Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel has achieved more than half of its military objectives against Iran, as both nations traded missile strikes across the Middle East.
"It's definitely beyond the halfway point," Netanyahu told Newsmax, without providing a timeline for concluding operations.
Air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem following reports of fresh Iranian missile launches. Local media in Tehran confirmed explosions and power outages in central areas, with initial assessments suggesting hits on military sites.
Iran continued attacks on Gulf nations, with debris from intercepted missiles wounding four in Dubai and igniting a fire aboard a Kuwaiti oil tanker.
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted eight ballistic missiles. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged Riyadh to expel U.S. forces, insisting Tehran’s targets were solely American military installations.
Araghchi shared images online alleging damage to a U.S. aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base, reiterating that Iran respects Saudi Arabia and views its actions as defensive.
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he is negotiating directly with Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. However, Iran dismissed the assertions, stating no formal talks have occurred.
Tehran described a 15-point U.S. proposal as "excessive" and "unrealistic," according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei. Qalibaf warned Iranian forces are prepared to confront any arriving U.S. troops.
Trump threatened further strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure and desalination plants if no deal is reached soon. He also raised the possibility of deploying ground forces to seize Kharg Island, a move analysts warn carries significant risk.
The USS Bataan, carrying roughly 2,500 Marines, is now in the region. An additional 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division are en route, along with another 2,500 Marines from California. Their exact mission remains unclear.