U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran prompted a coordinated Iranian retaliatory wave against U.S. bases and partners across the Gulf and against Israel, producing reported interceptions, at least one death from debris in Abu Dhabi, and rapid regional airspace and flight disruptions amid explicit U.S.-Israeli regime-change signaling.

Iran warned a United States strike would ignite a regional war and announced a retaliatory move to label EU armies as terrorists as Washington expanded its military posture and both sides hinted at renewed talks.

Unexplained US military air movements toward the UK suggest deliberate force positioning as Washington signals readiness for potential operations amid rising tensions with Iran.

Khamenei’s late November and mid-December speeches deny any outreach to Washington, cast recent conflicts as failed US-Israeli aggression, and redefine the main threat to Iran as a Western-led media and identity war rather than direct military attack.

Hamas and the PFLP publicly rejected disarmament and external guardianship proposals for Gaza as phase two ceasefire planning advances alongside continued Israeli strikes on Hamas leadership targets.

Khamenei used his Basij Week address to cast Iran as the winner of the 12-Day War, portray the U.S. as globally reviled for its interventions, and link Iran’s Basij model to growing international support for resistance movements.