Iran Threatens Gulf Civilian Targets if US, Israel Renew Air Campaign

US President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a second term, urging voters to support Netanyahu as an “outstanding Warrior Prime Minister.” Trump’s message emphasized the need to “finish the job that we started,” reflecting a continued alignment between the US and Israeli leadership on regional security issues.

Iran has issued a warning that it would target civilian infrastructure in the Gulf if the United States or Israel resumes military operations against its forces. This threat comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Iran accusing Western powers of escalating hostilities. The Iranian government has previously condemned Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities and has vowed retaliation against perceived aggression.

Brazil’s electoral authority has declared President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva the winner of the presidential election, with over 90% of votes counted. This outcome marks a significant political shift, as Lula would become the first candidate to overturn a first-round loss since the return of democracy in 1988. His victory has sparked celebrations across the country, signaling a potential realignment of Brazil’s foreign and domestic policies.

The Yashar party in Lebanon has raised concerns about fraudulent campaign materials circulated under its name, alleging a deliberate attempt to mislead voters and undermine the Change Bloc ahead of the elections. The party has filed a police report, accusing unknown actors of orchestrating the campaign of misinformation to influence the electoral outcome.

US officials have indicated that President Trump is preparing to intensify efforts against Iran, suggesting that an attack is “not a question of ‘if,’ but of ‘when.'” This assessment aligns with recent military actions by the United States and its allies in the region, including the clearance of Iranian mines in critical waterways. The US military’s role in securing shipping lanes has been pivotal in maintaining regional stability and protecting global trade routes.

CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper recently visited the Strait of Hormuz, where US forces have played a key role in ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels. Over the past six months, more than 3,000 ships have transited the strait with CENTCOM support, with over 95% navigating safely despite ongoing Iranian aggression. Cooper’s visit underscored the strategic importance of the region and the commitment of US forces to safeguard international commerce.

The situation in the Gulf highlights the complex interplay of military, diplomatic, and economic interests among nations. As tensions rise, the international community faces the challenge of balancing security concerns with the need for peaceful resolution. The biblical call to “do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8) serves as a reminder of the moral imperative to pursue peace and justice in all dealings.

Source: Read the original report