Russia stops night-time flights to Israel as IRGC insists on retaliatory attack

The US @CENTCOM says its forces “successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi missile launcher and one uncrewed surface vessel in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen” over the past 24 hours.
“Additionally, USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed two Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicles over the Red Sea.”

US troops in Syria were attacked by a drone, a US official told Reuters on Friday.

Initial reports do not indicate any injuries, but investigations are ongoing, said the official speaking on the condition of anonymity to Reuters.

In a call with Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.

Blinken told Gallant that escalation is in no party's interest, reiterating his calls to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that would secure the release of hostages and allow humanitarian aid.

Iran’s UN representative has said the country’s potential retaliatory attack against Israel would be “timed and conducted” in a way not to endanger a potential ceasefire in Gaza, seemingly indicating that the response could be less severe than first claimed.

"The Israeli regime has violated our national security and sovereignty through its recent act of terrorism. We have the legitimate right to self-defense,” Iran’s New York based mission stated Friday. “However, we hope that our response will be timed and conducted in a manner not to the detriment of the potential ceasefire.”

The statement also confirmed that “direct and intermediary official channels” have always been open between Iran and the United States.

A drone attack has targeted Kharab al-Jir base, a US military installation in the suburbs of Al-Hasakah in northeastern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported, adding that the drone fell inside the military base.

A rocket attack on an Iraqi base earlier injured seven Americans.

Israelis are receiving text messages telling them they will be buried by next week, Israeli news website Ynet reported, amid fears of an Iran-led attack on Israel.

The messages include the recipients' personal details such as full names and cities of residence.

The police have announced they are actively working to trace the source of the messages, which they say are deliberately designed to “induce panic during war.”

IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News, citing an informed source, reacted to Iran International's report about President Masoud Pezeshkian's efforts to dissuade Ali Khamenei from attacking Israel, saying there's a "consensus" among Iran's authorities on avenging Haniyeh's death.

"There is not only no disagreement at the strategic level of the Islamic Republic, but there is also a rare level of determination, unity, and consensus among the country's officials," the source told Tasnim.

"The way Iran will respond will be decided at the highest level, specifically at the Supreme National Security Council, which is chaired by the President," the source added.

On Wednesday, Iran International exclusively reported that Pezeshkian had urgently appealed with Khamenei to abstain from launching an attack on Israel, warning of the catastrophic consequences such an action could have on his presidency.

Pezeshkian cautioned that an Israeli decision to retaliate forcefully against Iran's national infrastructure and energy resources could devastate the Iranian economy, potentially precipitating the country's collapse.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the US was ready to defend Israel with plenty of resources in the region.

"When we hear rhetoric like that, we've got to take it seriously, and we do," he said in reaction to the IRGC deputy commander's remarks.

The British embassy in Beirut has renewed its call for UK citizens to leave the country, as a long-awaited Iran-led attack on Israel looms.

US Secretary of State Tony Blinken and his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi, in a phone call on Friday, discussed "the dangerous escalation in the region and the steps required to stop it," according to the Jordanian foreign ministry.

Al-Safadi stressed that a ceasefire in the Gaza war "will take the region out of the dangerous tension that puts it on the brink of explosion."

Iran's IRGC Navy has released footage that purportedly shows its drones flying over foreign military vessels.

The vessels include the Spanish landing helicopter dock Juan Carlos I, a US Navy San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, and a US Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News reported.

An Israeli airstrike targeted a car on the outskirts of Lebanon's port city of Sidon on Friday evening, killing a senior Hamas official and critically injuring his bodyguard according to security sources.

“An Israeli strike targeted a Hamas movement security official from the Ain al-Helweh camp while he was inside his vehicle in the city of Sidon,” an unnamed Lebanese security source told the AFP.

A Hamas source and two other security sources also told Reuters the drone strike was aimed at Samer al-Hajj, a Hamas official responsible for security in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp.

Lebanese media also confirmed that al-Hajj was the target of the operation.

An AFP correspondent reported witnessing emergency personnel retrieving a charred body from the vehicle as soldiers secured the area.

Reuters also reported that Al-Hajj was killed in the strike and his bodyguard was critically wounded.

A report by Al-Arabiya earlier said "two" Hamas members including Al-Hajj have been killed in the Israeli strike.

However, Hamas has only confirmed the death of Al-Hajj.

Confirming Israel's attack targeting the Hamas official, the IDF and Shin Bet said in a statement that Al-Hajj was responsible for “advancing terror attacks and projectile launches from Lebanon toward Israeli territory.”

In a letter to Hamas' new leader, Yahya Sinwar, Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force chief Ismail Qaani vowed to avenge the recent killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

"We are preparing to avenge his blood, a painful and difficult incident that happened in the Islamic Republic of Iran. This is our duty," Qaani wrote, without revealing how Tehran would retaliate.

He emphasized that Haniyeh’s death would lead to an even harsher punishment for Israel, referencing the previous Iranian strike on April 13.

Qaani also emphasized the role of the Tehran-backed regional militias within the "Resistance Front" in the retaliation, stating, "The heroic jihad of your brothers in the Islamic Resistance will amplify the impact of the punishment more than ever before and will lead to the swift eradication of this malevolent phenomenon."

Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, "is battling against" the hardline Revolutionary Guards to avoid an all-out war with Israel, according to the Telegraph.

Tehran is split over how to respond to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination, with Revolutionary Guards generals pushing for strikes on Tel Aviv, while Pezeshkian suggests targeting secret Israeli bases in neighboring countries.

An aide to the Iranian president told the Telegraph that Pezeshkian has proposed striking a location connected to Israel within the Republic of Azerbaijan or the Kurdistan region of Iraq. He suggested notifying these countries in advance to swiftly resolve the ongoing tensions.

Pezeshkian has further proposed arming the Lebanese Hezbollah with more sophisticated weapons and “letting them fight” with the intensified support of Iran, according to the Telegraph.

The ultimate decision on how Iran will respond lies with Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader.

On Wednesday, Iran International exclusively reported that Pezeshkian had urgently appealed to Khamenei to abstain from launching an attack on Israel, warning of the catastrophic consequences such an action could have on his presidency.

Pezeshkian cautioned that an Israeli decision to retaliate forcefully against Iran's national infrastructure and energy resources could devastate the Iranian economy, potentially precipitating the country's collapse.

Russia has issued a NOTAM that prohibits flight departures from Russia to Israeli airports during the night-time hours between 2200 UTC and 0400 UTC as its ally, Iran, prepares to attack Israel.

The restriction is in effect from August 9, 2024, until at least August 16, 2024, and may be extended further. Flights are advised to be scheduled during daytime hours, and airlines are required to perform a risk assessment in line with international guidelines before flying over or near conflict zones, the NOTAM said.

Israel has significantly reinforced its air defenses in anticipation of a potential airborne retaliation from Iran and its allies following the targeted assassinations of two senior militant leaders, the Financial Times reported.

Israeli officials are bracing for what they believe could be the most formidable test yet for their multi-layered defense system, though the precise nature of the expected assault from Iran, Hezbollah, and other regional militias remains unclear.

An Israeli military affairs analyst told the FT, "If it’s a mass combined attack, in a single barrage, at the same time . . . They could overwhelm the system to a certain degree. How many [projectiles] get through and what kind of damage [they] wreak is unknown."

Pakistan will support "all efforts to prevent a war in the Middle East," the Foreign Ministry stated on Friday, amid growing concerns of a broader conflict involving Israel and Iran.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch made the remarks during a media briefing but did not disclose whether Pakistan has engaged in discussions with Washington on the matter.

Meanwhile, the US has been intensifying its diplomatic efforts, urging nations to convey to Iran that further escalation in the Middle East is not in their interest, according to the State Department.

The Delta Blue crude oil tanker experienced a third and fourth incident within 24 hours off the coast of Yemen's port of Mokha, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported on Friday.

Despite these attacks, including one by an uncrewed surface vessel and another by a missile that landed near the ship, the crew and vessel are safe and continuing to their next destination.

On Thursday, the ship's captain reported that two small craft approached and fired a rocket-propelled grenade, which exploded near the Liberia-flagged tanker approximately 45 nautical miles south of Mokha. Each boat carried four individuals. Later, another missile detonated close to the vessel.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militants have initiated attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea region since November, expressing their solidarity with Palestinians in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards' navy has reportedly acquired new cruise missiles equipped with undetectable, highly explosive warheads, according to IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency on Friday.

"A large number of cruise missiles have been added to the Guards' navy fleet. These new missiles have capabilities of highly explosive warheads that are undetectable and can cause extensive damage and sink their targets," Tasnim said.

"This expansion featured an array of advanced military assets, including long-range and medium-range missile systems, combat and surveillance drones, electronic warfare systems, naval radars, and other sophisticated combat equipment. Notably, only 210 out of 2,640 systems were publicly displayed," Tasnim added.

The US, Egypt, and Qatar on Thursday urged Israel and Hamas to convene for negotiations on August 15 to finalize a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement, according to Reuters.

In a joint statement, the three nations, working to mediate the deal, suggested that the talks could be held in either Doha or Cairo.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to reinvigorate negotiations amid growing concerns of a wider regional conflict involving Iran following the targeted killings of senior figures from Hamas and Hezbollah.

A US official clarified that the statement was not intended to influence Iran but warned that any escalation could undermine the chances of securing an Israel-Hamas agreement.

The Washington Post is reporting that Israel is worried that in the case of a multi-front attack by Iran, its air defense systems would not be enough - even with US support.

There is increasing concern surrounding one of its most vital lines of defense: the American-led Arab coalition that was pivotal in thwarting the previous Iranian assault.

The once covert alliance between Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE was thrust into the spotlight on April 13, when it helped Israel intercept 99 percent of over 300 Iranian drones and missiles—the first direct strike by Tehran after decades of shadow conflict.

However, Jordan and Saudi Arabia have publicly opposed turning their airspace into a battle zone, and Egypt has refused to join any military axis against Iran. According to the Washington Post, citing a senior Israeli politician involved in the coalition, these statements are deeply concerning.

Iran is likely to focus its response on those directly responsible for the attack, mainly targeting Mossad and its associated agencies, rather than extending its actions to civilian populations, according to the Guardian.

While carefully weighing its response amidst diplomatic pressure to avoid civilian casualties, Iran remains poised to strike eventually. However, the Guardian noted that the combination of international scrutiny and the lack of explicit support from fellow Muslim nations may prompt Tehran to reconsider the scale and intensity of its retaliation.

On the other hand, Hezbollah is believed to be firmly intent on executing an imminent attack in retaliation for the assassination of its senior commander, Fuad Shukr.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said in an advisory note on Thursday that a crude oil tanker reported a double attack on a vessel off Yemen.

Crew members of the Liberia-flagged Delta Blue are safe, according to the UKMTO.

In a joint statement, the Defense Ministers of Australia and Canada, expressed concern about the escalating tensions on the border between Israel and Lebanon.

They emphasized support for diplomatic efforts and the need for restraint from all parties. The joint statement, following a bilateral meeting to strengthen Canada-Australia defense ties, also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin phoned Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday, discussing US steps in the Middle East to defend Israel, Austin posted to X.

In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles and one Houthi ground control station in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

Additionally, USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed one Houthi uncrewed surface vessel in the Red Sea.

USCENTCOM said these weapons presented a clear and imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. This reckless and dangerous behavior by Iranian-backed Houthis continues to threaten regional stability and security, it said.

United Airlines announced that it has suspended its flights to Tel Aviv for the foreseeable future and plans to resume them when it is safe for its customers and crew.

Last week the airline suspended its daily New Jersey-Tel Aviv flight citing security reasons amid escalating regional tensions.

Iran could be "rethinking the scale and format" of its response to Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and is unlikely to be dissuaded if Muslim states do not explicitly support an Iranian military response, according to a Guardian report.

Guardian noted that although Muslim states condemned the killing of Haniyeh “no formal collective support” for an Iranian attack was issued following the emergency Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah this week.

A series of explosions were heard near the Shayrat Airbase in western Syria's Homs province.

The explosions were likely caused by an Israeli strike targeting "weapons storage warehouses," according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

No casualties have been reported.

“The US has sent clear messaging to Iran that the risk of a major escalation if they do a significant retaliatory attack against Israel is extremely high,” the Wall Street Journal reported citing a US official.
Those messages have also put Tehran on notice “that there is a serious risk of consequences for Iran’s economy and the stability of its newly elected government if it goes down that path,” the official added.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an incident 45 nautical miles south of Al Mukha, Yemen.

The attack involved "an RPG exploding in close proximity to the vessel," according to the UKMTO.

Despite the close encounter, the vessel and crew are safe and continuing their voyage.

Authorities are investigating the incident, according to UKMTO.

In an advisory, the UKMTO advised vessels “to transit with caution.”

Iran-aligned Houthi militants, who control the most populous parts of Yemen, have launched attacks on commercial vessels since November 19, after Iran's Supreme Leader urged Muslim nations to blockade Israel.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in a rare Arabic message to the people of Lebanon said that “Shiite Iran and its affiliates, led by Hezbollah, have taken Lebanon and its people hostage in the service of their narrow sectarian and sectarian interests.”

He warned them that if Iran-backed Hezbollah “continues its aggression, Israel will fight it in a very difficult war.”

In the Arabic message posted on X, he emphasized that Iran and its proxy group Hezbollah are “responsible for the ongoing crisis.”

The US Central Command announced that the US Air Force F-22 Raptors had arrived in the US Central Command area of responsibility as of August 8. As part of the US force’s “posture changes in the region,” this deployment is aimed to address “threats posed by Iran and Iranian-backed groups.”

Retired Lieutenant General David Deptula told Bloomberg that the deployment of the F-22s sends a strong message to Iran as “they can operate with impunity in Iranian airspace without Iran being aware.”

“They can perform not just air-to-air operations but can surreptitiously conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations and have the capacity to deliver bombs as well,” Deptula added.

Iranian media reported that on Thursday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke with President Masoud Pezeshkian on the telephone.

The discussion reportedly centered on "regional and international issues, as well as strategies to establish peace, stability, and security."

The leader of the Iran-backed Yemeni Houthis stated on Thursday that their delayed response, along with that of Iran’s other regional allies, to Israel’s recent actions was “purely tactical.”

He emphasized that the goal is to deliver a “genuinely impactful response,” taking into account the preemptive defense measures implemented by Israel and the US.

“The decision to respond is made collectively, at the level of the entire axis [of resistance],” he noted. Axis of resistance refers to Tehran-backed proxy forces in the region, including Palestinian militant groups, the Syrian regime, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, and other factions.

German newspaper Bild published in a piece on Wednesday titled "Mullahs threaten attacks on 22 Israeli targets," predicting that it is no longer a question of whether Iran will bomb Israel but rather when they will order the attack.

The report appears to draw from a state-affiliated Iranian website, Defapress, which detailed potential targets that the "Resistance Front," an alliance of Iran-sponsored militias including Hezbollah, could strike in Israel.

These targets purportedly include vital oil and gas fields, power plants, military bases, and government buildings in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, including the Knesset parliament building and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. Additionally, they include three airports and three ports.

Air France announced on Thursday that it has extended its suspension of flights between Paris and Beirut until August 11. The French airline has canceled all flights to Lebanon since July 29 and had previously extended the suspension until August 8 earlier this week.

Iran may be reassessing its plans to launch a comprehensive attack on Israel, according to Politico, citing two US officials.

The Biden administration has been actively lobbying Tehran to reconsider its military response to the incident that resulted in the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

The report noted that Tehran is increasingly aligning with Washington's perspective, despite its initial denials.

The Israel Defense Forces say that overnight jets attacked and destroyed several Hezbollah “terror infrastructure” sites in southern Lebanon.

The Canadian government said on Wednesday it has decided to pull the children and guardians of its diplomats out of Israel, amid fears of a widened conflict in the Middle East, the Canadian Press reported.

Global Affairs Canada, in a statement cited in the Canadian Press, said it has approved the temporary relocation of the diplomats' children and their guardians to a safe third country. It added that diplomats stationed in Ramallah in the West Bank and in Beirut do not have dependents living with them.

Canada on Saturday warned citizens to avoid all travel to Israel, citing the ongoing regional conflict and unpredictable security situation. It also urges its citizens to not travel to Gaza and the West Bank.

Iran’s military retaliation against Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran is taking longer than expected, US intelligence sources say.

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Britain and Egypt asked their airlines on Wednesday to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace amid growing fears of a possible broader conflict in the region after the killing of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah.

Britain's advisory to its airlines to avoid Lebanon's airspace came hours after Egypt instructed all of its airlines to avoid Iran's airspace for three hours in the early morning on Thursday.

Many airlines globally are revising their schedules to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace while also calling off flights to Israel and Lebanon.

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A comparison of flight operations on August 5 and August 8 at 03:30 am (Tehran time) or 00:00 (GMT) shows the airspace of western Iran and Iraq has been almost completely cleared, as the region braces for Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel.

The IRGC- affiliated Sabereen News agency said Iran is holding "military exercises" in western Iran. "The sounds heard in western Iran are due to military exercises and they will continue until around 7am (local time)," the Telegram channel said.