US Air Force fighter jets and bombers flew from Israeli bases to attack Iran in recent weeks, according to Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz. Katz told Channel 14 on Tuesday that "The Iranians know" these aircraft took off from Israel. He declared, "The arrogant empire that threatened to destroy Israel has collapsed," emphasizing Israel's readiness to defend itself. "We announced in the clearest terms that if Israel is fired upon, we will attack with all our might. We are prepared to strike Iran." He added, "We know how to manage things, and we are prepared."
Tehran has rejected an Omani proposal for joint regional management of the Strait of Hormuz. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday that the proposal had no chance of success. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated on Tuesday that Iran instead proposed a temporary arrangement where traffic would pass through Iranian waters. Gharibabadi warned the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed if Muscat rejected Iran’s proposal, asserting Tehran had never recognized the southern route along Oman’s coast.
Iran's Proxy Network Expands
The confrontation extends far beyond the Strait of Hormuz. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported this week that Ukrainian armed forces struck a Russian warship and vessels transporting Iran-linked military cargo in the Caspian Sea. The Red Sea is emerging as a second front, with Iran-backed Houthis threatening civilian shipping and attacking Saudi infrastructure. Drone launches from Iraqi territory into Saudi Arabia this week provide additional evidence that the conflict is spilling across borders.
Israel intercepted at least three drones near the Jordanian border 1-2 days ago. This demonstrates the constant, low-level threat posed by Iran's regional proxies. The US military and its Gulf allies have launched strikes on Iran, though Israeli forces did not participate in the most recent round of fighting between Iran and the US. Iran has focused its attacks on US interests in the Gulf rather than directly targeting Israel.
Western Resolve Under Scrutiny
US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Washington DC 1 day ago. A source familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post that it was "a very positive meeting," noting the "chemistry between the leaders." This meeting underscores the vital alliance between the two nations.
Despite this cooperation, some US critics of the war, including Tucker Carlson, have suggested that Israel's plan on Iran was always to have the US do the bulk of the fighting. This sentiment was shared by members of the Israeli government. Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich described the renewed US war on Iran as the ideal outcome for Israel, provided Israelis did not have to fight it themselves. Smotrich commented, "Israel has no interest in joining the campaign - the current situation is the best for us," in remarks carried by Kan news.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the Hormuz crisis have seen some progress, but no final agreement has been reached. An emerging proposal focuses on a temporary solution establishing a central shipping route between Omani and Iranian territorial waters. Mediators hoped a temporary agreement would cool tempers and lead to more advanced talks. Iran and Oman remain far from agreement on key aspects, including transit fees. Renewed diplomacy is vital, but it must lead to a conclusion that applies to the conflict in all its aspects, including Tehran-backed paramilitaries in Iraq, Yemen, and elsewhere.