Episode Details

HEADLINES
- Iran-Israel clash escalates; missiles fired, sirens sounding
- Kuwait-flagged Al-Salmi ablaze off Dubai
- Trump eyes ending Iran war over Hormuz

The time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, overnight a pattern of renewed hostilities emerged as Iran fired multiple salvos toward central and southern Israel. Air raid sirens sounded in the Jerusalem area as well as in the West Bank, the Shfela and Lachish regions. The Israeli Defense Forces intercepted one missile, while another fell in an open area; Magen David Adom reported no injuries. Israeli officials also identified an additional launch targeting southern Israel. The episode follows a night described as relatively quiet and underscores the ongoing regional tension surrounding Iran’s actions.

In Regional Impacts, the regional consequences widened as a Kuwait-flagged tanker named Al-Salmi was struck and set ablaze off Dubai, part of a series of attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf and the Hormuz corridor. President Donald Trump warned that the United States would obliterate Iran’s energy plants and oil wells if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. The tanker can carry about two million barrels of oil; Kuwait Petroleum Corp said damage assessment was underway and warned of a potential oil spill. Dubai authorities later said they had brought the fire under control after a drone attack, and no injuries were reported. In Isfahan, central Iran, new footage showed fire and smoke rising after a strike with massive secondary explosions. The broader conflict has disrupted energy supplies and threatened to undermine the global economy, with crude prices reacting to the flare-ups and ongoing uncertainty in the region.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Trump told aides he is willing to end the military campaign against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, with plans to leave a broader operation to reopen it for a later date. The administration reportedly considers other options, but none are his immediate priority. Trump’s first option is to end the war by negotiating with the Iranian regime, while a second option would see Gulf States and NATO lead efforts to reopen Hormuz. Netanyahu suggested that a long-term solution could involve rerouting energy pipelines westward, across Saudi Arabia and related partners. Separately, a Financial Times report said a broker for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth contacted BlackRock about a multimillion-dollar investment in a defense-focused ETF before the Iran attack, though Pentagon officials denied any such engagement. Gulf States have pressed to continue attacks until the Islamic regime is sufficiently weakened or toppled, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE taking the lead in applying pressure, a stance that some officials say aims to sustain strategic leverage in the region.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a military drill will begin this morning in the Judea and Samaria Brigade area. There will be a noticeable movement of security forces in the region, and there are no plans for IDF forces to enter local communities. If an actual incident occurs, residents will be kept informed by security authorities.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303364
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303363

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