
The leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), Maj Gen Hossein Salami, has asserted that Iran is unafraid of war with the U.S. following a drone attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. servicemen. Salami stated that while Iran does not seek war, it will not shy away from it. The U.S. is considering its response to the attack. Iran-backed militias in Iraq, including Kataib Hezbollah, responsible for the drone attack, are expected to suspend operations against U.S. bases to deter potential American retaliation. The UK Defense Secretary, Grant Shapps, is in talks in Washington, discussing possible deployment options, including a British aircraft carrier to the Red Sea. Houthi forces in Yemen continue firing missiles at U.S. naval ships. Kataib Hezbollah has announced a temporary halt to attacks on U.S. forces, potentially influencing other Iran-backed militias in Iraq to do the same. Washington vows a “consequential” response, blaming groups with Iranian support for the attack. The UK expresses willingness to cooperate with the U.S. in the Red Sea. The EU considers a naval mission in the Red Sea, and talks between the UK Foreign Secretary and Saudi Arabia focus on a humanitarian pause and Palestinian-related issues.