Day 189 | US says no major operations against Iran, but options open

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Read more: Day 190 | US to investigate deadly Kuhestak wedding party strike

The ‘Israeli’ army said it intercepted a drone launched by Hezbollah toward its forces in the security zone in southern Lebanon.

The army described the launch as a “blatant violation” of the agreement, saying it was carrying out airstrikes in response.

It added that its forces would continue operating in the security zone, claiming the operations aim to remove threats to ‘Israeli’ citizens and military personnel.

The ‘Israeli’ army also said it would continue confronting what it described as repeated attempts by Hezbollah to target its forces. Recent reports have similarly described ‘Israeli’ strikes in southern Lebanon following alleged Hezbollah drone launches.

At least three people were killed and several others injured in strikes on southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, according to an initial toll.

Two people were killed in Nabatieh al-Fawqa, while another was killed in Al-Ramadiyah. Several people were also injured in the two areas.

Additional injuries were reported in Maifadoun, while a Syrian worker was injured in Ain al-Tineh in the Bekaa Valley.

The casualty toll remains preliminary and could rise as rescue teams continue searching for people who may be trapped under the rubble.

The US State Department has approved a potential $5 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia involving Joint Direct Attack Munitions-Extended Range (JDAM-ER), according to Reuters.

The department said Boeing would serve as the principal contractor for the proposed deal. The approval comes as Washington continues to expand defense cooperation with Riyadh.

The State Department also approved a separate potential sale of AGT-1500 engines to Saudi Arabia worth an estimated $750 million, with Honeywell as the principal contractor.

US President Donald Trump said the United States could target Iran’s underground “Pickaxe Mountain” facility “very soon,” renewing threats against the heavily fortified site near the Natanz nuclear complex.

The facility, buried deep inside a mountain, is linked to Iran’s nuclear program and has been the subject of US concerns over its potential use for uranium enrichment or other nuclear activities.

Trump has previously said the site could be targeted by US forces, despite uncertainty over whether nuclear activity is currently taking place there.

Qatar has rejected Iranian assertions that a March 18 strike on the Ras Laffan gas facility did not take place, saying the claim relies on a selectively quoted technical document rather than Qatar’s official record submitted to the United Nations.

Qatar Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said Doha had repeatedly documented Iranian attacks on its territory in official letters to the UN. He said a March 18 attack on gas facilities at Ras Laffan was separately recorded in UN document S/2026/207.

Al-Ansari said the document cited by Iran was a “safety and security risk assessment” prepared for the International Telecommunication Union’s Plenipotentiary Conference. He stressed that it was neither a comprehensive record of events nor a legal assessment.

According to al-Ansari, the full document acknowledges attacks inside Qatar, including the March 18 strike on Ras Laffan.

He also rejected claims that Qatar’s interception of missiles and drones diminished the seriousness of the attacks or removed responsibility from those who carried them out.

Qatar, which al-Ansari said is “not a party to this conflict,” will continue pursuing de-escalation through diplomatic channels.

‘Israeli’ forces have seized 7,498 dunums of land in the town of Qabatiya, south of Jenin, under an “immediate and urgent” military order, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.

According to Wafa, maps attached to the order indicate a possible military route extending from an existing road toward an area designated for a new military tower. The proposed route is located directly north of the new “Noa” illegal outpost.

The order is valid for 60 days from the date of signing and grants the officer in charge control over the seized lands. Wafa said the procedure effectively bypasses the normal legal process.

US President Donald Trump has accused Democrats of wanting the United States to lose the war on Iran, arguing that the political left would prefer such an outcome to the White House winning what he called “the war for America.”

Trump’s comments come as his Republican Party heads into the November midterm elections amid high food and gasoline prices, with the US war with Iran adding to political pressure on the administration.

A Pew Research poll last month found Trump’s approval rating had fallen to 34 percent, while a majority of Americans also expressed disapproval of the war.

The European Union said it is working with the United States and its G7 partners to increase pressure on Iran as part of efforts to reduce escalation and strengthen regional stability.

The announcement came after the US Treasury secretary said the EU had formally joined the economic pressure campaign against Iran.

The EU said its coordination with Washington and other partners is intended to contribute to de-escalation while maintaining pressure on Tehran.

• The sanctions campaign is expanding across the region, targeting shipping networks, shadow fleets, exchange houses and third-country banks linked to Iran. 

The United States Department of the Treasury announced Friday new secondary sanctions against Turkish lender Golden Global Bank over alleged financial links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), marking the latest expansion of Washington’s sanctions on Tehran.

The sanctions, executed under the Treasury’s newly launched "Operation Economic Outcast," target the Istanbul-based financial institution for allegedly facilitating transactions and providing financial lifelines to IRGC-affiliated networks. 

In a statement announcing the blacklisting, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued an explicit warning to international financial institutions and foreign governments attempting to maintain commercial or banking ties with Tehran. 

"Financial institutions continue to find out the hard way that we are serious about Operation Economic Outcast, … while we hope no more banks will need to be sanctioned, that ultimately depends on how quickly the international community comes to its senses and ceases support of the murderous Iranian regime." 

Read more: US set to impose new Iran bank sanctions this week

Escalating economic pressures in the region 

"Operation Economic Outcast" is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to enforce a total financial and trade blockade of Iran, targeting shipping registries, shadow fleets, regional exchange houses, and third-country banking networks across the Middle East and Europe. 

• Higher diesel prices raise transportation and consumer costs.
• Record gasoline prices add to economic pressure on households.

Diesel fuel prices in the United States surged to an all-time record high of $5.85 per gallon on Friday according to American Automobile Association (AAA) data, driven by six months of intense conflict involving the US, 'Israel', and Iran that has bottlenecked global fuel flows.

The spike surpasses the previous nominal peak set in June 2022, when diesel reached $5.82 per gallon following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The price of crude oil—the primary component of both diesel and gasoline—has surged past $95 a barrel for Brent crude as Middle East supply chains face severe disruptions, particularly near the critical Strait of Hormuz bottleneck.

Prior to the outbreak of hostitilies in late February, US diesel averaged approximately $3.76 per gallon.

Grocery, e-commerce, and public transport hit

Because diesel powers heavy logistics networks—including cargo ships, freight trains, delivery trucks, and agricultural equipment—higher fuel costs are rapidly inflating transport expenses across sectors.

The grocery sector is experiencing immediate strains, particularly for perishable foods, meat, and produce that require frequent shipping or diesel-powered harvesting equipment.

The Independent Grocers Alliance noted that fuel accounts for 15% to 30% of total food costs, with refrigerated items like seafood and fresh fruit seeing early price surges as contracts reprice and fuel surcharges take hold.

Beyond food, major logistics and retail corporations—including Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and the United States Postal Service—have added temporary fuel and logistics surcharges to offset rising operational costs.

"Diesel price has a very, very direct impact on everything that moves on pretty much any mode," said Ajesh Kapoor, CEO and founder of transportation technology firm SemiCab.

Energy analysts warn that the physical stocks of refined products are dwindling globally, putting immense pressure on international refining systems, with developing nations in Africa and Asia facing the deepest energy shocks due to heavy reliance on Middle Eastern imports.

Gasoline surges ahead of Labor Day

Regular unleaded gasoline has also climbed steadily, reaching a national average of $4.15 per gallon—up from $2.98 before the conflict began.

While still below the June 2022 record of $5.02 per gallon, AAA confirmed that regular gasoline has never previously topped $4 per gallon over a Labor Day weekend.

The economic fallout comes as Republicans face rising political pressure ahead of November's midterm elections.

Recent AP-NORC polling over the summer indicated that two out of three American adults disapprove of President Donald Trump's handling of the economy, as voters absorb rising living costs driven by energy market volatility.

• The sanctions campaign is expanding across the region, targeting shipping networks, shadow fleets, exchange houses and third-country banks linked to Iran. 

The United States Department of the Treasury announced Friday new secondary sanctions against Turkish lender Golden Global Bank over alleged financial links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), marking the latest expansion of Washington’s sanctions on Tehran.

The sanctions, executed under the Treasury’s newly launched "Operation Economic Outcast," target the Istanbul-based financial institution for allegedly facilitating transactions and providing financial lifelines to IRGC-affiliated networks. 

In a statement announcing the blacklisting, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued an explicit warning to international financial institutions and foreign governments attempting to maintain commercial or banking ties with Tehran. 

"Financial institutions continue to find out the hard way that we are serious about Operation Economic Outcast, … while we hope no more banks will need to be sanctioned, that ultimately depends on how quickly the international community comes to its senses and ceases support of the murderous Iranian regime." 

Read more: US set to impose new Iran bank sanctions this week

Escalating economic pressures in the region 

"Operation Economic Outcast" is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to enforce a total financial and trade blockade of Iran, targeting shipping registries, shadow fleets, regional exchange houses, and third-country banking networks across the Middle East and Europe. 

• Tehran says it responded within 15 minutes, targeting US bases across the region.
• Iran says it thwarted efforts to weaken its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iran warns of harsher responses to future ‘Israeli’ attacks.

The Iranian military claimed a formal shift toward preemptive warfare on Friday, warning that it will strike targets pre-emptively whenever threats are detected.

Speaking to media, Iranian Army Spokesman Brig. Gen. Mohammad Akrami Nya stated that Tehran's military posture has evolved following recent conflicts, asserting that preemptive action is fully supported by international law and the United Nations Charter.

"We will execute preemptive operations whenever we feel a threat, within the framework of international law," Brig. Gen. Akrami Nya stated. "Our military doctrine after the 12-day war has gradually moved toward the necessity of utilizing preemptive warfare in accordance with the UN Charter."

Addressing recent clashes in southern Iran, the army spokesman confirmed that Iranian forces retaliated within 15 minutes against what he described as US efforts to weaken Iran's authority over the Strait of Hormuz.

Akrami Nya revealed that recent hybrid and asymmetric operations utilized advanced domestic military hardware, including AI-guided Fath surface-to-surface ballistic missiles and Arash-2 loitering munitions, enabling Iranian forces to hit targets with precision.

The strikes encompassed US military bases positioned across Arab nations in the Middle East region.

Turning to potential escalation with 'Israel', the Iranian military spokesman warned that any future military action by 'Israel' would meet an even harsher response than in previous rounds.

• ‘Israeli’ military claims it seized Ali Al-Taher ridge and clear its underground tunnels.
• Ridge described as a key Hezbollah command and defensive position.

'Israeli' Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed on Friday that 'Israel' will not withdraw its forces from the designated "security zone" in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is completely disarmed across the country.

Katz made the statement after the 'Israeli' military alleged that Division 36 forces had achieved operational control over the Ali Taher ridge area in southern Lebanon, above and below ground.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu and I are leading a clear and uncompromising line... Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon and the threats to the residents of the Galilee are removed," Katz said in his statement.

Tunnels on Ali Taher ridge

The statement from Katz followed an announcement by the 'Israeli' military claiming that its forces completed clearing operations inside two underground tunnel routes on the Ali Taher ridge.

According to military statements, forces operating in the area eliminated some fighters within the tunnels, while others fled the sector.

The military alleged that engineering operations are continuing to neutralize to what it described as the subterranean infrastructure before forces redeploy for long-term defensive positioning.

Katz highlighted the strategic importance of the sector, framing its capture as a pivotal milestone in 'Israel's' broader operational goals.

"The Ali Taher tunnels were a command center for attacks on our forces and the Galilee region, and at the same time served as the last dominant outpost protecting the Nabatieh area — so vital to Hezbollah — hence their strategic importance," Katz stated. "The capture of Ali Taher is an important step in achieving the goal."

Iran’s government spokesperson said Thursday that sanctions have affected the country’s ability to secure resources and complete development projects, according to IRNA.

She said authorities are continuing efforts to complete unfinished projects despite challenges linked to sanctions and economic pressure, adding that the government is seeking to use available resources and capacities to advance projects considered necessary for the country.

The United States is seeking a comprehensive agreement with Iran covering the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran’s nuclear program, the Financial Times reported, citing diplomatic sources.

According to the report, the Trump administration has told mediators it is no longer interested in short-term or incremental arrangements and wants any future agreement to address both maritime access through the Strait and Iran’s nuclear activities.

Washington has also stressed that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open to commercial vessels regardless of any separate agreement between Tehran and Muscat.

Meanwhile, mediators from Pakistan, Qatar and Oman are working to establish a framework for potential negotiations between Washington and Tehran, as efforts continue to prevent further military escalation.

US Vice President JD Vance said he would not describe the conflict with Iran as a war, despite continued clashes with Tehran six months after the fighting began.

His remarks come as signs grow that US President Donald Trump is seeking to bring the conflict to an end after it has increasingly weighed on his administration.

South Korean media reported that the government is considering deploying non-combat military assets, including a maritime logistics support vessel and a maritime patrol aircraft, to the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the reports, the government is prioritizing a mission focused on ensuring the safety of navigation in the strategic waterway.

The proposed deployment would focus on providing support and protecting maritime movement rather than directly participating in combat operations.

US President Donald Trump announced the appointment of Adam Telle, currently the assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, as acting secretary of the Army, effective Friday.

Telle will serve as the acting head of the US Army following Trump’s decision to appoint him to the position.

US Ambassador to ‘Israel’ Mike Huckabee said President Donald Trump was frustrated by what he described as the Iranians’ “intransigence,” according to the Jerusalem Post.

Huckabee described the US-mediated talks between Lebanon and ‘Israel’ as “historic,” saying the two sides are now sitting in the same room discussing how to move forward and remove Hezbollah from the equation to achieve peace.

“We are sitting in the same room today and talking about how to move forward and get Hezbollah out of the picture so there can be peace,” Huckabee said.