Gulf

US CENTCOM said that American forces and “the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces conducted precision strikes in Iraq, July 28, against Iran-aligned terrorists that the IRGC directed to attack US forces."

"Detailed public disclosures can become an immediate green light for Iranian forces to launch a secondary, much more devastating wave of attacks," said Admiral Brad Cooper.

In the world now coming, nations will not merely choose routes: they will choose sides.

One of the sources said Oman has proposed establishing a regional consortium that would oversee maritime security, search-and-rescue operations, and other forms of regional cooperation.

Gulf states are increasingly confronting Iran directly. Israel and the US should help transform that cooperation into a formal regional defense alliance.

Senior Iranian official threatens Israel with ‘new target bank’ if Israel enters war • ITA Airlines cancels flights to Israel amid rising Iran tensions • Saudi-Houthi conflict escalates

Marco Rubio spoke at a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Manila, saying that if Iran does not take diplomacy seriously, the US will "do what's necessary" to protect its interests.

The crisis could strengthen the case for regional defense cooperation, including quiet coordination with Israel, without necessarily bringing the kingdom closer to formal diplomatic relations.

The selection of targets by the US signals a transition from a conventional military campaign to a broader strategic effort aimed at disrupting Iran’s ability to function.

Arab diplomats familiar with the discussions said regional governments increasingly view Netanyahu as an impediment to Trump’s diplomatic ambitions in the Middle East.