Day 187 | Trump says latest strikes on Iran are 'justified,' warns Tehran against retaliation

• His remarks came amid renewed US-Iran hostilities and rising regional tensions. 

‘Israeli’ Defense Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday that ‘Israeli’ forces are prepared to respond “with great force” to any Iranian attack, amid renewed US-Iran hostilities that began Tuesday.

Katz said ‘Israeli’ forces are prepared for a possible Iranian attack during the Jewish holidays, which begin in mid-September. He said Iran has previously launched attacks during Jewish holidays and warned that ‘Israel’ is preparing for a potential strike.

“For now, they are striking throughout the region except us,” Katz said. “But there is a possibility that they will attack us.”

If Iran attacks, ‘Israel’ would “respond with great force, independently of anyone else,” Katz said, adding that “Israeli warplanes are ready to take off.”

The warning comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified following the resumption of direct hostilities.

The renewed confrontation has raised concerns about further Iranian attacks across the region and the possibility of a broader escalation involving ‘Israel’ and other regional actors.

Read more: Iran strikes back against latest US attacks

Jordan’s Royal Hashemite Court announced Wednesday a Royal Decree, appointing Major General Majdi Al Harasis as Jordan’s new army chief (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) as of today, September 2.

Al Harasis previously served as the director of the army’s Military Intelligence, a position he held from 2022 to 2025.

The decree also promotes him from the rank of Brigadier General to the rank of Major General.

He succeeds Lieutenant General Yousef Huneiti, who served as the army’s chief since 24 July 2019.

King Abdullah II, the Supreme Commander of Jordan’s Armed Forces, addressed a letter to Al Harasis, per the royal court.

The King directs him with continuing “the efforts of restructuring our Armed Forces and developing the capabilities of the Arab Army, while modernising its tools, in order to enable it to undertake its responsibilities and face emerging challenges,” per the letter.

His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, sent a letter to Al Harasis. Following is the English translation of the letter:

“In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Maj. Gen. Majdi Al Harasis

Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you,

I am delighted to extend to you and your colleagues, the Nashama of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, my greetings and deep pride and appreciation of every one of them wherever they serve.

We have known you as a soldier dedicated to our dear nation, and an exceptional officer in our Arab Army throughout your service in our Armed Forces. And today, as we have issued our decree to appoint you as chairman of the joint chiefs of staff of the Armed Forces, we entrust you with the responsibility of serving our precious Jordan and undertaking this duty with the utmost care and dedication.

Your Excellency,
The Armed Forces are highly regarded and respected by all Jordanians, as their servicemen and women continue to set the greatest examples of bravery, chivalry, and devotion, working day and night to safeguard Jordan’s land and skies, and counter any threat that target’s the nation’s capabilities, and the safety and security of its citizens.

As you undertake the responsibility of leadership, you must put the nation before you and strive to exert all efforts to serve Jordan and its people, recognising the importance of this deep-rooted national institution and the importance of safeguarding its good name and standing, so that it may remain the nation’s sturdy shield.

Therefore, we direct you to continue the efforts of restructuring our Armed Forces and developing the capabilities of the Arab Army, while modernising its tools, in order to enable it to undertake its responsibilities and face emerging challenges and threats with the utmost efficiency and readiness.

The servicemen and women of the Armed Forces must be given the utmost care and attention, in order to empower them and build their capacities across all ranks, and to ensure the highest levels of performance and professionalism, for they will always be a source of great pride.

We pray that God enable you to undertake this responsibility and grant you success in achieving the best for the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, and you have our full support.

Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you,

Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein

Amman, 2 September 2026”

Iran's security chief on Wednesday warned the United States would face a "new strategy" from Tehran in the Middle East war after the heaviest exchange of attacks between the foes in weeks.

"You will soon see that Iran's new strategy on the battlefield, in diplomacy and in confronting the economic blockade will shatter your foundations," Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei posted on X.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman on Wednesday labelled a deadly attack on a wedding ceremony in the south of the country a "war crime".

"The truth of this unlawful war of choice -- and the true face of the war crime -- is in Sirik, where a wedding ceremony was brutally bombed as part of America's desperate struggle to conceal its failure," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei posted on X.

• Jordan characterized the Iranian attacks as 'brutal'. 

Jordan strongly condemned Wednesday the renewed Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting Bahrain and Kuwait, characterizing the assaults as "brutal" and a direct threat to regional stability.

In an official diplomatic statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Amman described the Iranian strikes as a "blatant violation of the two countries’ sovereignty, a threat to their security, stability, and territorial integrity, a dangerous escalation, and a flagrant breach of international law and the United Nations Charter".

The Ministry reaffirmed Jordan’s "absolute" solidarity with Bahrain and Kuwait, pledging full diplomatic and security support for "all measures taken by the two nations to protect their sovereignty and security and safeguard their citizens and residents".

Read more: Qatar condemns Iranian attacks on Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait

• His remarks came amid renewed US-Iran hostilities and rising regional tensions. 

‘Israeli’ Defense Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday that ‘Israeli’ forces are prepared to respond “with great force” to any Iranian attack, amid renewed US-Iran hostilities that began Tuesday.

Katz said ‘Israeli’ forces are prepared for a possible Iranian attack during the Jewish holidays, which begin in mid-September. He said Iran has previously launched attacks during Jewish holidays and warned that ‘Israel’ is preparing for a potential strike.

“For now, they are striking throughout the region except us,” Katz said. “But there is a possibility that they will attack us.”

If Iran attacks, ‘Israel’ would “respond with great force, independently of anyone else,” Katz said, adding that “Israeli warplanes are ready to take off.”

The warning comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified following the resumption of direct hostilities.

The renewed confrontation has raised concerns about further Iranian attacks across the region and the possibility of a broader escalation involving ‘Israel’ and other regional actors.

Read more: Iran strikes back against latest US attacks

Chinese President Xi Jinping told his Egyptian counterpart on Wednesday that "external interference" in the Middle East should be opposed, Beijing's state media reported, following talks in Cairo between the two leaders.

"We must uphold the principle that the people of the Middle East are the masters of their own affairs, oppose external interference (and) support regional countries in strengthening dialogue on peace and security," Xi told Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.

Iran says its Armed Forces launched a missile and drone attack against US bases in the region in response to what it described as acts of “malice and terrorism.”

Iranian authorities claim the strikes caused heavy damage to infrastructure, installations, weapons and equipment, and resulted in a significant number of American commanders and soldiers being killed or wounded.

Iranian hackers have recently attempted cyberattacks against a broad range of US critical infrastructure, including water systems, telecommunications, energy facilities and other targets, according to NBC News citing four people with access to government and industry cyberthreat information.

The attempts, reported in recent weeks, have so far been unsuccessful.

An Iranian hacking group issued a warning that “unexpected and critical events” would soon target American infrastructure.

The activity builds on earlier Iranian-linked operations.

US agencies, including CISA, the FBI, NSA and others, have repeatedly warned since April 2026 that Iranian-affiliated actors are exploiting internet-connected programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in water and wastewater systems, energy facilities and government services.

These efforts involved malicious project files and manipulation of HMI and SCADA displays, causing limited operational disruption and financial losses in some cases.

Officials assess the campaign aims to produce disruptive effects inside the United States, likely in response to ongoing ‘Israeli’-US war on Iran.

In late July 2026, coordinated attacks hit water systems in Minnesota (more than 30 communities) and at least six other states, with some reports expanding the scope to around a dozen states and over 100 facilities.

In certain instances the activity degraded water operations, such as temporarily affecting pump stations and prompting boil-water advisories, though no widespread contamination or prolonged outages of drinking water quality were reported.

US intelligence assessments have linked much of this activity to Iranian actors, including groups associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps such as CyberAv3ngers, though public official attribution has remained cautious.

One source familiar with the latest information described the broader targeting of telecommunications, energy and other sectors beyond water as a continued escalation.

Federal advisories have urged operators to disconnect internet-exposed industrial control systems, change default credentials and monitor for anomalies.

Experts note that many US water utilities and aging industrial systems remain vulnerable due to their decentralized nature and reliance on outdated, internet-facing devices.

The pattern fits a longer history of Iranian cyber operations against US critical infrastructure, including prior targeting of water systems with Unitronics and other PLCs, energy providers, and related sectors.

Groups such as Handala have also claimed or been linked to disruptive incidents, including attacks on medical technology firms and data leaks.

Treasury and Justice Department actions have sanctioned and charged individuals tied to related Iranian cyber networks.

• European gas storage is only around 63–65% full, leaving countries with less time to replenish reserves before winter. 
• Rising energy costs have pushed Eurozone inflation to 3.3%, according to ECB economists. 

European natural gas prices surged to their highest levels since early 2023, while crude oil touched a multi-week high on Wednesday following the resumption of direct military hostilities between the United States and Iran.

The benchmark Dutch TTF gas futures contract rose by more than 6 percent to top €74 per megawatt-hour (MWh). In parallel energy markets, Brent crude rose sharply to clear $94.65 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained over 5 percent to reach $90.22 per barrel, marking the highest price levels seen since July. 

The sudden market surge follows new US military strikes carried out by CENTCOM against targets inside Iran, including positions near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which was met by Iranian counter-strikes targeting US military installations across the region. 

Threats to European Winter energy reserves 

The escalation has intensified global concerns over prolonged disruptions to maritime shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical bottleneck for Persian Gulf liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil exports.

The market shock comes at a vulnerable moment for European energy security. European natural gas storage facilities are currently filled to roughly 63 to 65 percent capacity, the lowest seasonal inventory level recorded for early Sep. in years. making it increasingly difficult for European nations to replenish reserves ahead of the winter heating season amid supply reductions from Qatar and other Gulf exporters.

Read more: US munition depletion in Iran war raises “soft spots” against Russia & China: report

Eurozone inflation 

Compounding the dire economic outlook, European Central Bank (ECB) economists stated that rising energy prices, exacerbated by ongoing military aggression against Iran and the effective closure of key shipping corridors in the Strait of Hormuz, have been the primary driver behind Eurozone inflation climbing to 3.3 percent.

According to ECB analysts, the current economic shock differs fundamentally from the inflationary waves of 2021 and 2022, as direct physical disruptions to LNG supplies and persistent maritime blockades threaten to sustain elevated utility costs and economic pressure across the currency bloc well through the end of the year.

• Qatar held Iran responsible for the attacks and pledged solidarity with the affected countries and support for measures protecting their security and sovereignty.
• The Qatari Foreign Ministry called for an immediate end to military actions and urged all sides to return to dialogue and negotiations.

Qatar issued a strong statement Wednesday condemning the renewed attacks launched by Iran against the territories of Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

In an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Doha characterized the military strikes as "a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the targeted countries, and a blatant breach of international law, the United Nations Charter, and the principles of good neighborliness."

The Qatari Foreign Ministry emphasized that the continued military actions destabilize the region.

"The continued attacks represent a dangerous escalation that could complicate de-escalation efforts and undermine diplomatic and political initiatives aimed at restoring security and stability in the region."

The statement added that Qatar "holds the Islamic Republic of Iran fully and legally responsible for these attacks" and any resulting repercussions.

Reaffirming its diplomatic backing for its neighboring Arab states, Qatar declared its "full solidarity with the neighboring countries and its support for all legitimate measures taken to safeguard their sovereignty, security and territorial integrity."

The Ministry called for "an immediate and complete halt to all military actions and attacks threatening regional security and stability," urging all involved parties "to avoid steps that could widen the conflict and return to dialogue and negotiations, as well as adherence to understandings reached through diplomatic efforts."

Read more: Jordan condemns Iranian drone attack on UAE

Regional escalation

The Iranian strikes on Sep. 1 came amid an escalation in regional hostilities, following US Central Command (CENTCOM) airstrikes targeting IRGC air defense sites, radar systems, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities, and communications facilities across southern Iran.

In response to the US assault, Tehran’s IRGC launched retaliatory ballistic missile and drone salvos late Tuesday, targeting facilities hosting US military personnel across the region. 

The Jordan Armed Forces confirmed its air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed 10 of 13 incoming Iranian ballistic missiles over its airspace, with three falling in remote, uninhabited areas.

Air defense forces in Kuwait and Bahrain activated interceptors and destroyed incoming Iranian drones, preventing casualties in residential areas.

Images released by the Iranian national broadcaster show what it says are drones launched by the army against “US bases” in Gulf countries.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Wednesday that three members of the paramilitary Basij force were killed in attacks overnight on an island in the Gulf.

"Three Basij fighters... were martyred in last night's attack by the criminal US on Lavan Island" in the Gulf, a local IRGC commander was quoted by the Mehr news agency as saying.

Two Filipino sailors were killed in an attack on an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, Saudi Arabia's national shipping company Bahri said on Wednesday.

"Bahri confirms that its vessel SIDR was involved in a security incident while transiting the Strait of Hormuz" on the evening of August 31, the carrier said on X, confirming "the loss of its two Filipino seafarers as a result" of the attack.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Wednesday that two oil tankers caught fire after striking mines while transiting the Strait of Hormuz outside a route designated by Iranian forces.

In a statement, the Guards said the oil tankers sought "at the urging of the US military to transit via an illegal route" in the strait before "striking mines and exploding", adding that they "are currently on fire."

Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Wednesday called the United States "Satan" after an attack on a wedding ceremony in the country's south.

"Minab school: children massacred. Lamerd sports hall: kids slaughtered. Kouhestak wedding: children killed with families. If a power acts like Satan, picks targets like Satan, and kills like Satan, it's Satan. Shields a junior Satan that does the same? It's THE Great Satan," said Ghalibaf in a post on X.

Minab school: children massacred.
Lamerd sports hall: kids slaughtered.
Kouhestak wedding: children killed with families.

If a power acts like Satan, picks targets like Satan, and kills like Satan, it’s Satan.

Shields a junior Satan that does the same? It’s THE Great Satan.

— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) September 2, 2026

Images released by the Iranian Red Crescent Society show what it says is the aftermath of US strike on a wedding ceremony in southern Sirik county.

The Iranian Red Crescent said that four people including a child were killed and more than 50 people wounded in the attack.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that four fighters were killed in a US attack on the western province of Kermanshah.

"Four fighters of the IRGC Aerospace Force in Kermanshah province were martyred in an attack by the US regime," the Guards said in a statement carried by Fars news agency.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held talks with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha on Wednesday

“The two officials discussed ways to strengthen relations between Jordan and Qatar, as well as efforts to de-escalate tensions, restore calm and promote security and stability in the region,” a statement by Jordan’s Foreign Ministry said.

Iran’s IRGC releases footage of attack drones being launched at what it claims are “US bases in Bahrain and the UAE”.

“Dozens of army drones targeted radar systems and the location of US forces in Al-Dhafra and Al-Minhad bases in the UAE since this morning,” the IRGC claimed in the statement.

“Also, radar installations and gathering centers of American forces in Sheikh Issa base in Bahrain were again targeted by large-scale Arash drone attacks,” it added.