his comrades, I wish to convey the deepest condolences and support from the Nation,” Macron stated.

“Multiple soldiers from our forces have suffered injuries. France stands resolutely by their side and alongside their loved ones. This attack on our troops, who have been engaged in the fight against Daesh since 2015, is intolerable,” he continued.

The President emphasized, “Their presence in Iraq is rooted in the ongoing struggle against terrorism. The war in Iran does not justify such attacks.”

The United Kingdom is assessing the possibility of enhancing military protection for ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, in light of increasing Iranian assaults on oil and gas tankers, according to Defense Secretary John Healey.

Healey noted that he had discussions with counterparts in the so-called E5 group of European powers regarding the escalating crisis.

“Given the significant impacts this situation poses for oil prices and the cost of living, there is an international obligation to seek a resolution,” he stated, alluding to the threats faced by tankers navigating this vital waterway.

Addressing reporters after consultations with military commanders in London, the defense secretary revealed that the U.K. already has assets deployed in the region.

“I have — pre-positioned in the region — some autonomous mine-hunting systems,” he disclosed.

“Today, I have been in discussions with planners regarding additional options we can consider alongside our allies, should the need arise,” he added.

However, Healey emphasized that these discussions are currently at a preliminary stage. “Do not interpret this as having hard options ready to be deployed. I am merely discussing additional strategies with our planners,” he clarified.

The U.K. is already reinforcing its approach in the region by deploying HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer equipped with advanced air defense systems, according to reports.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that they have dismantled hundreds of drones and neutralized numerous launchers since the beginning of Operation Roaring Lion, a joint military effort with the U.S. in Iran.

“Over 250 UAVs have been taken down. Hundreds of launchers have been neutralized,” IDF International Spokesperson Nadav Shoshani stated Thursday on social media.

“The IDF has intensified strikes targeting the UAV capabilities of the Iranian regime,” he elaborated.

“In one operation, IAF aircraft identified personnel preparing to launch a UAV toward Israel and promptly struck the launcher along with the operatives,” Shoshani added.

The U.S. Treasury has permitted countries to acquire Russian oil that has been stranded at sea to help stabilize global energy markets during the conflict with Iran.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced this authorization on social media Thursday, noting that it applies exclusively to oil already in transit and is a “short-term” measure.

“.@POTUS is implementing key strategies to ensure stability in global energy markets and keep prices low as we confront the threat posed by the Iranian regime,” Bessent stated.

“To broaden the global supply of existing reserves, the @USTreasury is offering temporary authorization for countries to purchase Russian oil currently stranded at sea,” he further explained.

“This narrowly focused, short-term action pertains solely to oil already in transit and will not yield significant financial gain for the Russian government, which primarily derives its energy revenues from extraction taxes,” Bessent outlined.

He also emphasized how Trump’s proactive energy policies have escalated U.S. oil and gas production to unprecedented levels, “leading to decreased fuel prices for hardworking Americans.”

“The temporary surge in oil prices represents a short-term disruption that will ultimately yield substantial advantages for our nation and economy in the long run,” he concluded.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted and eliminated prominent Iranian nuclear scientists.

During a press briefing, the Israeli leader asserted that these scientists were pivotal in developing nuclear weapons.

“In the current military operation, we have paved the way for a comprehensive strike against Iran’s vast missile stockpiles and production facilities, as well as its nuclear agenda — this includes severe actions against senior Iranian scientists involved in creating nuclear weapons aimed at us,” he declared.

“They are no longer with us,” he added.

Netanyahu also commented on Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since his appointment was announced.

“In a short while, we have removed the tyrant Khamenei and numerous senior figures within the terrorist regime,” he stated.

“The old dictator is gone, and the new one, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is under the sway of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, cannot even appear publicly,” he remarked.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) air defense systems intercepted 10 ballistic missiles and 26 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) Thursday, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defense.

The Ministry also reported that over 1,000 drones have been neutralized since the conflict with Iran commenced.

“The UAE air defense systems today (March 12, 2026) engaged 10 ballistic missiles and 26 UAVs fired from Iran,” the ministry stated in a post shared on social media.

The ministry also confirmed six fatalities — including Emirati, Pakistani, Nepali, and Bangladeshi nationals — and 131 minor to moderate injuries among nationals of the UAE and other countries.

“The Ministry of Defense affirmed its full readiness to confront any threats and will resolutely address any attempts to undermine state security while protecting its sovereignty, security, and stability,” the post concluded.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) concluded multiple waves of strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut and southern Lebanon, as confirmed by an official.

“The IDF struck several Hezbollah command centers, used by terrorists to plan and execute attacks against the State of Israel and its civilians,” the official reported.

“The Hezbollah terrorist organization systematically embeds its infrastructure within civilian populations throughout Lebanon,” the IDF stated, emphasizing the organization’s exploitation of Lebanese civilians for its operations.

“Measures were taken prior to the strikes to minimize civilian risk, including advance warnings, the use of precision munitions, and aerial surveillance,” the IDF added.

A U.S. military aircraft has been reported missing in Iraq amidst continuous operations against Iran, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed Thursday.

The incident occurred on the twelfth day of Operation Epic Fury, which specifically targets Iranian-linked assets in the region.

Officials indicated that the event involved two KC-135 refueling aircraft operating in friendly airspace. One aircraft went down in western Iraq, while the other landed safely.

CENTCOM clarified that the loss was not due to hostile or friendly fire. Rescue operations are currently underway, and details regarding the personnel involved have not yet been disclosed.

“Further information will be made available as circumstances evolve. We appreciate your patience as we gather more details for the affected service members’ families,” CENTCOM stated.

The ongoing tensions in the Middle East are causing oil market fluctuations and raising worries of supply interruptions, leading to an increase in gas prices—adding more pressure on Americans already grappling with inflation.

Oil prices have surged as traders brace for continued conflict that may disrupt exports from the Persian Gulf, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital source for global energy supplies.

This week, benchmark oil prices have surged beyond $100 a barrel—a first since 2022—highlighting the rapid impact of geopolitical tensions on the energy sector.

This rise directly impacts consumers at the fuel pumps.

As oil prices rise, gasoline and diesel prices are also increasing rapidly—especially diesel, which correlates closely with freight and industrial demand.

On Thursday, the national average for regular gasoline rose to approximately $3.59 a gallon, as per AAA’s report. Diesel prices have also spiked, with the national average now reaching $4.86 per gallon.

With rising energy costs, the White House is exploring options to safeguard commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and tapping into emergency stockpiles to mitigate the economic impact.

On Thursday, Trump urged the Federal Reserve to immediately reduce interest rates as repercussions from the escalating conflict with Iran affect energy prices.

“Where is the Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome ‘Too Late’ Powell today? He should be dropping interest rates immediately, instead of waiting for the next meeting,” Trump remarked on Truth Social, referring to Powell in a critical light.

The comments come ahead of next week’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting, where officials will deliberate lowering the Fed’s key interest rate—an action that could impact borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, including mortgages, car loans, and credit cards.

Trump has consistently maintained that the Fed should act swiftly to lower rates, positioning cheaper borrowing as crucial for bolstering growth and relieving financial pressure on households. However, Fed officials have indicated they seek conclusive evidence of a decrease in inflation.

The Fed’s decision on interest rates also comes as rising energy prices pose a risk of sustaining inflation, complicating Trump’s commitment to lower expenses for the American public. Increasing fuel prices can quickly filter through to transportation and shipping costs, leading to price increases across the economy.

Israel is reportedly utilizing information provided by Iranian citizens to conduct strikes targeting Iran during the military conflict, according to media reports.

As reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing an Israeli security official, the intelligence gathered comes from civilians within Iran.

The official noted that Iranians on the ground have been relaying information about possible targets through Israeli social media channels in Persian.

This information is then authenticated by Israeli authorities before any military action is taken. The official explained that one strike against a Basij checkpoint in Tehran on March 10 was based on accurate intelligence.

After President Donald Trump recently raised concerns about Iranian “sleeper cells” potentially present in North America, Canadian opposition leaders are accusing their government of permitting operatives associated with Tehran’s regime to remain within Canada.

Trump confirmed Wednesday that U.S. authorities are monitoring Iranian networks that are believed to have infiltrated the United States in recent years.

“I have been briefed, and many individuals entered through Biden’s lax border policies,” Trump responded to a query from Fox News’ Peter Doocy. “However, we know the whereabouts of most of them. Our surveillance on them is thorough,” he stated.

The comments arrive amid rising trepidation among Western intelligence agencies regarding Iranian espionage initiatives targeting dissenters abroad.

In Canada, prominent Conservative politicians assert that the government has neglected to act against Iranian officials despite identifying individuals affiliated with Tehran.

Deputy Conservative leader Melissa Lantsman, immigration shadow minister Michelle Rempel, and Pierre Paul-Hus, Conservative Québec lieutenant, called for the Liberal government, in a public statement issued in Ottawa, to present an action plan within a week to stop Iranian regime activities in Canada.

“The Liberals have been aware for years that numerous Iranian regime officials are present in Canada, with 239 of them having their visas revoked,” the lawmakers mentioned.

They also noted that government representatives told a parliamentary immigration committee that thus far, only one individual has been deported, citing challenges such as asylum claims, lack of direct flights to Iran, and privacy protections.

“Concerns about the presence of Islamic Republic agents in Canada have persisted,” remarked Maryam Shariatmadari, a notable figure in the “Girls of Revolution Street” protests against mandatory hijab laws who fled Iran and currently lives in Canada.

“For years, citizens of Iran have raised alarms regarding the presence of these individuals and their offspring in Canada,” she added, mentioning knowledge of two identified embezzlers.

“Currently, we are witnessing an increased visibility of these officials; they are organizing events under the mantra ‘No to War’ while voicing support for Hamas and Hezbollah, yet remaining silent on the killings of Iranians,” she contended.

Exiled Iranian journalist Mehdi Ghadimi, who resides in Canada, informed Fox News Digital that individuals linked to Iran’s regime often enter Western nations through various routes.

“Some arrive as students, academics, or regular immigrants but are already connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps through family ties or ideological connections,” he noted.

Ghadimi explained that these individuals often identify activists and critics, leading to legal or judicial complications either in Iran or abroad.

Another group primarily operates through financial networks associated with the regime.

Additionally, some former members of the IRGC or state institutions enter nations like Canada as private investors. “When someone brings substantial capital for investment, questions about the origins of that money arise,” he pointed out.

He emphasized that affluent individuals transferring capital abroad likely do so with the endorsement of Iran’s security apparatus.

This is an excerpt from a report by Efrat Lachter

Thousands of expatriates are departing Dubai in the aftermath of Operation Epic Fury, driven by concerns over potential prosecution for sharing online content related to missile strikes.

Reports indicate that four individuals have lost their lives in Dubai since February 28, amid a significant concentration of Iranian missile attacks in the region.

The iconic Fairmont hotel on Palm Jumeirah was also hit, and employees from major Western banks such as Standard Chartered and Citibank were evacuated in light of threats. Numerous airlines have canceled flights to the area.

Expats who remained face potential legal repercussions for sharing missile-related footage.

British influencer Ben Moss revealed that he is more frightened of facing fines or imprisonment for sharing “inappropriate” content than the missile threats themselves, according to reports.

Moss stated, “I feel relatively secure here due to the UAE air defenses, yet the legal environment can be concerning, so I remain positive in my postings.

“I’m far more frightened of being fined or jailed for posting the wrong content than I am of the Iranian missiles and drones.”

In related events, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE reported missile and drone assaults on Thursday.

Bahrain reported that “Iranian aggression targeted fuel tanks,” while Saudi Arabia announced it intercepted two drones.

Trump commented that Iran is facing a significant cost as a “nation of terror and hate,” emphasizing that the U.S. military is “carrying out necessary actions.”

He made these statements on the twelfth day of the military operation against Iran, which has seen extensive targeting of sites throughout the country in the joint U.S.-Israel campaign.

“The situation with Iran is progressing rapidly,” Trump indicated before hosting a Women’s History Month event at the White House. “It’s going exceptionally well. Our military capabilities are unmatched. There has never been anything like it. No one has witnessed anything similar.”

“We’re executing necessary actions,” he emphasized, adding that this should have occurred over the past 47 years. “Numerous individuals could have undertaken this, yet they opted not to act.”

“They indeed represent a nation of terror and hate, and they are incurring substantial costs right now,” he added.

According to a new report, Iran has been establishing a soft-power framework in the United Kingdom by leveraging its charity sector.

The report, titled “Under Influence: The Iranian Regime’s Abuse of the UK Charity System and the Limitations of Oversight,” outlines the activities of a network of charities registered in the U.K. that allegedly have ties to Tehran.

Coordinated by Lord Walney, a crossbench peer and former independent advisor on political violence, the report suggests that these networks operate in conjunction with Iran’s hard-power maneuvers, including past incidents involving the fatwa against Salman Rushdie and recent assassination attempts reportedly thwarted by MI5.

Approximately 30 charities are alleged to be involved in promoting Khomeinist ideology, propagating antisemitism, and enabling forms of repression.

Among the identified organizations are the Islamic Centre of England (ICEL), the Islamic Human Rights Commission Trust, and the Abrar Islamic Foundation (Ahlulbayt TV).

Walney highlighted ICEL as the central hub of Iran’s charitable activities in the U.K., alleging that it maintains connections to the supreme leader of Iran.

The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) had previously expressed concerns about the potential for such entities to be utilized by Iranian intelligence services to identify and recruit individuals within the U.K., raising alarming questions about charity oversight, according to The Jerusalem Post.

The U.S. Navy is preparing to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as military conditions permit, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Bessent remarked during an interview with Sky News, saying, “I believe that as soon as it is militarily feasible, the U.S. Navy, potentially in coordination with an international coalition, will start escorting vessels through.”

“As of now, Iranians have allowed certain tankers, including some flagged under Chinese ownership, to pass through, confirming that they have not mined the strait,” he stated.

Bessent made these remarks in the context of the thirteenth day of Operation Epic Fury, which features a joint military initiative between the U.S. and Israel against Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz continues to witness Iranian attacks targeting shipping, particularly oil and energy vessels.

The Polish government has thwarted a cyberattack on its National Centre for Nuclear Research, with indications that Iran may be responsible for the attempt, according to officials.

Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski disclosed to broadcaster TVN24+ that the attack occurred “within the past few days.”

“While the scale of the attack may not have been extensive, there was a clear attempt to breach security that has since been contained. Relevant authorities are currently investigating,” Gawkowski explained.

“The initial identified routes through which the center was targeted appear to be linked to Iran,” he remarked, adding that more information will be verified following the completion of ongoing investigations.

The IDF released video footage on Thursday of drone strikes targeting Basij checkpoints throughout Tehran, claiming to have killed members of the paramilitary group.

“In recent days, the Israeli military identified that Basij forces had established checkpoints at several locations across the city of Tehran. Following this identification, the Air Force, guided by Military Intelligence, carried out strikes over the past 24 hours targeting the checkpoints and the stationed Basij forces,” the IDF stated.

“These armed forces are a component of the Iranian regime’s security structure, and have been responsible for executing terrorist operations in recent years. The strikes were a part of a broader initiative aimed at delivering a significant blow to the Iranian terror regime’s core infrastructure,” the IDF proclaimed.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released footage on Thursday showcasing a soldier-mounted camera capturing operations targeting Hezbollah locations in Lebanon during the night.

“IDF troops maintain a forward defensive stance to protect residents in northern Israel,” the military announced via social media. “Over the past week, our forces have conducted strategic night operations in southern Lebanon, dismantling Hezbollah terrorist facilities.”

U.S. Central Command announced on Thursday that American forces have struck approximately 6,000 Iranian targets during Operation Epic Fury.

“CENTCOM forces are undertaking actions to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security framework, prioritizing sites that pose an immediate threat,” the statement indicated.

More than 90 Iranian ships have been reported to have suffered damage or destruction, according to CENTCOM’s report.

On land, American forces have targeted locations including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) headquarters, surface-to-air missile facilities, and Iranian air defense systems.

The ongoing Middle East conflict has triggered warning signals regarding soaring jet fuel prices, affecting both airlines and consumers. The recent volatility in the market underscores how quickly fuel costs may rise amid supply constraints.

In the U.S., the Argus U.S. Jet Fuel Index, which averages prices in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York, surged to $3.95 per gallon on Thursday, a substantial increase from prior pricing predominantly in the low-to-mid $2 range.

Jet fuel is particularly susceptible to disruption, given lower inventory levels and specialized storage requirements, which limits flexibility during periods of constrained supply. Additionally, limited spot-market activity compared to gasoline or diesel can exacerbate price fluctuations in tight markets.

If these elevated prices persist, they may place pressure on airline finances, impact routing decisions, and eventually lead to increased passenger ticket fares as carriers prepare for peak summer travel demand.

Trump stated on Thursday that the Iran National Soccer Team is permitted to compete in The World Cup, but expressed concerns regarding their safety.

Trump made the comment on Truth Social following remarks from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who explained that Iran could not participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup due to the regime’s actions.

“Given that this corrupt regime has executed our leader, we are unable to participate in the World Cup under any circumstances,” Donyamali articulated on Iranian state television, as per Reuters.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated recently that Trump has assured him that Iran is “welcome to participate.”

On Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declared that “No such threat from Iran to our homeland exists, and it never did.”

The statement follows Trump’s remarks about terror alerts and potential threats, including alleged plans for a drone attack in California.

When questioned regarding a leaked law enforcement bulletin concerning a possible Iranian retribution plot in California involving a drone swarm launched from an offshore vessel, Trump responded, “It’s under investigation, but we have multiple incidents unfolding, and we can only address them as they occur.”

Fox News Digital’s Eric Mack contributed to this report.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz asserted on Thursday that President Donald Trump is set to resolve the longstanding conflict with Iran after 47 years of tension.

“This conflict began in 1979,” Waltz noted, referencing the Iranian Revolution. “After 47 years, President Trump will no longer simply endure these attacks, whether from terrorist proxies like Hezbollah, Houthi, or Hamas, or assaults on infrastructure. He will not allow the situation to linger.”

“The ongoing devastation within the Iranian economy is undeniable. Their currency is faltering, and their reserves are dwindling. The recent protests stemmed from their merchant class, reflecting widespread discontent that will continue to grow for this regime,” Waltz remarked.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Thursday that in light of national defense considerations, the administration is contemplating a limited waiver of the Jones Act to guarantee that essential energy products and agricultural goods are transported efficiently to U.S. ports.

“This action is not yet finalized,” she indicated.

The Jones Act, or Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, mandates that vessels transporting goods between U.S. points must be built in America, predominantly owned, and crewed by U.S. citizens.

Critics argue that the Act’s requirements escalate shipping costs, which ultimately burden consumers.

The Jones Act has occasionally been waived during instances of significant hurricanes and has also been utilized during oil supply disruptions.

Past waivers, such as those approved by the Obama administration in response to the Libyan war, helped facilitate oil transport by allowing foreign vessels to carry crude oil from U.S. delivery points to refineries.

In the wake of a significant cyber attack, the Biden administration’s Homeland Security Secretary recently approved a temporary Jones Act waiver for efficient oil transport between the Gulf Coast and the East Coast.

Fox News’ Pat Ward contributed to this report.

A State Department official informed Fox News that approximately 47,000 Americans have returned to the U.S. since Operation Epic Fury commenced on February 28.

The official stated that the department has supplied assistance to roughly 32,000 Americans and has contacted all individuals expressing interest in support.

Close to fifty charter flights are expected to be concluded by day’s end, the official added.

According to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet, a fire broke out on the USS Gerald R. Ford, injuring two sailors; nevertheless, the aircraft carrier continues to function “fully operationally.”

“On March 12, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) experienced a fire that originated in the ship’s main laundry compartment. The cause of the fire was not combat-related and has been contained,” the statement indicated.

“There is no damage to the ship’s propulsion system, and the aircraft carrier remains fully operational,” they elaborated. “The two sailors are currently receiving medical care for non-life-threatening injuries and are in stable condition. Additional updates will be provided as they arise.”

“The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is presently engaged in operations in the Red Sea in support of Operation Epic Fury,” they added.

Trump acknowledged the swift advancement of the military operation against Iran but noted the presence of terrorist “sleeper cells” in the U.S. that must be monitored and addressed.

In a statement on Wednesday, Trump mentioned that he has been informed about terrorism threats, including alleged plans for a drone attack in California. He attributed the potential presence of terrorists within the country to former President Biden’s “poor border policies.”

“Many people came in during Biden’s administration due to open border policies; however, we know their locations: we’ve been monitoring them closely,” Trump said.

“They entered through border policies of Sleepy Joe Biden, one of the worst—if not the worst—president in our nation’s history. We are keeping a close eye on all of them,” he declared.

“The ongoing conflict is being executed at an unprecedented level,” Trump remarked. “It is quite extraordinary to witness.”

When questioned about a leaked law enforcement document regarding a possible Iranian attack plan in California involving a drone swarm, Trump acknowledged, “It’s being investigated, but multiple incidents are occurring, and we can only handle them as they arise.”

Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia, launched approximately 200 missiles and drones at Israel overnight, which Israeli media described as a concerted “integrated attack” by Iran and Hezbollah.

This prompted retaliatory strikes from the Israeli Defense Forces targeting Hezbollah strongholds in the Beirut suburbs.

The Israel Defense Forces stated, “We are operating decisively against Hezbollah following their deliberate choice to attack Israel on behalf of the Iranian regime. The IDF will not tolerate any threats to Israeli civilians and will act vigorously against any such threats.”

Labeling the operation “Eaten Straw,” Hezbollah asserted it targeted Israeli military installations in the vicinity of Tel Aviv, among other objectives.

Matthew Levitt, a prominent expert on Hezbollah from the Washington Institute, explained that the operation’s designation refers to a Koran verse about utterly vanquishing one’s adversaries akin to chaff. “In fact, this will likely provoke an overwhelming response from Israel,” Levitt noted.

Just days earlier, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun accused Hezbollah of pushing Lebanon closer to becoming “a second Gaza.”

Israeli security analyst Sarit Zehavi suggested to Fox News Digital that “Hezbollah aims to intimidate Israel against conducting further military actions, but I genuinely hope we won’t back down, and that our government will take the necessary actions.”

In light of an Iranian missile barrage, Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that all prayer at “holy sites” in Jerusalem has been temporarily halted.

“The Iranian regime is launching missiles at Jerusalem, the capital of Israel,” the statement on social media indicated. “One of these missiles landed within 300 meters of the Old City, including the Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.”

“Protecting lives and ensuring the safety of worshippers is our foremost priority. Therefore, prayer at all holy sites has been temporarily suspended,” the Foreign Ministry emphasized.

A video depicting smoke rising from one of the holy sites was shared alongside the announcement.

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, issued a statement on Thursday confirming that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the conflict concludes.

The announcement regarding the Strait of Hormuz—a major passage for global oil transport—was relayed by a news anchor on Iranian state television.

Khamenei further stated that the U.S. military bases should be evacuated from Gulf cooperative nations. Over recent weeks, Iran has regularly targeted countries across the Middle East in retaliation for the United States’ Operation Epic Fury.

While Khamenei delivered these remarks, he did not appear in public.

Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst noted that the late Ayatollah’s son was injured in one of the initial strikes of Operation Epic Fury, citing an intelligence source. The same source downplayed claims that Mojtaba Khamenei was in critical condition.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Michael Waltz shared with Fox News on Thursday that leaders from Gulf nations are “furious” and “outraged” by Iran’s persistent assaults against them in recent days.

“The Iranian strategy of spreading chaos, striking indiscriminately, and targeting their Gulf neighbors, even extending to nations as distant as Turkey and Azerbaijan, is backfiring tremendously,” Waltz stated.

“This is significant as many of these nations had previously maintained a neutral stance regarding Iran,” Waltz elaborated.

“For instance, Qatar shares a vast gas field, the Pars gas field, with Iran, which stretches across the strait, and the UAE has extensive trade relations involving Iranian goods. Oman was serving as a neutral mediator during negotiations, but Iran has consistently failed to engage in good faith,” Waltz emphasized.