The USS Gerald R. Ford, a US aircraft carrier, has set sail from the Red Sea to undergo maintenance in Souda Bay, Greece. According to a spokesperson for the US Naval Institute, the ship will be out of operation for 2-3 weeks. The spokesperson also stated that several residential areas and over 100 beds were damaged due to a fire on the ship. However, the US Navy claims that the ship’s engines and critical systems suffered no damage.
Prior to the ship’s departure, a US newspaper reported that it took over 30 hours to extinguish a fire that broke out in the ship’s laundry area, injuring two US personnel and leaving over 600 personnel without their living quarters. The ship has a crew of approximately 4,000 personnel.
In related news, the Saudi Health Ministry has confirmed that hospitals in Israel are filling up with wounded patients. US President Donald Trump has criticized countries that rely on the Strait of Hormuz for oil and trade, stating that some of America’s allies have not responded appropriately to the situation.
Iranian missiles have struck several areas in Israel, with Israeli President calling the new Iranian ballistic missile a significant challenge. The UAE Ministry of Defense has claimed to have destroyed 13 ballistic missiles using its defense system. Iranian authorities have executed a person accused of spying for Israel.
Russia has sent a message of condolences to Iran following the execution of their national security chief, Ali Larijani. Max Duplessis, a member of the UN Fact-Finding Mission, stated that the investigation is still in its early stages. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed his deepest condolences to the Iranian government and people over the attack.
A US report claimed that Russia was sharing satellite images and advanced drone technology with Iran. Arab media outlets have cited Israeli sources saying that officials are currently assessing the operation’s outcome. A provincial deputy governor in Iran confirmed that the city of Doroud in the Lori Province was targeted in the attack.
US officials have stated that the resignation of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel is a condition for lifting energy sanctions. The Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency has said that the Afghan Taliban has obtained drones from India to use against Pakistan.
