LIVE UPDATES: High Iranian official eradicated in precision strike, Israeli official says

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Trump warns US would ‘blow up’ Iran gas field if Qatar facility hit again President Donald Trump said Wednesday the U.S. “knew nothing” about Israel’s strike on a major Iranian gas field, but warned the U.S. would “blow up the entirety” of the site if Iran struck Qatar’s LNG gas facility again.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Israel had “violently lashed out” against the South Pars gas field in Iran.

“The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen,” Trump said. “Unfortunately, Iran did not know this, or any of the pertinent facts pertaining to the South Pars attack, and unjustifiably and unfairly attacked a portion of Qatar’s LNG Gas facility.”

Trump said that Israel would not launch any more attacks at the gas field unless Iran struck Qatar again.

“In which instance the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before,” Trump said.

“I do not want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because of the long term implications that it will have on the future of Iran, but if Qatar’s LNG is again attacked, I will not hesitate to do so,” he added.

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz 1 hour ago Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei 'misfunctioning,' not controlling regime: sources

Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is little more than an "empty entity" who is not at the helm of the regime, according to Israeli national security sources.

The son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , who was killed in a targeted Israeli strike on Feb. 28, is also linked to what officials describe as a "misfunctioning" regime.

"The new leader is an empty entity," Kobi Michael, a defense analyst at the Institute for National Security Studies and the Misgav Institute, told Fox News Digital.

"Mojtaba Khamenei does not appear in public, but we also have reliable information that he does not control or lead the regime or what has been left of the regime.

"The current Iranian leadership is broken, confused and is almost misfunctioning."

Mojtaba reportedly escaped death by minutes when his father was killed Feb. 28, leaving the compound for a walk shortly before an Israeli missile strike, according to leaked audio accessed by The Telegraph.

This is an excerpt from a story by Fox News Digital's Emma Bussey.

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz 2 hours ago Vessel struck by ‘unknown projectile’ off Qatar coast, crew safe

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center said a vessel was struck Thursday by an “unknown projectile” off the coast of Qatar .

The incident occurred four nautical miles east of Ras Laffan, the UKMTO said.

No injuries were reported, and the crew was safe, the center added. The incident remains under investigation.

On Wednesday, the UKMTO said an unknown projectile hit a ship east of Khawr Fakkan, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz 2 hours ago IDF intercepts Iranian missiles as new barrage targets Israel

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Thursday that its defense systems were intercepting missiles launched from Iran.

Multiple missile launches were detected Thursday, the IDF said.

The military did not immediately report any damage or injuries.

On Wednesday, at least three people were killed and several others were wounded in the occupied West Bank after Iran fired missiles toward Israel — the first reported fatalities in the territory since the conflict began, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz 3 hours ago Missile strikes hit Qatar LNG facilities, spark fires and damage

QatarEnergy, the state-owned petroleum company responsible for all oil and gas activities in Qatar, said several of its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities were attacked on Thursday, causing significant fires and damage.

Missile strikes also hit Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City on Wednesday, damaging the Pearl GTL facility, QatarEnergy said.

The company added that no casualties were reported.

Qatar Civil Defense previously said it was responding to a fire in the Ras Laffan industrial area after Iranian missiles struck the hub.

President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post Wednesday evening the U.S. would “blow up the entirety” of the Iranian South Pars gas field if Iran struck Qatar’s LNG facility again.

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz 4 hours ago Saudi Arabia intercepts drones, says trust in Iran ‘completely shattered’

Saudi Arabia said early Thursday it had intercepted four drones in the country’s eastern region.

The announcement followed earlier reports from the Ministry of Defense that it had intercepted and destroyed multiple waves of drone attacks and ballistic missiles.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan condemned Iran’s ongoing attacks a meeting with foreign ministers of the Gulf Arab states.

“What little trust there was before has completely been shattered,” he said, according to The Associated Press.

“The attacks on my country and on my neighboring countries that are not involved in this conflict — that’s all I’m interested in,” Prince Faisal said. “We’re going to use every lever we have — political, economic, diplomatic and otherwise — to get these attacks to stop.”

He also denounced Iran’s attacks on the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh.

“I cannot see it as coincidental,” he said. “That’s the clearest signal of how Iran feels about diplomacy. … It tries to pressure its neighbors, and that’s not going to work.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz 5 hours ago UAE denounces Iranian missile strikes on energy sites as ‘dangerous escalation'

The United Arab Emirates denounced recent Iranian missile attacks targeting the Habshan gas facility and the Bab field as a “dangerous escalation” and a violation of international law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its air defenses successfully intercepted the attack and that no injuries were reported.

Attacks on the country’s infrastructure and oil facilities constitute a direct threat to its security and the stability of the region, the agency said.

The UAE added that it would take all necessary measures to protect its national security.

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz 5 hours ago Vessel struck by ‘unknown projectile’ off UAE coast, fire reported

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center said that a vessel had been struck Wednesday by an “unknown projectile” off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

The UKMTO said the incident occurred 11 nautical miles east of Khawr Fakkan in the Gulf of Oman, causing a fire on board.

Vessels were advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity, the UKMTO said, adding that the incident remains under investigation.

No injuries were immediately reported.

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz 6 hours ago Fire erupts at Qatar gas facility after Iranian missile strike

Qatar Civil Defense said it was responding to a fire in the Ras Laffan industrial area after Iranian missiles struck the area earlier Wednesday.

No injuries were reported, the agency said.

QatarEnergy, the state-owned petroleum company responsible for all oil and gas activities in Qatar, confirmed that a missile attack had taken place Wednesday.

“Emergency response teams were deployed immediately to contain the resulting fires, as extensive damage has been caused,” the company said in a statement. “All personnel have been accounted for and no casualties have been reported at this time.”

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz 6 hours ago Macron urges halt to strikes on energy sites after missile attacks in Iran, Qatar

French President Emmanuel Macron said he spoke with President Donald Trump and the Emir of Qatar Wednesday following missile strikes that hit gas production sites in Iran and Qatar.

Macron called for an immediate moratorium on strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, specifically energy and water facilities.

“Civilian populations and their essential needs, as well as the security of energy supplies, must be protected from military escalation,” Macron wrote in a post on X.

Posted by Michael Sinkewicz 7 hours ago US releases strike footage as carrier launched jets hit Iranian regime targets

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released a video showing military aircraft launching from an aircraft carrier and carrying out strikes on Iranian regime assets , highlighting what it described as America’s ability to project power rapidly and with precision.

The footage shows multiple aircraft taking off from a carrier deck before cutting to strikes on Iranian regime targets, illustrating the sequence from launch to impact.

“Operation Epic Fury stands as a reminder of what the United States military uniquely delivers: the ability to project power on a global scale with speed, surprise, precision, and overwhelming force when and where our nation requires it,” CENTCOM wrote on X.

7 hours ago First West Bank deaths reported as missiles fall during Iran attack on Israel

At least three people were killed and several others wounded in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday night as Iran fired missiles toward Israel, marking the first reported fatalities in the territory since the start of the conflict, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.

The Associated Press reported that the strike killed three people and injured six others in Beit Awa, with two of the wounded transported to a hospital.

The wire service previously reported that the Palestinian Red Crescent said four people had died, though the that has since been adjusted to three deaths.

First responders treated victims for shrapnel wounds as medics continued to assess the scene for additional casualties, the Palestinian Red Crescent said.

Missile debris has damaged homes and businesses across the West Bank during the first weeks of the conflict, where Palestinians lack shelter and siren systems to warn of incoming missiles or falling debris.

It was not immediately clear whether the deaths and injuries were caused by a direct strike or debris from an interception.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

8 hours ago Gabbard sidesteps Iran ‘imminent threat’ claim under Senate grilling

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard declined to say whether intelligence showed that Iran posed an imminent threat to the U.S. prior to the launch of recent offensive operations, as President Donald Trump repeatedly has asserted.

"Was it the assessment of the intelligence community that there was an ‘ imminent nuclear threat ’ posed by the Iranian regime? Yes or no?" Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., asked Gabbard during the Senate Intelligence Committee’s annual worldwide threats hearing Wednesday.

"The only person who can determine what is and is not an imminent threat is the president," Gabbard said.

The White House has repeatedly argued Iran’s nuclear stockpiles and ballistic missile capacity pose an imminent threat to the U.S.

Find out what else Gabbard said about the operation in Iran.

This is an excerpt from a story by Fox News Digital’s Morgan Phillips.

8 hours ago Qatar expels Iranian diplomats with 24 hour deadline as tensions mount

Qatar has expelled Iranian embassy personnel , declaring them persona non grata and ordering them to leave the country within 24 hours, according to a report.

In a statement obtained by Al Jazeera, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry declared Iranian military, security attaches and staff as persona non grata, meaning they must leave.

The ministry reportedly demanded they leave Qatar within 24 hours, noting that the decision is the result of Iran’s repeated attacks.

Earlier in the day, Iranian missiles struck Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing extensive damage and fires at the major energy hub. There were no casualties reported in the attack.

Fox News’ Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report.

9 hours ago Strikes may set Iran back — but likely won't end nuclear program, UN watchdog chief says

The United Nations' nuclear watchdog chief says Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles remain largely in place and its nuclear infrastructure — much of it buried deep underground — cannot be fully eliminated by airstrikes, underscoring the limits of military action.

The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog suggested to reporters Wednesday Iran’s nuclear program is unlikely to be eliminated through military force, warning that ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes cannot fully dismantle Tehran’s capabilities.

Asked directly whether the program could be resolved militarily, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi said he did not believe it could.

"This program is a very vast program," Grossi said, describing a network of facilities, expertise and infrastructure built throughout decades. "At the end of this … the material will still be there, the enrichment capacities will be there."

Find out what Grossi said about Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile .

This is an excerpt from a story by Fox News Digital’s Morgan Phillips.

9 hours ago Israeli military expands campaign with first ever strikes in northern Iran

The Israeli military said it has begun striking targets in northern Iran for the first time during Operation Roaring Lion, marking an expansion of its campaign against Tehran’s military infrastructure.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes were carried out by the Israeli Air Force based on intelligence from the navy and other military units.

The operation represents a shift in the scope of the campaign, as Israeli forces expand strikes beyond previously targeted areas.

10 hours ago Ukraine inserts drone specialists into Middle East as Iran attacks drive demand

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv has deployed military experts to the Middle East to help U.S. allies defend against Iranian drones , offering Ukraine’s war-tested capabilities as part of expanding defense cooperation.

While addressing U.K.’s Parliament, Zelenskyy said the deployments include more than 200 Ukrainian personnel already in the region, with additional teams preparing to deploy.

“Right now, there are 201 Ukrainians in the Middle East and the Gulf region, and another 34 are ready to deploy,” he said. “These are military experts who know how to defend against ‘shahed’ drones. Our teams are already in the Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and on the way to Kuwait. We are working with several other countries — agreements are already in place. We do not want this terror of the Iranian regime against its neighbors to succeed.”

“I sent these military experts at the request of our partners, including the United States,” Zelenskyy continued. “This is part of the Drone Deal we proposed to the United States, which we worked on together and which is still on the table. We are ready to offer similar deals to all our reliable partners — from practical cooperation on drones to future defense alliances.”

In his remarks, Zelenskyy said Gulf nations are well defended against ballistic missile threats with systems like Patriot and THAAD, but warned that adversaries such as Iran continue to seek cheaper ways, including drones, to bypass those defenses.

10 hours ago Israel releases footage as troops push deeper into Lebanon targeting Hezbollah

The Israeli military released new footage of ground operations in southern Lebanon, including a radio message from a division commander, as troops advance targeted attacks against Hezbollah positions.

The Israel Defense Forces said troops from the 36th Division have expanded what it described as limited, targeted ground activity toward additional objectives in southern Lebanon in recent days.

The military said forces have killed dozens of Hezbollah fighters and dismantled militant infrastructure as part of the operation, which is aimed at disrupting threats near the border.

In the video, a senior commander is heard telling troops they are operating on the front line to ensure threats are intercepted before reaching northern Israeli communities, as the IDF seeks to strengthen its forward defense posture.

11 hours ago Trey Yingst visits site of Iranian cluster missile attack that killed 2 Israelis

Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst visited the site of an Iranian strike near Tel Aviv that killed at least two civilians and damaged homes. There, he spoke to a neighbor who shared his account of the attack.

Israeli resident Chen Amir told Yingst he heard a loud "boom" that caused a light fixture and glasses in his house to shake. He said he eventually opened his door and saw smoke from the explosion.

Yingst reported from the impact site after the overnight Iranian strike, showing a destroyed apartment in the aftermath of what he described as a cluster munition attack .

Yingst also met an Israeli military official at the scene who said the "cluster bombs" disperse smaller explosives across a wide area, making it difficult for Israel's advanced air defense systems to intercept them.

Find out what else Trey Yingst discovered at the missile attack site .

This is an excerpt from a story by Fox News Digital’s Max Bacall.

11 hours ago UN nuclear chief warns strike near Iran reactor risks crossing ‘reddest line’

The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog warned Wednesday that a projectile strike near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant risked crossing the "reddest line" of nuclear safety, as fighting between the U.S., Israel and Iran intensifies.

A direct hit on an operating nuclear reactor like Bushehr could trigger a severe radiological incident, even as a recent strike caused no apparent damage to the plant’s core systems, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi said.

"An accident on an operating nuclear power plant would be something very, very serious," Grossi told Fox News Digital Wednesday. "This is the reddest line of all that you have in nuclear safety."

"The possibility of dispersion in the atmosphere of radioactivity is very high if you get to the core of the reactor," he added.

Find out what else Grossi said about the risks of a strike near an Iranian nuclear reactor.

This is an excerpt from a story by Morgan Phillips.

11 hours ago Missile strikes hit major energy hub as fires rage and damage spreads at key site

Missile strikes hit Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City on Wednesday, causing extensive damage and fires at the major energy hub, QatarEnergy said, adding that no casualties have been reported.

The state-owned petroleum company responsible for all oil and gas activities in Qatar released a statement on X, confirming Ras Laffan Industrial City was the subject of missile attacks on Wednesday night.

“Emergency response teams were deployed immediately to contain the resulting fires, as extensive damage has been caused,” the statement read. “All personnel have been accounted for and no casualties have been reported at this time.

“QatarEnergy will continue to communicate the latest available information,” QatarEnergy added.

12 hours ago Britain boosts missile supply plans as Gulf partners face rising Iran threats

The U.K. is ramping up military and industrial support for Gulf allies facing Iranian attacks, including plans to expand missile supplies and accelerate defense cooperation across the region.

British officials brought together representatives from 13 defense companies to meet with Gulf ambassadors and military officials, aiming to fast-track new equipment and technology to counter Iranian drone and missile threats.

“Iran’s indiscriminate attacks are a threat to Britain, our allies and our partners in the region,” Defense Secretary John Healey said.

The U.K. Ministry of Defense also confirmed plans to purchase additional Lightweight Multirole Missiles, manufactured by Thales in Belfast, to bolster British forces and support partners in the region. The missiles have already been used for air defense in the Middle East.

The push reflects a broader effort to speed up arms exports and deepen coordination between government and industry, including the creation of a new task force to streamline financing, licensing and delivery of defense systems to regional allies.

Officials said the initiative comes as Iranian attacks continue to target partners across the Gulf, driving urgency to expand defensive capabilities and reinforce regional security.

12 hours ago Israel kills Iran-linked commander as US forces continue strikes on regional targets

The Israeli military said it struck more than 200 targets in Iran over the past day while also killing a senior Iran-linked commander in Lebanon, marking an escalation in its campaign against Tehran’s military network across the region.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said dozens of Israeli Air Force fighter jets targeted sites in western and central Iran tied to ballistic missiles and drone operations, along with air defense systems and weapons production facilities, as part of efforts to degrade Iran’s capabilities and reduce incoming fire.

In Lebanon, the IDF said it killed Hassan Ali Marwan in a strike in Beirut, identifying him as the commander of the “Imam Hussein Division,” a force tied to Iran’s Quds Force and linked to Hezbollah.

Marwan took over after his predecessor, Ali Maslam Tabajeh, was killed about a week earlier, and is the third commander of the division eliminated in a short period, underscoring ongoing disruption to Iran-linked operations.

U.S. Central Command also posted a video on social media showing U.S. forces taking destroying Iranian-linked targets being destroyed amid the broader campaign in the region.

13 hours ago McConnell claims Joe Kent's resignation letter contained 'virulent anti-Semitism'

Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky asserted in a post on X that Joe Kent's resignation letter was tainted by "virulent anti-Semitism."

Kent posted the resignation letter on Tuesday, announcing that he was stepping down from the role of National Counterterrorism Center director.

"Joe Kent testified before the Senate one year ago that Iran and its terror proxies threatened U.S. servicemembers in the Middle East. He said it would be an honor to return to the fight against terrorism, and he pledged to lead with integrity and accountability," McConnell declared in the post on X.

"The virulent anti-Semitism of his resignation letter makes it clear that Mr. Kent is incapable of upholding these pledges, and those who mistake its baseless and incendiary conspiracies for brave truth-telling are only fooling themselves. Isolationists and anti-Semites have no place in either party, and certainly do not deserve places of trust in our government," the senator added.

Kent explained in the resignation letter that he was leaving the job due to his opposition to the Iran war.

"I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby," Kent wrote in the message directed toward President Donald Trump.

13 hours ago USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier leaving Middle East for repairs

Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the commander of U.S. European Command, told the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday that the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier operating out of the Red Sea in support of Operation Epic Fury is heading to Europe to undergo sustainment and repairs.

The movement comes after a fire broke out in the main laundry room of the ship last week.

Grynkewich said the combat capability of the ship has not been impacted, but quality of life has been impacted.

USNI News reported on Tuesday that the carrier will be heading to the Greek island of Crete.

Fox News' Liz Friden contributed to this report.

Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond 14 hours ago Belgium deploys military to guard Jewish sites after Iran-linked group claims Europe attacks

Belgium is ramping up security for its Jewish community after a recent synagogue attack heightened fears across Europe, as a newly emerged terrorist group with suspected ties to Iran has claimed responsibility for a series of strikes on Jewish targets across the continent.

Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya, translated as "The Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right," said it carried out multiple attacks recently, including the March 9 explosion at a synagogue in Liège, Belgium, according to a Fox News Digital report.

The group also claimed responsibility for an arson attack on a synagogue in Rotterdam, Belgium, and an explosive attack on a Jewish school in Amsterdam. A fourth incident at a Jewish site in Greece has been linked to the group by several sources, though details about that attack remain limited.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said March 15 that "a jihadi group tied to an Iranian proxy" was behind the attacks, adding that "the IRGC continues to sponsor and export terror across the globe," referring to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin described the blast outside a synagogue in the eastern city of Liège as a "despicable antisemitic act" that directly targeted the country’s Jewish community.

Prime Minister Bart De Wever responded on X Monday morning, writing, "Antisemitism is an attack on our values and our society, and we must combat it unequivocally. We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community in Liège and throughout the country."

Joe Truzman, senior research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and editor of the FDD’s Long War Journal, told Fox News Digital that the war in Iran has likely "compelled the group, for whoever is behind this, to start launching these attacks." Truzman said he "suspect[s] this group is being directed" and that there's "an entity behind it."

14 hours ago US military has struck more than 7,800 Iranian targets, CENTCOM says

U.S. Central Command announced Wednesday that American forces have now struck more than 7,800 targets during Operation Epic Fury against Iran.

CENTCOM said the U.S. military is “striking targets to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus, prioritizing locations that pose an imminent threat.”

Over 8,000 combat flights have been carried out and more than 120 Iranian vessels have been damaged or destroyed, according to CENTCOM.

Operation Epic Fury was launched on Feb. 28 and is now on its 19th day.

Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond 15 hours ago NATO heavyweights balk at Hormuz mission as Trump warns alliance at risk

NATO allies are declining to join a potential effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, frustrating President Donald Trump and prompting questions among some U.S. officials about the alliance’s reliability in a major global crisis.

Trump has warned the Hormuz standoff with Iran could have serious consequences for NATO, arguing that allies benefit from global security without sharing the burden.

"The United States has been informed by most of our NATO ‘Allies’ that they don’t want to get involved with our Military Operation," the president wrote on Truth Social Tuesday.

"We will protect them, but they will do nothing for us, in particular, in a time of need," he said.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for the global economy, carrying about 20% of the world’s oil supply. Even limited disruption can send energy prices soaring and strain economies worldwide.

Though NATO’s core mission is regional defense, allied involvement in securing the strait would demonstrate whether the alliance can project power beyond Europe — or whether it relies primarily on the U.S. to safeguard global commerce.

The frustration is spreading beyond the White House.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said the lack of allied support "makes me second guess the value of these alliances," warning the repercussions could be "wide and deep."

Posted by Morgan Phillips 15 hours ago CIA director says Iran posed an 'immediate threat' to US

CIA Director John Ratcliffe said Wednesday that he believes Iran has been a "constant threat" to the United States and "posed an immediate threat at this time."

Ratcliffe made the comment during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats after being asked by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, "Is there anything to indicate that Iran had ceased in its nuclear ambitions or in its desire to continue to build ballistic missiles capable of threatening American troops and allies in the Middle East?"

"No. In fact, the intelligence reflects the contrary," Ratcliffe responded.

"So you disagree with Mr. Kent?" Cornyn then asked, referencing Joe Kent, the nation’s top counterterrorism official who resigned Tuesday in protest of the U.S. war against Iran. Kent claimed Tehran posed no imminent threat.

"I do," Ratcliffe said, later adding, "I think Iran has been a constant threat to the United States for an extended period of time and posed an immediate threat at this time."

Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond 15 hours ago Gabbard warns if ‘hostile regime survives’ in Iran, it will likely rebuild its military, missiles

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard warned Wednesday that if the Iranian regime survives Operation Epic Fury “it will likely seek to begin a yearslong effort to rebuild its military, missiles and UAV forces."

Gabbard said the intelligence community “assesses that Operation Epic Fury is advancing fundamental change in the region that began with Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7th, 2023, and continued with the 12-day war last year, resulting in weakening Iran and its proxies.”

“The IC assesses the regime in Iran appears to be intact, but largely degraded due to attacks on its leadership and military capabilities. Its conventional military power projection capabilities have largely been destroyed, leaving limited options. Iran's strategic position has been significantly degraded. The U.S.-led maximum pressure campaign and snapback of European sanctions added additional pressure to an already bleak Iranian economy, resulting in mass protests earlier this year that Tehran suppressed by killing thousands of protesters,” she continued.

“Even if the regime remains intact, the IC assesses that internal tensions are likely to increase as Iran's economy worsens,” Gabbard also said. “Even so, Iran and its proxies continue to attack U.S. and allied interests in the Middle East.”

Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond 16 hours ago Iran has demonstrated tech it could use to make 'a militarily-viable ICBM before 2035,' Gabbard says

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told lawmakers Wednesday that the U.S. intelligence community has assessed that Iran "has previously demonstrated space launch and other technology it could use to begin to develop a militarily-viable Intercontinental Ballistic Missile before 2035, should Tehran attempt to pursue that capability."

"However, these assessments will clearly be updated as the full impact of Operation Epic Fury's devastating strikes on Iran's missile production facilities, stockpiles and launch capabilities is determined," Gabbard added during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats.

"Shifting to the cyber domain, the IC assesses that China, Russia, Iran, North Korea and non-state ransomware groups will continue to seek to compromise U.S. government and private sector networks, as well as critical infrastructure to collect intelligence, create options for future disruption and for financial gain," she also said.

"The United States secure nuclear deterrent continues to ensure safety in the homeland against strategic threats. However, the intelligence community assesses that Russia, China, North Korea, Iran and Pakistan have been researching and developing an array of novel, advanced or traditional missile delivery systems with nuclear and conventional payloads that put our homeland within range," Gabbard said.

Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond 16 hours ago Trump issues Jones Act waiver to 'mitigate the short-term disruptions to the oil market': Leavitt

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Wednesday that, “President Trump’s decision to issue a 60-day Jones Act waiver is just another step to mitigate the short-term disruptions to the oil market as the U.S. military continues meeting the objectives of Operation Epic Fury.”

“This action will allow vital resources like oil, natural gas, fertilizer, and coal to flow freely to U.S. ports for sixty days, and the Administration remains committed to continuing to strengthen our critical supply chains,” she wrote on X.

The Jones Act, which refers to Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, requires that vessels transporting goods or passengers between U.S. points be built in the United States, at least 75% owned by U.S. citizens, and mostly crewed by U.S. citizens.

Critics of the Jones Act argue that its mandates significantly increase the cost of shipping, which is ultimately passed on to consumers.

The Jones Act has been waived in the past in connection to oil supply disruptions and world conflicts.

In response to oil supply disruptions stemming from the war in Libya, the Obama administration approved several Jones Act waivers from July 8, 2011, to September 9, 2011. The waivers helped to efficiently implement a sale from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) so that foreign vessels would be able “to transport the crude oil from U.S. delivery points to U.S. refineries.”

Fox News’ Pat Ward contributed to this report.

Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond 16 hours ago Trump to attend dignified transfer of US service members killed in western Iraq plane crash

President Donald Trump is heading to Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday to attend the dignified transfer of six U.S. service members recently killed in a plane crash in western Iraq, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

“This is, I know, the hardest thing the president does as commander-in-chief and as president,” Leavitt said. “He made it a point to adjust his schedule, to be there, to grieve with these families.”

“Today, I'll be going with him and just keep those families in your thoughts and your prayers as they endure this unimaginable time,” she added.

The KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq last Thursday during a combat mission in support of Operation Epic Fury.

The airmen involved were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida and the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio, according to U.S. government and state officials.

Those killed were Maj. John "Alex" Klinner, 33; Capt. Ariana Savino, 31; Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34; Capt. Seth Koval, 38; Capt. Curtis Angst, 30; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28.

Fox News Digital's Bradford Betz and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond 17 hours ago US military has ‘tricks up their sleeves’ when it comes to Strait of Hormuz: Leavitt

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that the U.S. military still has “tricks up their sleeves” when it comes to pushing back against Iranian threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil and gas transport.

Leavitt made the remark in response to a question from a reporter about what the Trump administration’s plan is for the vital route.

"The president is going to continue to talk to our allies, both in Europe and also in the Gulf and Arab region. The United States military has a lot of capabilities, as you have seen, play out over the last 18 days, and they still do have tricks up their sleeves,” Leavitt said.

“I won't broadcast them for the media, but rest assured, there is a plan. They're working on it. We have seen some progress with respect to that. But of course, the president again continues to call on our allies to step up and do more,” she added.

President Donald Trump declared in a Tuesday Truth Social post that most NATO countries have noted that they do not want to involve themselves in the U.S. effort against Iran.

Fox News Digital’s Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report.

Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond 17 hours ago NATO allies ‘benefit far more’ from reopening of Strait of Hormuz than US does, Leavitt says

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that, “NATO allies benefit far more from the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz than the United States does.”

“As you know, thanks to this president's energy agenda, we are a net exporter of oil. We have enough resources here at home for our people, and that's a good thing thanks to President Trump,” she added.

“The strait opening is obviously good for America because it will stabilize the global oil industry. It will bring prices down again, but it greatly benefits Europe and our allies in NATO. And the president wants to see them do more,” Leavitt also said.

Trump had sent a message to NATO on Sunday to stand with the U.S. for defense of the Strait of Hormuz or face a "very bad" future.

Iran’s stranglehold over the vital waterway has grown concerns over the regime’s threats to oil tankers.

Fox News Digital’s Stephen Sorace and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond 17 hours ago Fiery aftermath of Iran missile strike near Tel Aviv caught on video after 2 killed

Video footage captured the fiery aftermath of a ballistic missile strike that hit Ramat Gan, a neighborhood east of Tel Aviv, overnight Tuesday, killing at least two people, according to Israeli officials.

The footage shows a car engulfed in flames, with wreckage scattered across the street as emergency responders assess the scene and ambulance sirens sound in the background.

The missile was launched by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which said it targeted central Israel to avenge the killing of Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and one of the country’s most powerful figures.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it launched Khorramshahr-4 and Qadr multiple-warhead missiles, which it claims have an increased chance of evading missile defense systems and can overwhelm radar tracking.

Israel said the two victims killed in the overnight strike were a couple in their 70s.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

17 hours ago Bongino fires back at Joe Kent's claim Iran posed 'no imminent threat' to US

Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino pushed back forcefully Tuesday against former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent’s claim that Iran posed no imminent threat, arguing that the intelligence told a very different story.

"I don't know at what point you thought this wasn't an imminent threat after you've read a lot of the stuff I read, [and] by the best way, that is simply the open retailer stuff we are able to discuss on the air," Bongino mentioned on "The Ingraham Angle."

"The president, I promise you, has a bevy of material that… if he told you right now, you would come to the imminent threat conclusion in a snap."

Kent resigned Tuesday in protest of the war with Iran, writing on X that he believed the U.S. started the conflict "due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby" and that he could not support the effort "in good conscience."

His claim that Iran posed "no imminent threat" to the U.S. drew ire from other Trump administration officials, including the president himself, who fired back against the claim in the Oval Office on Tuesday.

"When somebody is working with us that says they didn't think Iran was a threat: We don't want those people…" President Donald Trump said.

"Iran was a tremendous threat, and virtually every NATO nation agreed," he concluded.

18 hours ago Iranian intelligence minister killed overnight previously survived attack on leadership: official

A senior Israeli official told Fox News on Wednesday that Iran’s Minister of Intelligence Esmaeil Khatib, who was killed overnight in a precision strike, previously survived an attack that eliminated dozens of Iranian leaders.

The official said the strike against Khatib was enabled by a joint U.S.-Israeli intelligence effort and described Khatib as a central player in plots targeting American officials.

"This man had American blood on his hands. His network specifically targeted current and former U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump," the official added.

Khatib had previously survived a sweeping strike on Iran’s senior leadership at the "Defense Council" compound in Tehran during the opening phase of Operation Epic Fury, where more than 40 Iranian leaders were killed in roughly 40 seconds, according to the official.

He was reportedly the only person to survive the initial attack.

"Today, he met the fate of his combatant comrades," the official told Fox News.

Fox News' Trey Yingst contributed to this report.

Posted by Ashley Carnahan 18 hours ago Trump says US is 'rapidly' putting Iran terror regime 'out of business'

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that, "Remember, for all of those absolute 'fools' out there, Iran is considered, by everyone, to be the NUMBER ONE STATE SPONSOR OF TERROR."

"We are rapidly putting them out of business!" Trump added in a message on Truth Social.

"The Iranian regime is evil. It proudly killed Americans, waged war against our country, and openly threatened us all the way up to the launch of Operation Epic Fury," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday.

A resolution passed in the House earlier this month also said the Islamic Republic of Iran "remains the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism and provides substantial financial and military support to groups including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis."

Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond 18 hours ago Iran launches new attacks on United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia

The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia said they repelled fresh attacks as Iran continues to fire at its Gulf neighbors in response to joint U.S.-Israeli military action against the regime.

The UAE said on Wednesday that its aerial defense systems "engaged 13 ballistic missiles and 27 UAVs launched from Iran."

"Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defenses have engaged 327 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,699 UAVs," it added.

Saudi Arabia shot down a ballistic missile targeting the area of the Prince Sultan Air Base, which hosts American forces and aircraft, and two drones targeting Riyadh's diplomatic quarter, which houses the U.S. Embassy and other foreign missions, according to The Associated Press.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond 19 hours ago Trump calls out 'non-responsive 'Allies'' in warning to Iranian regime

President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social Wednesday that, "I wonder what would happen if we 'finished off' what’s left of the Iranian Terror State, and let the Countries that use it, we don’t, be responsible for the so called 'Straight?'"

"That would get some of our non-responsive 'Allies' in gear, and fast!!!" the president added.

Trump sent a message to NATO on Sunday to stand with the U.S. for defense of the Strait of Hormuz or face a "very bad" future.

"It's only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there," Trump told The Financial Times. "If there’s no response, or if it’s a negative response, I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO."

"The United States has been informed by most of our NATO ‘Allies’ that they don’t want to get involved with our Military Operation against the Terrorist Regime of Iran, in the Middle East, this, despite the fact that almost every Country strongly agreed with what we are doing, and that Iran cannot, in any way, shape, or form, be allowed to have a Nuclear Weapon," the president also said in a Truth Social post on Tuesday.

Fox News Digital's Eric Mack and Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report.

Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond 19 hours ago Israel’s military strikes ‘Hezbollah terrorist cell’ seen unloading weapons in southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces released a video Wednesday showing a strike on a “Hezbollah terrorist cell” in southern Lebanon as tensions remain high during the conflict with Iran.

“IDF troops identified a Hezbollah terrorist cell unloading weapons, including an RPG, from a vehicle in southern Lebanon, with the intent of attacking IDF soldiers,” the IDF wrote on X.

A video depicted individuals dropping what the IDF said were weapons on the side of a road in Lebanon. The clip ended with an aerial strike.

Posted by Greg Norman-Diamond 20 hours ago US strikes Iranian missile sites near Hormuz with 5,000-pound ‘bunker buster’ munitions

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Tuesday that U.S. forces struck Iranian missile sites along the country’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz using powerful deep-penetrating munitions.

“Hours ago, U.S. forces successfully employed multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions on hardened Iranian missile sites,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.

The military said the targeted sites housed anti-ship cruise missiles that posed a threat to global shipping through the critical waterway.

“The Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles in these sites posed a risk to international shipping in the strait,” the command said.

Deep penetrator weapons, often referred to as “bunker busters," are designed to cut through hardened or underground targets before detonating.

The strikes come as the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of the conflict, with growing concerns over threats to oil tankers.

20 hours ago Iranian intelligence minister killed, senior Israeli official says

Iran’s Minister of Intelligence Esmaeil Khatib was killed overnight in a precision strike, a senior Israeli official told Fox News.

Khatib was responsible for overseeing Iran’s entire global terror apparatus, including sleeper cells in locations around the world. His targeting was a joint U.S. and Israeli effort on the intelligence front.

“This man had American blood on his hands. His network specifically targeted current and former U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump,” the official added.