Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date. Attached is an ongoing Livethread focusing on the growing tensions in the Middle East. Our reporters will continue to update this; make sure to check back for the latest.

8/7/24: Updates paused, will resume when tensions pick up again. 

8/7/24 3:11 PM PDT: Picture posted by a news outlet linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Picture translation: “Thursday 18 Mordad 1403 3 Safar 1446 – 8 August 2024”

8/7/24 1:30 PM PDT: Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khuraiji said the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was a “blatant violation” of Iran’s sovereignty. He added, “We reject any violation of the sovereignty of states or interference in the internal affairs of any country.”

8/7/24 12:58 PM PDT:Jordanian Foreign Minister: “We will not fall into the middle of the confrontation between Iran and Israel and we will not allow our security and the safety of our people to be endangered. Our message was clear to the Iranians and the Israelis. We will not be a battlefield for anyone.”

8/7/24 11:02 AM PDT: National Security Spokesman John Kirby: “We’re engaged in some pretty intense performance together to prevent an escalation in the region. We don’t want to see an attack, and we’re going to keep working through diplomatic channels to see what we can do to de-escalate the tensions there. [If there’s an attack], the US will defend Israel with a wide range of military capabilities.” 

8/7/24 10:06 AM PDT: Egypt has officially issued a NOTAM instructing all Egyptian airlines to avoid Iranian airspace in the early morning on Thursday between 0100-0400 UTC. Says its because of “pre-planned military exercises.” 

8/7/24 9:33 AM PDT:Acting Foreign Minister of Iran during a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation: “In the absence of appropriate action by the security council against the aggressions and violations of the Israeli regime, the Islamic Republic of Iran has no choice but to exercise its inherent right to legitimate defense against this regime.”

8/7/24 9:11 AM PDT: Reuters says Israel’s ambulance services have increased the amount of blood supplies in a secure underground facility. In addition, industrial facilities have moved hazardous materials. 

8/7/24 8:16 AM PDT: Israeli media: IDF has intelligence that some of Hezbollah’s launch sites are located in “residential areas in Beirut, hidden in homes, medical centers, & other civilian sites.”  

8/7/24 7:32 AM PDT: IDF Defense Minister Yoav Gallant: “As things stand, Nasrallah may drag Lebanon into paying very, very heavy prices…This may also deteriorate into a war, it’s not theoretical, it’s real.”

8/7/24 4:47 AM PDT: President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus announced that multiple countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom, have requested assistance from Cyprus in case they need to evacuate their citizens from Lebanon.

8/7/24 3:16 AM PDT:According to US intelligence officials speaking to Al Arabiya, they believe Hezbollah’s and Iran’s response is “imminent.” Latest intelligence suggests that any response may be delayed until late Thursday or Friday. 

NEXT DAY

8/6/24 4:51 PM PDT:US has relocated additional F/A-18 to an undisclosed base in the middle east to help defend Israel from Iran. There’s talk that this base is in Jordan.   

8/6/24 3:40 PM PDT: Canada is evacuating the families of diplomats from Israel

8/6/24 3:30 PM PDT: According to Israeli media outlet “Channel 12” citing top defense officials within the IDF, Israel will conduct preemptive strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. They are currently determining which targets to hit.  

8/6/24 3:22 PM PDT: The Israeli Defense Forces have relocated search and rescue crews from the “Ram Battalion” to Tel Aviv in preparation for a potential attack by Iran, Hezbollah, and other Iranian-backed proxies. According to the Jerusalem Post, “The soldiers are meant to respond in case of building collapses and other such destruction.”

8/6/24 3:03 PM PDT:The IDF has urged Palestinians in northern Gaza to evacuate immediately after rockets were launched from the region towards Israel. However, humanitarian groups have expressed concerns that the late hour, 1:15 AM in Gaza, may hinder proper communication and evacuation efforts.

8/6/24 2:00 PM PDT: CENTCOM has announced that they intercepted a one-way aerial attack drone and two anti-ship ballistic missiles in the Red Sea, launched by the Houthis in Yemen, over the past 24 hours. Statement: “In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command forces successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicle and two Iranian-backed Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen over the Red Sea. These weapons presented a clear and imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. This reckless and dangerous behavior by Iranian-backed Houthis continues to threaten regional stability and security.“

8/6/24 1:49 PM PDT: According to a Department of Defense official speaking to Politico, the US has repositioned an F/A-18 squadron from the USS Theodore Roosevelt to an undisclosed regional partner base to better support Israel against potential attacks from Iran. Additionally, an F-22 squadron is expected to arrive in the coming days.

8/6/24 1:02 PM PDT:Israeli media, citing top officials, report that Iran and Hezbollah may consider “priority targets” such as government symbols and military command centers in Tel Aviv. Additionally, Israeli officials believe Hezbollah will target strategic infrastructure, including power plants, airports, fuel storage facilities, and major highways.

8/6/24 12:29 PM PDT: President Biden spoke to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. White House readout: “President Biden spoke today with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt to address their efforts to de-escalate regional tensions, including through an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal. President Biden thanked President El-Sisi for his determined leadership in the facilitation of negotiations that have now reached a final stage. President Biden and President El-Sisi agreed on the urgency of bringing the process to closure as soon as possible. Both leaders and their teams agreed to remain in close coordination over the coming days.”

8/6/24 12:00 PM PDT: President Biden spoke to Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar. White House readout: “President Biden spoke today with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al Thani of Qatar to address their efforts to de-escalate regional tensions, including through an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal.  President Biden thanked Sheikh Tamim for his determined leadership in the facilitation of negotiations that have now reached a final stage.  President Biden and Sheikh Tamim agreed on the urgency of bringing the process to closure as soon as possible.  Both leaders and their teams agreed to remain in close coordination over the coming days.”

8/6/24 10:57 AM PDT: Hamas has confirmed that Yahya Sinwar, the Leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, will be appointed to the position of Chief Political Leader of the Organization. It was previously filled by Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran last week. Sinwar is believed to be hiding somewhere in Gaza or Egypt.

8/6/24 10:57 AM PDT: Hamas has confirmed that Yahya Sinwar, the Leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, will be appointed to the position of Chief Political Leader of the Organization. It was previously filled by Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran last week. Sinwar is believed to be hiding somewhere in Gaza or Egypt.

8/6/24 10:22 AM PDT: According to Israeli media (Channel 12) Dimona municipality in the Negev desert has opened public bomb shelters 

8/6/24 9:39 AM PDT: Local Israeli authorities in northern Israel close to the Lebanon border, including the city of Nahariya, have told citizens to remain close to bomb shelters. There has been no such directive issued by the IDF Home Front Command, and amid the war, local authorities regularly issue their own recommendations to civilians.

8/6/24 9:11 AM PDT:The United States is beginning to see some Iranian preparations for a potential military response to Israel, according to two US officials speaking to CNN’s Jim Sciutto. “The sources would not elaborate on what kind of preps are being made. Multiple US officials have told CNN the US expects an attack against Israel in the coming days, though remains unclear whether there will be a coordinated response between Tehran and Hezbollah.”

8/6/24 9:03 AM PDT: Hezbollah Secretary General Nasrallah says that: “Our response will come, God willing, alone or with the resistance front”

8/6/24 8:17 AM PDT:Hezbollah leader Nasrallah: “The goal of this battle now is not to end Israel’s existence, it is a battle to stop Israel from achieving victory” in its fight in Gaza and the West Bank.

8/6/24 7:17 AM PDT: Reuters, citing two sources close to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin has requested a “restrained response” from Iran’s leader regarding Israel’s suspected assassination of the Hamas leader.

NEXT DAY

8/5/24 8:30 PM PDT: According to the Wall Street Journal quoting anonymous US officials, “We have observed since the end of the week the movement of Iranian missile launchers and the conduct of military exercises.”

8/5/24 7:37 PM PDT: Secretary Austin speaks with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant after another night of no attack by Iran. According to the Pentagon, “Today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to reiterate unwavering U.S. commitment to Israel’s security in the face of threats from Iran, Lebanese Hezballah, and other Iran-aligned militia groups. Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant agreed that today’s Iran-aligned militia attack on U.S. forces stationed at Al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq marked a dangerous escalation and demonstrated Iran’s destabilizing role in the region. Secretary Austin provided an update on measures to strengthen U.S. military posture in the region in light of this escalating situation.”

8/5/24 7:03 PM PDT:According to top US officials speaking anonymously to AXIOS, during a National Security Briefing at the White House Situation Room, members of the President’s National Security Team stated that they do not have all the details of how Iran and its proxies will launch a retaliatory attack against Israel. These uncertainties include the timing and extent of the potential attacks. Intelligence officials expect two waves of assaults: the first from Hezbollah and the second from Iran and other Iranian-backed groups, although it is unclear which attack will occur first.

8/5/24 5:20 PM PDT: According to the New York Times, which cites two Iranian officials familiar with the planning of an attack on Israel, Russia has begun delivering advanced radars and air-defense equipment to Iran. Two Iranian officials familiar with the war planning confirmed” that Russia started delivering the equipment following a request from Iran. Note: We previously reported that pro-Iranian telegram accounts claimed that Russia had provided Iran with advanced jamming technology.

8/5/24 4:46 PM PDT: 5 injured, not 7 from attack on Al-Asad airbase. One of the injured is in “serious” condition. 

8/5/24 3:59 PM PDT: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has announced that it will hold“an open-ended extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee at the level of Foreign Ministers to discuss the continued crimes of the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people, including the assassination of Mr. Ismail Haniyeh, Chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau and former Palestinian Prime Minister, and its aggressions against the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah.”

8/5/24 3:59 PM PDT: An Iraqi militia group named “Al-Thawriyyoon” has claimed responsibility for the rocket attack tonight on Al-Asad Airbase.

8/5/24 2:37 PM PDT: Biden briefed on attack targeting Al Asad airbase. 

8/5/24 2:37 PM PDT: Pentagon: “We can confirm that there was a suspected rocket attack today against US and Coalition forces at Al Asad Airbase, Iraq. Initial indications are that several US personnel were injured. Base personnel are conducting a post-attack damage assessment. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

8/5/24 2:06 PM PDT:According to initial reports, Seven US military personnel have been injured after a rocket attack targeted Al Asad Airbase in Iraq. Roughly two hours ago, an Iraqi “resistance group” claimed to have targeted the base. According to reports from the ground at the time, two rockets reportedly hit the base, with the third being intercepted. This base was previously targeted on July 26 and also during the Trump administration by Iran following the drone strike that killed Qassem Soleimani. That attack resulted in approximately 100 military personnel sustaining traumatic brain injuries.

8/5/24 1:53 PM PDT: Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah will speak tomorrow at 17:00 local time (Beirut).

8/5/24 1:36 PM PDT: 

8/5/24 1:36 PM PDT:According to CNN citing two US officials, The US has “struggled” to find out how and when the Iranian response will happen in part because Iran already moved some of the military assets necessary to carry out a major attack on Israel in April.

8/5/24 1:30 PM PDT: Multiple US officials speaking anonymously to CNN claim that the United States anticipates Iran retaliating in the coming days, possibly within the next 24 hours.  Via CNN: “Multiple US officials across the region and in Washington told CNN that the US expects Iran to retaliate in the coming days – perhaps even within the next 24 hours – against Israel for Ismail Haniyeh’s killing. But the US has struggled to gauge when the response will come and what form it will take, in part because Iran already moved some of the military assets necessary to carry out a major attack on Israel in April, making it more difficult for US intelligence to predict its actions now, according to two US officials.

8/5/24 1:08 PM PDT: Delta flights between New York-JFK and Tel Aviv will be paused through Aug. 31st, due to ongoing conflict in the region.

8/5/24 12:53 PM PDT: According to Israeli media outlet Kann, citing top Israeli officials, the country is debating the possibility of launching a pre-emptive strike on Iran. Kann: “According to estimates, the response will not lead to war, but will be of a higher degree than the one that occurred in the UAV attack in April. Israel is preparing for an immediate response against Iran when it attacks. There is a debate as to whether to carry out a pre-emptive strike.”

8/5/24 12:31 PM PDT: Iranian media reported three explosions in Sepahan Shahr, Isfahan. Mohammadreza Janthari, the Deputy Governor of Isfahan, said, “The sounds of the explosions were caused by a training exercise.”

8/5/24 12:22 PM PDT:According to the Washington Post, citing “people familiar with the matter,” The Biden administration has informed US lawmakers that Iran’s retaliatory strikes may happen as early as Monday or Tuesday.

8/5/24 12:19 PM PDT: A Pentagon spokesman to Sky News Arabia: “We have not detected any Iranian movements indicating a strike on Israel in the coming hours.”

8/5/24 11:13 AM PDT: A member of an Iranian-backed militia, Hashd al-Shaab, has reportedly conveyed that Qatar’s attempt to limit a retaliation from reaching an all-out war failed last night. According to Abdul Rahman AlJazaeri, all Iranian proxies and Iran have agreed to respond together.

8/5/24 10:01 AM PDT: The USS Laboon and USS Cole have moved to the Red Sea from the Gulf of Oman. The Aircraft Carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt is still in the area as of this report.

8/5/24 10:07 AM PDT: According to Axios, citing a senior Israeli official, Hungary’s Foreign Minister called Israel’s Foreign Minister and said that Iran informed him that it will attack Israel.

8/5/24 8:40 AM PDT: New NOTAM for Tehran airspace: “Probable GPS failure or degradation within Tehran FIR…New alternative and RNAV routes posted and advised by Tehran FIR due to GPS degradation”

8/5/24 7:13 AM PDT: According to Israeli outlet Haaretz, citing senior western officials, they’re “preparing for several intense days of exchanging blows before there’s even a possibility to turn the heat down.” This senior official also believes that attempts to prevent Iran from attacking Israel are going to fail.

8/5/24 6:27 AM PDT: China warns its citizens against traveling to Lebanon due to the “complex” security situation. Has advised Chinese citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately.