The American military has shut down claims it warned Israel to prepare for a renewal of war with Iran.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) branded the allegations as “mere speculation”, days after US president Donald Trump said new attacks on Iran were “highly unlikely”.
This came as local reports in Israel claimed CENTCOM told Israel Defence Forces (IDF) personnel in the US to get ready for the possibility of more fighting with Iran.
Itay Blumental, military correspondent for broadcaster Kan 11, quoted a source as saying: “The messages being conveyed through the security channel to Israel – and also to Gulf states – are that they should prepare for the possibility of renewed war in Iran soon”
A boat destroyed by the US in the Gulf of Oman in October, accused of spying on US Navy ships© CENTCOM / SWNS
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It comes as US warships in the Middle East have been targeted by Iranian cruise missiles tonight, according to pro-Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps media, which claims 10 anti-ship missiles have been fired towards American ships in the Gulf of Oman.
A Telegram message read this evening: “Urgent/Iranian attack to break the siege. A few minutes ago, a report of more than 10 anti-ship missiles being fired from the Bandar Abbas region towards American ships in the Sea of Oman, cannot be confirmed or denied.”
On Monday, Trump said the war with Iran “militarily is effectively over”. However, the president added that US military forces were “locked and loaded” should anything change.
He said: “We’re just keeping it the status quo.”
Trump added that Iran has been “decapitated” but said he is still looking to make sure there’s a long-term solution to ensuring that its nuclear programme is defanged.
