BREAKING: Israel is preparing to increase intelligence operations in the Strait of Hormuz as Trump struggles to build an international security coalition and is reportedly considering using force to take control, a move that could last weeks.

Source: KAN

The UAE says is open to joining a U.S.-led naval effort to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, but no plan is finalized yet.

Talks are ongoing.

The Pentagon plans to mass-produce the LUCAS kamikaze drone after successful use in recent strikes on Iran.

A top defense official said it has performed well and is being refined for large-scale production.

Dozens have been built so far, but the military hasn’t disclosed how many were used in combat.

Source: WSJ

US Envoy Tom Barrack:

Reporting regarding the United States encouraging Syria to send forces into Lebanon is false and inaccurate.

Tulsi Gabbard does not oppose Trump.

Russia is increasing military support to Iran by sharing satellite intelligence and improved drone technology. This helps Iran better target U.S. and allied forces in the Middle East.

Moscow is also advising Iran on drone tactics based on its experience in Ukraine.

In return, Russia benefits from prolonged conflict, including higher oil prices and reduced Western focus on Ukraine.

Source: WSJ

NEW: Iran assigns 3–7 backup officials for each military post to ensure continuity of leadership and defense operations if commanders are killed.

CONFIRMED: USS Gerald R. Ford aircraf carrier is heading to Souda Bay (Crete) for repairs after fire that injured sailors, damaged berthing areas, knocked out laundry systems.

Source: USNI

The family of a killed U.S. airman Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons blames the war, saying it was avoidable and unjustified.

“We didn’t need to be in this war… this could have been prevented” as they call for the U.S. to stop fighting Iran.

Zelensky:

This is an iPad with software that lets us control our security in real time.

It lets us see the front line in Ukraine and even every enemy killed, with video proof. Right now, 90% of Russian losses on the front are caused by our drones.

The iPad also shows every strike in our skies, our sea area, and our long-range strikes against Russia. It gives us real-time control over people’s safety, as well as our infrastructure and energy sector.

The system lets us analyze each attack and our defense response as a whole in real time. We see what is happening in the sky and what resources are being used to protect us.

It is a clear way to keep control and to adapt to real-time situations.

Zelensky on kamikaze sea drones:

We are developing more stable drones that can operate longer and more effectively at sea.

Soon—not in the distant future—we will have systems that can operate even in ocean conditions.

We are also effectively working on underwater systems.

Zelensky gave King Charles an iPad used for real-time war tracking, saying “this system we can build together.”

Joked that Charles asked for another, but Zelensky said:

“I only have my own left, and I can’t give that up.”

WATCH: Israeli forces raid Palestinian weddings in the West Bank, entering venues, using stun grenades, detaining guests, and disrupting celebrations.

At a NATO naval exercise, Ukraine-led forces “defeated” NATO fleets using sea drones, exposing major weaknesses.

Ukrainian team won all 5 scenarios and “sank” a frigate in simulation

NATO forces often didn’t even detect the drones.

Source: FAZ

Greece approved a €4 billion defense package.

The main focus is a new €3 billion “Achilles Shield” air and drone defense system, built with Israeli technology.

The rest—about €1 billion—goes to upgrading 38 F-16 jets to the more advanced Viper standard.

This is part of a €25–28 billion military overhaul (to 2036).

The U.S. plans to ease Venezuela oil sanctions to boost supply as the Iran war drives prices up.

Aim: increase global oil supply and ease price surge.

Source: Bloomberg

BREAKING: Iran officialy admits Ali Larijani was killed.

Netanyahu:

In the past 24 hours, we knocked out two of the terrorist chieftains, the top terrorist chieftains of this tyranny.

Our aircraft are hitting the terror operatives on the ground, in the crossroads, in the city squares.

This is meant to enable the brave people of Iran to celebrate the festival of fire.

So celebrate, and happy Nowruz. We're watching from above.

Larijani was killed along with his son, deputy, and a group of bodyguards.