🇺🇸 Trump: Further retaliation possible, but major escalation downplayed:

In new Oval Office remarks Monday evening, President Trump downplayed the prospect that renewed U.S.-Iran exchanges mark a return to full-scale war while leaving further conventional strikes on the table.

Asked about the escalation, Trump described Iran as militarily and economically devastated and said: "That doesn’t mean we won’t smack them. We’ll see what happens." He separately ruled out any need to use nuclear weapons against Iran, saying Tehran is already "totally defeated militarily."

ISRAEL REALTIME ASSESSMENT: The remarks meaningfully clarify Trump's earlier promise to "hit them hard." He continues to signal that further U.S. military action remains possible, while now explicitly suggesting that the response is more likely to remain limited rather than expand into a new full-scale campaign. That aligns with the previously reported CENTCOM proposal for periodic, targeted strikes around the Strait of Hormuz. No new Pentagon or CENTCOM operational announcement accompanied the remarks at this check.

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⚓ Tanker struck near Strait of Hormuz:

UKMTO reported that a tanker was struck by three unknown projectiles 17 nautical miles east of Khasab, Oman, while completing an outbound transit through the Strait of Hormuz on August 31 at 2000 UTC, under Warning 124-26.

Iranian reports said the maritime incident previously flagged by UKMTO involved the Saudi oil tanker "Cedar," which was stopped while navigating the southern corridor of the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel reportedly activated its AIS during the transit, according to Tasnim.

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💥 U.S. strikes IRGC targets in Iran:

At 12:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM Israel time, CENTCOM announced: “Today at 12 p.m. ET, U.S. forces began striking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran. The strikes follow recent attempted attacks by the IRGC against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and against American service members deployed to the region”.

The U.S. military is carrying out airstrikes in southern Iran. Explosions have been reported in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Qeshm, Chabahar, Konarak, Jask, Minab and Asaluyeh in Bushehr province. Specific targets, damage and the scale or duration of the operation have not yet been disclosed.

Axios reports the attacks are part of the limited-strike strategy around the Strait of Hormuz that President Trump and senior advisers had been considering, intended to prevent Iran from rebuilding radar, missile and other capabilities that could threaten tankers, U.S. ships and aircraft.

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🇺🇸 Trump confirms strikes and threatens much larger attack:

President Trump said: “The United States is, as we speak, striking Iranian Targets near the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes are large and powerful, and in retaliation for the Iranians’ failed attempt at adding sea mines to the Strait, which currently has no mines (They have been completely removed or detonated!), and the Iranians shooting eight missiles, all successfully knocked down, at our Military Base in Jordan. If the failed Nation of Iran retaliates for this very justified attack, they will be hit again at a much harder and higher level, but it will not be the biggest attack of them all, that is waiting in the wings and, when it is over, there will be very little left of the Islamic Republic of Iran! President DONALD J. TRUMP”

Trump separately said: “If they retaliate, they will be hit much harder. And if they do it again, they will be no longer. They don't stop. They are crazy and they're stupid. They tried to rebuild their radar because they can't see anything. We waited until it was almost built and then we hit it. I think an agreement with them isn't worth the paper it is written on. We gave them a lot of chances”.

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🕘 Israel RealTime assessment:

This is the most important development since Trump vowed, “We’re going to hit them hard. There will be a response.” The administration has now moved from threat to active military retaliation.

The initial U.S. framing remains consistent with a controlled campaign centered on Iranian capabilities threatening the Strait of Hormuz and American forces, rather than, at least for now, a return to unrestricted large-scale strikes across Iran. Trump’s warning, however, explicitly leaves open the possibility of substantially broader attacks if Iran retaliates.

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⚠️ Iran threatens retaliation:

A senior Iranian military source told Tasnim News Agency: “Iranian security forces will definitely respond to the Americans' crimes in the attack on points in the country, and this response will be several times sharper than their attacks. As we warned and promised in the past, American interests and bases in the region will soon be a target for an Iranian response”.

The IRGC warned: “Harsh punishment awaits the aggressors. Americans will regret their new attacks”.

A senior Iranian military source separately told Tasnim: “Iran will respond to tonight's U.S. strikes with a response several times greater. American bases and interests in the region will quickly come under Iranian fire. Americans should watch the sky and witness their own humiliation”.

⚠️ Launches from Iran have been reported.

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🛡️ Regional security alerts:

U.S. embassies in Israel, Qatar and Iraq have issued security alerts urging Americans across the Middle East to “exercise heightened vigilance” amid concerns over further regional escalation.

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❌ Hamas internal security chief captured in Gaza City:

The IDF and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) carried out a targeted operation in Gaza City earlier today, capturing Muein al-Arabid, identified as the head of Hamas' Internal Security apparatus in the Gaza Strip. Shin Bet special forces entered a building and apprehended al-Arabid while the Israeli Air Force struck several "military targets in the area to remove threats to the forces." No Israeli forces were injured.

According to the IDF and Shin Bet, al-Arabid had recently worked to "consolidate the Hamas terror organization's control over the northern Gaza Strip" and advance attacks against IDF troops operating near the Yellow Line. He was transferred to Israel for further questioning. The agencies said the operation was intended to "remove threats and undermine Hamas's control in the area and its plans to advance terrorist activities against IDF troops and Israeli civilians."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "I commend the Shin Bet and the IDF, who in a bold operation arrested today the head of Hamas's internal security apparatus near his home in Gaza."

Netanyahu described al-Arabid as "one of Hamas's most senior leaders, was responsible for hiding and moving our hostages, hiding senior Hamas officials, force build-up, and attempting to restore the capabilities of the terror organization."

"Recently, he was engaged in efforts to restore Hamas's governance in Gaza, in deception regarding the issue of demilitarizing the Strip, and assisted in carrying out terror attacks against our forces and our civilians," Netanyahu said. He added that Israel "will continue to pursue all Hamas leaders and everyone who took part in the October 7 massacre."

Arabic-language media had claimed that an Israeli-backed anti-Hamas militia carried out the raid. The IDF and Shin Bet said it was conducted by Shin Bet special forces. Al Jazeera subsequently published footage showing the Gaza City raid.

The IDF said Southern Command forces remain deployed in the area in accordance with the agreement and will continue operating to remove threats.

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🎯 Hamas commander struck in Jabalia:

The IDF said it struck a commander in Hamas' military wing in the Jabalia area to remove an immediate threat. According to the military, the terrorist had recently advanced attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians while working to restore Hamas capabilities, in systematic violation of the ceasefire.

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❌ Hezbollah weapons and infrastructure dismantled in southern Lebanon:

The IDF's 769th, 4th and 55th Brigades, operating under the 91st Division in the Security Zone in southern Lebanon, are working to clear the area of terrorist infrastructure and dismantle weapons.

Troops located guided anti-tank missiles, RPG rockets, a rocket launcher, missile launchers, grenades, explosive devices, Kalashnikov rifles, tactical vests, uniforms and helmets. The IDF said Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure was found embedded within civilian infrastructure, consistent with the organization's modus operandi, and was dismantled. The military also released footage of 55th Brigade troops operating in the area.

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🛡️ Planned IDF exercise in the Golan Heights:

The IDF announced that a military exercise will take place Wednesday morning in the Golan Heights. Increased movement of security forces will be noticeable, and gunfire and explosions may be heard. The exercise was planned in advance as part of the IDF's 2026 training program.

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⚠️ Iran reports missile and drone launches as IRGC threatens Hormuz closure:

Iran's Fars News Agency reported that Iran launched missiles and drones toward "enemy positions." The IRGC warned: "American attacks will lead to a complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz".

Separately, U.S. airstrikes targeted Jiroft Airport in southern Kerman province. The U.S. Embassy in the UAE urged Americans to remain alert amid regional tensions and warned of possible flight disruptions and security risks.

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⚓ INS Drakon begins voyage from Germany to Israel:

Israel's sixth submarine, INS Drakon, has begun its voyage from Germany to Israel following a send-off ceremony at the TKMS shipyard in Kiel, completing years of Israeli-German planning, development and construction.

Drakon is the third and final submarine in the Dolphin-class AIP series purchased by Israel's Defense Ministry for the Israeli Navy. According to the ministry, it incorporates advanced technologies intended to expand operational flexibility, range, endurance and capabilities. The Israeli flag was raised aboard before departure, and the voyage is being accompanied by a large-scale security operation involving the Defense Ministry's security department and German security forces. A state ceremony is planned at Haifa Naval Base upon arrival.

Israeli Navy Commander VADM Eyal Harel said the departure marks the point at which "many years of thought, planning, development, construction, innovation, and work are becoming an operational reality." He said Drakon, together with three future Dakar-class submarines, will form a major part of the future Submarine Flotilla, providing greater operational range, longer mission endurance and significant operational power.

Defense Ministry procurement chief Zeev Landau described Drakon as "the most advanced and complex weapons system in the IDF," developed through close cooperation between the Israeli Navy, Defense Ministry and German industry. He said Israel and Germany are entering a new phase of strategic cooperation that includes discussions on future joint development and production projects.

Israeli Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor said the delivery reflects the depth of the strategic partnership between Jerusalem and Berlin. TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard said Drakon's departure successfully completes the program, while Israeli-German submarine cooperation will continue through the future Dakar-class program.

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🍎🍯🇮🇱 BEFORE THE YEAR TURNS, A SIMPLE ASK

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, I’ve been thinking about the year behind us.

Israel RealTime has been here through extraordinary days, difficult nights, periods of uncertainty, and moments when events changed by the hour.

And through all of it, you have been here too.

Before we enter 5787, I simply want to say thank you - and make one personal request.

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A new year ahead. The same commitment to getting it right.

May 5787 bring greater security, clarity and peace to Israel, and a sweet and meaningful year to all of you. 🇮🇱🍎🍯

🛡️ Hezbollah UAV and rocket launches into northern Israel:

Hostile aircraft infiltration sirens sounded in Kfar Yuval and several other areas of northern Israel. Interceptors were launched toward a suspicious aerial target that likely crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory. The interception results remain under review, and no injuries were reported.

Missile and rocket alerts were also activated due to the interception attempts. An all-clear was subsequently issued across the affected northern alert zones following the Hezbollah UAV and rocket launches.

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💥 Israeli airstrikes reported across southern Lebanon:

In response to the launches, intense Israeli military aircraft activity was reported over southern Lebanon, with multiple airstrikes across the region. Airstrikes were reported in Douha Kfarraman, while intense bombing was reported at Ali al-Taher, with explosions clearly audible across southern Lebanon. Additional strikes were reported in the Upper Nabatiyeh area.

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🛡️ Jordan says 13 Iranian missiles were launched toward its territory:

The Jordanian Army said Iran launched 13 missiles toward Jordan. According to the military, 10 were intercepted and destroyed, while three fell in areas away from populated centers.

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