BIG: The White House and Pentagon are considering sending 10,000 more U.S. combat troops to the Middle East.

The decision is expected next week and comes as the administration weighs military options against Iran, including possible ground operations.

Source: Axios

The UAE is pushing to form a multinational naval force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

It’s willing to deploy its own navy and is lobbying allies and the UN for support.

Only Bahrain has backed the plan so far, while others remain cautious.

Source: FT

Israeli military intelligence is increasingly skeptical that the current war will lead to regime change in Iran anytime soon.

Despite weeks of heavy US-Israeli airstrikes, officials say there are no clear signs of internal collapse, such as defections or loss of control.

Israel is now focusing on destroying military infrastructure rather than directly destabilizing the government.

Source: FT

Trump is considering escalating the conflict with Iran if diplomacy fails, but all remaining options carry serious risks.

Military plans include sending troops to seize key targets like nuclear sites or oil infrastructure, yet these operations could lead to heavy casualties and may not end the war.

Many officials believe further escalation would require ground troops, but that could trigger wider conflict, including attacks on energy facilities and shipping routes.

Source: CNN

Netanyahu plans to extend mandatory military service due to a major troop shortage.

Source: Kan News

Reporter: We have not been able to see or hear from any of the Iranian people. Do they have drinking water and food?

Trump: Do you remember when we had lunch years ago at Trump Tower? You have not changed. You may be even better looking.

The U.S. Army is increasing the maximum enlistment age from 35 to 42 to expand its recruiting pool.

The Army will also allow applicants with one marijuana-related conviction.

Officials say the move is part of a long-term effort to address recruiting shortages.

Source: ABC News

Iran has heavily damaged multiple U.S. military bases in the Middle East, forcing many American troops to leave and operate from hotels and temporary locations.

Key bases in countries like Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have been hit, with casualties and damaged equipment.

Source: NYT

Drone attacks hit Kuwait’s Shuwaikh Port near Kuwait City this morning, causing material damage but no casualties, according to the Port Authority.

China has stationed over 200 retired J-6 fighter jets converted into attack drones at air bases near the Taiwan Strait.

Experts say these drones would likely be used in large numbers during the opening phase of a conflict to overwhelm Taiwan’s air defenses, acting more like cruise missiles than traditional UAVs.

Taiwan warns this tactic could force it to use expensive missiles to intercept relatively cheap drones and is planning to upgrade its counter-drone systems.

Source: Reuters

Ukrainian drones struck the ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk in Russia’s Leningrad region overnight, sparking fires.

Zelensky met with Ukrainian military experts who have been in Saudi Arabia for over a week.

IRGC:

The cowardly American and Zionist forces, who lack the courage and ability to defend their own military bases, are attempting—out of fear of the firepower of Islamic fighters—to use civilian locations and innocent people as human shields.

Since it is our duty to eliminate American terrorist forces and the usurping regime, which recklessly engage in the killing of Iranian civilians and the assassination of individuals wherever they are found, we strongly advise you to immediately leave areas where U.S. forces are stationed so that you do not come to harm.

"France Doing America's Bidding" South Africa Dropped from G7 Invite List

South Africa’s exclusion from June 2026 G7 summit has ignited a diplomatic controversy, with Pretoria initially alleging U.S. pressure behind the decision before later stepping back. France denied the allegation & claimed Kenya was a substitute.

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Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed a defense cooperation agreement.