US Defense Secretary to visit Israel amid heightened tensions after Iran strikes

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Wednesday for a brief visit, meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. Hegseth is currently in Ankara with President Donald Trump for the NATO summit.

The visit occurs against the backdrop of significant US strikes launched overnight against Iran. These actions were a direct response to Tehran's recent attacks on three commercial tankers in the waters near the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM described the strikes as a measure to impose heavy costs on Iran for its actions.

In retaliation, Iranian state media reported injuries following the US strikes. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later claimed responsibility for targeting 85 US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, citing "US ceasefire violations." This escalation follows Washington's decision to cancel sanctions relief on Iranian oil sales, intended to increase economic pressure on Iran.

The situation remains tense as the US asserts its response to maritime attacks, while Iran claims defensive actions and retaliatory measures against perceived US provocations.