Tehran has dismissed the latest American reply to its proposal for ending the conflict as "insufficient," with a senior Iranian official warning that renewed fighting could trigger attacks on regional data infrastructure. The statement, carried by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, underscores the fragility of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf.
Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and a former commander of the Revolutionary Guard, said Tehran is no longer responding to Washington and demanded clarity on certain unresolved issues. He noted that the United States had accepted some of Iran's seven conditions but left others ambiguous. The comments come as both sides remain in contact through mediators, following the collapse of a June memorandum of understanding and the rejection of a sped-up agreement proposed at the UN General Assembly last month.
Rezaei's threat targeted "cables, data centers, AI facilities and other sites in the region" if intense combat resumes, signaling a potential shift toward cyber and infrastructure warfare. In a related development, the Guard's navy warned that any vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz that disables its navigation and identification systems would be treated as hostile. Attacks on ships in the strait have increased since Iran's proposal was rejected, with the latest incident reported on Sunday.
The diplomatic impasse coincides with a tightening blockade on the strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. As US Central Command disables another ship in the Gulf of Oman, the risk of a broader maritime confrontation grows.
Netanyahu Corruption Trial Resumes with Key Witness
In Israel, former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit took the witness stand in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long-running corruption trial. Mandelblit, who indicted Netanyahu seven years ago on charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes, testified in a Jerusalem courtroom with the prime minister present. The charges marked the first time a sitting Israeli leader faced criminal prosecution.
Netanyahu, who handpicked Mandelblit for the role, faces allegations of exchanging favors with wealthy associates and media moguls for political gain. He denies all wrongdoing. The trial's resumption comes as Netanyahu campaigns for re-election in the October 27 vote, with security a dominant issue. His political future hangs in the balance as the testimony could influence public opinion.
Houthis Escalate Attacks on Saudi Airports
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a strike on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, which had been closed after a previous attack that killed 12 people. The latest strike caused injuries, according to Saudi authorities. The Houthis have targeted the airport daily since Wednesday, and they also reported new strikes on Sanaa's airport, blaming Saudi Arabia—a claim Riyadh has not commented on.
Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree urged "everyone to take our warnings seriously" about the risks of flying in Saudi airspace. The attacks mark a significant escalation in the Houthi-Saudi conflict and complicate efforts to halt the wider US-Iran war. The ongoing strikes have heightened regional instability, with political fallout in Washington as well.
Gaza Residents Return to Rubble
In central Gaza, residents returned to find their homes reduced to rubble after Israeli strikes, following evacuation warnings. Bassam Abed reported that at least ten residences housing some 300 families were destroyed, with families given little time to flee. "Women slept outdoors. We did not take clothes," he said.
Israel's military said it targeted militant infrastructure, including a rocket launch site and a Hamas command center. The strikes continue nearly a year after the ceasefire deal, with near-daily attacks persisting. The humanitarian toll remains severe, as the conflict shows no signs of abating.
Netanyahu Seeks Probe into Documentary
Prime Minister Netanyahu has requested the attorney general and Shin Bet security service investigate participants in the documentary "NAZA," which features Israeli military insiders describing alleged reckless killings of civilians in Gaza. Netanyahu called the film "false, misleading and biased," and said it "slanders the State of Israel." The documentary, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival to a 25-minute standing ovation, has sparked debate within Israel, where public opinion on the war diverges sharply from international criticism.
Netanyahu's push for a probe comes as he fights for political survival, with the election weeks away. The documentary adds another layer to the contentious security debate.
Lebanese Officer Killed by Israeli Shelling
Lebanon's army reported that a retired officer, Ali Abdul Hassan Sweidan, was killed by Israeli artillery fire while checking his property in the southern town of Yater. The army called it "a flagrant violation of existing understandings." An Israeli military spokesperson said they were unaware of the incident. Israel has occupied a large area of southern Lebanon since its war with Hezbollah began in March, further straining regional tensions.
