President Donald Trump updated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on fresh American "moves in the Gulf" during a phone call on Thursday, following recent US strikes in Iran. The conversation, announced by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office via X, focused on continued bilateral coordination across various sectors.
Netanyahu Raises Erdogan Statements and Security Zones
During the call, Netanyahu raised concerns about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statements against Israel's existence and emphasized the need for security zones along Israel's borders. The Israeli PMO stated that Trump provided updates on US operations in the Gulf region.
Iran Strikes US Base in Jordan
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for striking the US Al-Azraq air base in northern Jordan with 10 ballistic missiles on Thursday. According to a statement carried by Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, the attack targeted an "enemy command and control centre in West Asia" as the second phase of Tehran's response to US aggression. The IRGC warned that further US military action would trigger additional attacks on American bases in the region.
Jordan Confirms Missile Interception
Jordan confirmed that air raid sirens were activated after missiles entered its airspace from Iran. Government spokesperson Mohammad Al-Momani said on X that the missiles were intercepted and dealt with by Jordanian Armed Forces, which remain on high alert.
First Phase of Iranian Retaliation
In the first phase of its punitive response, the IRGC struck key infrastructure at four US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain using missiles and drones, according to Press TV. The targeted outposts included Arifjan and Ali Al Salem in Kuwait, and Juffair and Sheikh Isa in Bahrain. The IRGC condemned the US attacks as a violation of commitments.
US Conducts Additional Strikes Against Iran
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday that it had started conducting additional strikes against Iran to degrade Tehran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, following recent attacks on commercial shipping. Meanwhile, power cuts were reported in Iran's southern port city of Chabahar after US airstrikes, and explosions were heard in Bushehr, according to Iranian state media and Fars news agency.
