Day 93 | US military ready to resume combat in Persian Gulf if needed, US defense secretary warns

France has officially called for an urgent session of the United Nations Security Council to address the rapidly deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Lebanon.

The call comes after the military escalation in southern Lebanon has reached an unprecedented peak following an announcement by the 'Israeli' military that it has established total operational control over the historic Beaufort Castle (Qalaat al-Shaqif).

In tandem with the capture of the fortress, 'Israel' has expanded the scope of its ground incursion, pushing forces into new areas located north of the Litani River.

Earlier, a spokesperson for the 'Israeli' military confirmed that the latest advance followed a large-scale operation executed days prior across the Shaqif heights and the Salouqi Valley.

According to the military, the objective of the push was to eliminate what it described as a "direct threat" to towns in the Galilee Panhandle and Metula.

The spokesperson noted that a large number of troops have launched an expanded offensive to reinforce what the 'Israeli' military terms its "forward defense line."

This tactical escalation follows a prior declaration by 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated that a large portion of southern Lebanon has effectively transformed into an open combat zone.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy issued a formal statement on Sunday confirming that 28 international vessels navigated through the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours under the direct coordination and explicit authorization of its maritime forces.

The announcement highlights Iran's ongoing efforts to strictly regulate and oversee traffic passing through the vital global energy corridor.

Mandatory clearance for commercial shipping

According to the statement carried by state media, the fleet allowed through the strategic waterway included oil tankers, container carriers, and various other commercial cargo ships.

The IRGC Navy detailed that the transits were executed seamlessly in accordance with pre-arranged organizational protocols.

Iranian military officials reiterated that coordination and formal clearance from the IRGC naval command remain mandatory requirements for all maritime traffic navigating the chokepoint to ensure safe passage.

Persistent "intelligent monitoring"

The naval branch of the Revolutionary Guards firmly underscored that its tactical operations in the Gulf region are expanding in scope.

"Our forces are continuously and firmly maintaining intelligent monitoring and total operational control over the Strait of Hormuz with absolute strength." Official Statement from the IRGC Navy.

The military command added a warning that any unauthorized deviations from established transit routes or any external military interference attempting to disrupt their administration of the Strait would be dealt with decisively, noting that Iranian armed forces are managing the shipping lanes with total capability.

• 'Israel' claims control of Beaufort Castle in south Lebanon
• 'Israeli' forces alleges advance north of the Litani River
• Clashes signal collapse of April 17 ceasefire
• Lebanon accuses 'Israel' of “scorched-earth” tactics

Military escalation in southern Lebanon has reached an unprecedented peak following an announcement by the 'Israeli' military that it has established total operational control over the historic Beaufort Castle (Qalaat al-Shaqif).

In tandem with the capture of the fortress, 'Israel' has expanded the scope of its ground incursion, pushing forces into new areas located north of the Litani River.

Crossing Litani

A spokesperson for the 'Israeli' military confirmed that the latest advance followed a large-scale operation executed days prior across the Shaqif heights and the Salouqi Valley.

According to the military, the objective of the push was to eliminate what it described as a "direct threat" to towns in the Galilee Panhandle and Metula.

The spokesperson noted that a large number of troops have launched an expanded offensive to reinforce what the 'Israeli' military terms its "forward defense line."

This tactical escalation follows a prior declaration by 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated that a large portion of southern Lebanon has effectively transformed into an open combat zone.

Lebanon denounces "scorched-earth" tactics

The Lebanese government met the deeper ground incursion with severe political condemnation.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused 'Tel Aviv' of executing a systematic "scorched-earth" policy designed to completely destroy infrastructure and hilltop villages across the south.

"The fierce clashes signal the definitive collapse of the ceasefire agreement originally announced on April 17, which failed to achieve any real commitment on the ground."

As 'Israeli' forces push past the Litani River line, the intensity of the ongoing battles has effectively erased any remnants of the short-lived April diplomatic framework, plunging the region back into open warfare.

• Uranium transfer and Hormuz terms remain key issues
• New round of US-Iran negotiations underway
• White House willing to delay deal for tougher terms

US President Donald Trump has thrown a wrench into advanced diplomatic proceedings with Tehran, demanding significant revisions to a draft agreement negotiated by his own envoys, according to Axios citing US administration and White House officials.

The unexpected development has abruptly re-opened critical clauses of the document, sparking a fresh round of intense diplomatic back-and-forth between Washington and Tehran as both sides scramble to address the president's new mandates.

Enriched uranium, Hormuz: Sticking points

According to a US official speaking to Axios, Trump's intervention centers primarily on structural execution and precise legal language.

Specifically, the president wants explicit, granular details regarding the exact mechanism by which Washington will take possession of Iran's stockpiles of enriched uranium.

Furthermore, Trump is seeking to amend specific phrasing in the draft concerning the formal reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which has been under a tight maritime quarantine.

Officials emphasized that Trump remains completely unyielding on his core geopolitical "red lines." He has reportedly made it clear to his team that he will not sign any accord that falls short of permanently guaranteeing Iran cannot acquire a nuclear weapon.

White House seeking delay

Despite the sudden diplomatic friction, the broader consensus within the executive branch is that the overarching architecture of the deal remains intact.

"There will be an agreement with Iran," a US official stated confidently, though they acknowledged that the exact timing of the final signing is now entirely up in the air.

The White House has indicated it has no intention of rushing the process at the expense of the president's new directives.

A White House official stated that the administration is fully prepared to wait an additional week or more if necessary to ensure that Iran concedes to every one of Trump's latest demands.

Nonetheless, a sense of urgency remains among some pockets of the administration.

Another US official expressed hope that negotiators could iron out the new wrinkles and produce a finalized, signed framework by early next week.

US President Donald Trump defended his approach toward Iran while reflecting on past US military interventions during an interview with Fox News.

Trump criticized the 2003 Iraq War, calling it a "foolish thing" and saying the United States should not have been in Iraq in the first place.

He also argued that the US should not have been involved in Iran but claimed American military action was necessary to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

"If we didn't hit them with B-2 bombers, nine months ago, they would have a nuclear weapon right now," Trump said, adding that the region could have faced far greater instability.

The US president further claimed that Washington largely avoided targeting Iran's military, describing it as "somewhat moderate" compared with other elements of the Iranian leadership.

Trump said previous wars had shown the dangers of completely dismantling a country's institutions, arguing that such actions can leave nations unable to recover for decades.

US President Donald Trump said he believes the United States can reach a "great deal" with Iran but warned that Washington is prepared to pursue military action if negotiations fail.

Speaking about the ongoing talks, Trump said a diplomatic agreement would save lives and could lead to the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments.

He described Iranian officials as "very tough negotiators" but said the United States was gradually securing its objectives through the talks.

"It takes a long time. I'm in no hurry," Trump said, arguing that rushing negotiations could undermine the chances of reaching a successful agreement.

The US president added that if Washington does not obtain the outcome it seeks through diplomacy, it would "end it a different way," signaling that military options remain under consideration.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said Iranian forces intercepted and destroyed a US MQ-1 drone, claiming the aircraft was attempting to carry out what it described as a “hostile operation.”

The report did not provide details on the time or exact location of the alleged incident.

The MQ-1 Predator drone, used for surveillance and combat missions, has long been deployed by US forces across the Middle East.

Iran has unveiled a new naval attack craft during a ceremony in Tehran, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

The vessel, named “27 Rajab,” was presented in Enqelab Square and is described as part of Iran’s expanding maritime military capabilities.

Fars reported that the craft can reach speeds of up to 100 knots, or about 185 kilometers per hour, and is equipped with systems capable of launching long-range cruise missiles.

The unveiling was presented as a demonstration of Iran’s naval strength amid ongoing regional tensions and heightened military activity in surrounding waters.

Donald Trump is considering whether to approve a proposed agreement with Iran, as US officials warn that Washington remains prepared for military escalation if diplomacy fails.

The United States has warned it is “more than capable” of resuming military operations against Iran, even as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes to secure a potential agreement.

Unnamed US officials told AFP that a draft deal is awaiting final approval from President Donald Trump, who did not reach a decision following a White House Situation Room meeting on Friday.

According to Trump’s stated position, any agreement must meet strict conditions, including a permanent ban on Iran developing nuclear weapons and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.

A White House official said, “President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines,” adding, “Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon.”

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during a security summit in Singapore that Washington remains “more than capable” of restarting military action if required, noting that “our stockpiles are more than suited for that.”

The Pentagon has maintained a heightened posture, while US Central Command said American forces “remain present and vigilant across the region,” signaling continued military readiness as negotiations proceed.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington is fully prepared to resume military strikes against Iran if ongoing diplomatic efforts fail to produce an agreement.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Hegseth stressed that the military option remains available despite continued negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

He said President Donald Trump is showing "patience" at this stage but remains committed to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Hegseth added that the US defense industry is operating at full capacity, underscoring Washington's readiness to act should diplomatic efforts collapse.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused 'Israel' on Sunday of pursuing a "scorched-earth policy" in southern Lebanon amid continued air and artillery attacks.

In a televised address, Salam warned of a "dangerous" escalation and called for a "swift and real ceasefire," a day after 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said 'Israeli' forces had advanced deeper into Lebanese territory.

Salam accused 'Israel' of carrying out "collective punishment" by destroying towns and villages and forcing residents to flee their homes. He said the campaign would bring "neither security nor stability" to 'Israel'.

The US military on Friday disabled a Gambian-flagged vessel that was heading to Iran by firing a missile into its engine room, US Central Command announced today.

CENTCOM said the M/V Lian Star was en route to an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman when the US military issued “more than 20 warnings” that it was violating the US blockade of Iranian ports.

“A U.S. aircraft disabled the vessel by firing a Hellfire missile into the ship’s engine room after Lian Star’s crew failed to comply,” CENTCOM said on X. “The ship is no longer transiting to Iran.”
This marks the fifth commercial ship that CENTCOM has disabled since the blockade began, according to the post. More than 100 vessels have also been redirected.

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Read more: Day 92 | Trump concludes Situation Room meeting on Iran without announcing a decision