Iranian-backed militias are using Iraq as a staging ground to launch attacks against neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia, Syria, Kuwait, and Jordan.
Dismantling armed militias could discourage locals from working with Israel, says a Gaza resident. "People will think twice for fear of being abandoned."
The officials called Trump's statements a desperate attempt to blackmail Gulf state rulers and pressure them with threats.
Rubio said US military pressure has left Iran "eager" for deals on denuclearization and the Strait of Hormuz, as Trump halted strikes and said an agreement could be imminent.
"The USA is locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran, at levels of Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II," Trump claimed.
Trump claims Israel supported halting Iran strikes • Report: Iranian officials deny Trump's claims that regional leaders asked to halt strikes • IDF kills two Hamas commanders in weekend strikes
The report comes as two Israeli sources told The Jerusalem Post that Israel has raised its alert and readiness for a potential resumption of large US strikes on Iran.
Hamas’s pledge to disarm could advance Trump’s Gaza plan, but verification, Israeli withdrawal, governance and regional tensions remain major hurdles.
Mohammad Marandi warned on Saturday that critical infrastructure across the Gulf and in Israel could be destroyed, as US officials reportedly raised concerns over missile-defense resources.
Israel-Lebanon negotiations, a possible Syrian security arrangement, and renewed Bahrain-Israel engagement point to diplomatic movement - but analysts disagree over the durability of potential deals.
According to UNESCO, the World Heritage Sites in Danger list includes sites that are part of their country’s cultural and natural heritage and are under threat by “serious and specific dangers."
