US Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Escalating Tensions; Trump Plans Post-War Middle East Strategy

The U.S. military's Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Saturday that U.S. forces attacked three Iranian oil tankers. This action followed Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps launching ballistic missiles at two U.S. Navy warships in the region. CENTCOM stated the tankers belonged to a network used by the Revolutionary Guard to fund its operations and those of its regional proxies. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, warned that the U.S. would impose a "higher economic price" on Iran for attacking its forces. The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier and missile destroyer reportedly evaded the Iranian missile attacks, with no American casualties.

This naval confrontation escalates the ongoing maritime conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Recent reports indicate a shift in U.S. policy towards Iran, termed "tanker for tanker," involving retaliatory strikes on Iranian tankers, moving beyond mere enforcement of a naval blockade. Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly reduced due to ongoing fighting and the U.S. embargo on Iranian oil exports. Earlier on Saturday, explosions were heard near Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil industry hub, with Iran claiming a small tanker was attacked by the U.S. near the city of Kharg, reporting no casualties.

In parallel, the Trump administration is reportedly developing a comprehensive Middle East strategy for the post-war period. This plan aims to establish a regional framework to counter Iran and expand normalization efforts between Israel and its neighbors. The strategy is intended to guide U.S. policy in the region after a potential conflict with Iran, and also cover the final two years of the Trump presidency and the upcoming elections in Israel and the U.S. midterms. Initial work on this strategy is underway at senior levels of the administration, with President Trump having held discussions with advisors on the matter.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are nearing completion of the destruction of a significant Hezbollah underground complex in the Beaufort area of southern Lebanon. This operation, led by Division 36, is considered a major achievement but is being conducted amidst heightened alert for potential escalation, as Hezbollah's and Iran's responses remain unknown. Elite units have been operating under strict secrecy in challenging conditions within the complex, identified as one of Hezbollah's three largest and most important strongholds.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Harkavy visited Turmus Ayya on Saturday amid rising violence in the West Bank, calling for the prosecution of violent settlers. He met with Palestinians, including families of U.S. citizens killed by settlers. During the visit, settlers approached the Palestinian family's home, an incident Harkavy reportedly documented to show President Trump. Harkavy, a long-time supporter of settlements, stated that violent settlers represent a minority within the settler community and that their actions are unacceptable. He previously condemned the vandalism of a church in Taybeh last year as an "act of terror." Graffiti targeting Harkavy appeared earlier in the week after he labeled violent individuals as "terrorists."

Security officials in Israel are observing an increase in attack warnings in the West Bank and are concerned about rising nationalist crime and Jewish terrorism, as well as expanding friction points. Security sources are criticizing political figures and local leadership for their handling of nationalist crime and the establishment of unauthorized outposts, claiming political influence hinders law enforcement. They also point to instances where local leaders have not condemned violence and where activists receive support, with some rabbis reportedly permitting activists to travel on Shabbat for activities in the area. Furthermore, security elements warn of political attacks on IDF leadership, which they believe undermine commanders' authority and operational capabilities.