Here are Thursday’s latest updates from the Iran–Israel escalation, spillover in Lebanon, and wider regional developments:
■ U.S. President Donald Trump said he spoke directly with Iranian officials and that U.S. bombing operations would end shortly, though Iranian officials denied any contact and dismissed the claim. Trump added that Israel was not involved in the latest American attacks on Iranian targets.
■ Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers and commercial shipping, warning that vessels attempting passage would be targeted. U.S. Central Command said commercial ships continue to transit the strait and denied Iranian claims of U.S. warships being struck. Iran’s IRGC said they targeted the U.S. al-Azraq air base in Jordan with 12 ballistic missiles. Jordan said it intercepted five missiles launched toward the area, while Iran also claimed attacks on U.S. bases in Bahrain and Kuwait.
■ U.S. Central Command said American forces carried out a new wave of “self-defense strikes” inside Iran, hitting surveillance systems, communications infrastructure and air-defense sites. Reports said the United States struck an Iranian petrochemical facility in the South Pars gas field, as Iranian air defenses were activated in multiple locations, including near key energy infrastructure.
■ The Gaza Health Ministry reported three deaths and five injuries from IDF fire in the past day, bringing the overall reported toll since the start of the war to tens of thousands.
■ Sirens sounded across parts of northern Israel after missiles were fired from Lebanon. The IDF said two missiles fell near an area in southern Lebanon where Israeli troops are operating.
■ Britain, Australia and Canada launched a $4 million International Peace Fund to support Israeli-Palestinian peacebuilding initiatives and advance a two-state solution, alongside humanitarian and anti-settlement efforts.