Israel admits US jets used its bases for Iran strikes
US and Iran tensions remain high despite a fragile ceasefire, with fresh concerns over regional security, drone attacks and the future of the Strait of Hormuz.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said US aircraft had used Israeli airbases to launch strikes against Iran during the recent conflict. He said American aircraft had also used the facilities for refuelling operations before carrying out attacks.
Iran, meanwhile, reported extensive damage to civilian infrastructure following the US strikes. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said Bushehr Airport had been severely damaged and was no longer operational. She said airports in Iranshahr, Semnan and Bandar Abbas were also affected.
Mohajerani said the attacks damaged 12 bridges and two tunnels. She added that the main railway station in Bandar Abbas was among the affected infrastructure. Fishing boats, tourism businesses and other private property also suffered heavy losses.
Iran also reported a significant reduction in its energy capacity. Mohajerani said the country lost around 230 million cubic metres of gas production capacity during the conflict. She also said about 350 government employees were killed during the war.
The security situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate discussions with his Saudi and Omani counterparts about the waterway and wider regional developments. The officials stressed the importance of cooperation and diplomatic efforts to restore stability.
Oman has reportedly proposed a regional mechanism to manage the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal would involve voluntary contributions from countries using the strategic waterway. The funds could support navigation, environmental protection and search-and-rescue operations.
The plan has received backing from regional countries, according to a Gulf source. It would also prevent Iran from exercising exclusive control over the important shipping route.
The Strait of Hormuz is vital to global energy markets. A significant share of the world’s oil and gas shipments passes through the waterway. Any prolonged disruption could therefore affect international energy supplies and shipping costs.
The conflict has also increased tensions between Iran and neighbouring countries. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted drones targeting locations in the kingdom, including petroleum facilities. Riyadh said the drones were launched from Iraq by Iran-backed armed groups.
Saudi Arabia’s claims have been rejected by an Iraqi resistance group. The group denied responsibility for attacks originating from Iraqi territory and accused Riyadh of making repeated allegations against Iraq.
The Gulf Cooperation Council and Egypt condemned the reported drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. They described the incidents as a serious escalation and expressed support for Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty.
Iran has also faced criticism over attacks involving its regional allies. A senior Yemeni official warned that the Houthis appeared to be following Iran’s approach to controlling strategic maritime routes after announcing a blockade targeting Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has stepped up diplomatic contacts with regional and Western partners. Its foreign minister spoke with counterparts from Qatar, Kuwait and Britain about the security situation and efforts to contain the escalation.
Russia has also commented on the widening conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Iran had the ability to defend its interests after a Ukrainian drone attack damaged an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea.
Peskov described the incident as another escalation and warned that the conflict could spread geographically. The Iranian vessel was reportedly carrying steel cargo when it came under attack.
Despite the growing tensions, diplomatic efforts have continued. US President Donald Trump said Washington and Tehran were holding positive discussions and that a deal could still be reached. He warned, however, that US military action could resume if negotiations failed.
Iran has denied reports that it formally requested negotiations with Washington. Its Foreign Ministry said messages were still being exchanged through mediators and that Tehran had not abandoned diplomacy.
Jordan and the United Nations have also called for the US-Iran ceasefire to be respected. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and UN Secretary-General António Guterres discussed efforts to restore calm and prevent further escalation.
