Weekend Recap: US-Iran war: casualty dispute and blockade
By Sammy Tisser,
The Washington Post reported, citing six defense officials, that US military deaths in the Iran conflict are higher than the Pentagon has publicly acknowledged: 22, versus the 18 in the official database. The Pentagon disputed the report, with Defense Secretary Hegseth calling it false. Separately, US Central Command said its forces have escorted over a billion barrels of oil and about 2,000 commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz in recent months, while Iran's exports have been blocked entirely.
Gaza
Several fatal strikes were reported over the weekend, according to Palestinian sources: a young man killed in Jabalia (son of the Gaza health ministry's director-general), another death in Shejaiya, a girl killed in Nuseirat, and two more killed in a strike on a vehicle in Sheikh Radwan. The IDF had not commented on most of these strikes by the time of reporting.
Lebanon
Two IDF soldiers were lightly wounded when a roadside bomb, which the IDF attributed to Hezbollah, hit their vehicle in the southern buffer zone. Israel responded with strikes on several sites it said belonged to Hezbollah. Separately, UNIFIL's outgoing commander said a smooth handover to Lebanese forces is needed before the peacekeeping mission begins withdrawing at year's end, noting that more than half its posts are in areas now under Israeli control.
Iran negotiations
Iran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei outlined Tehran's conditions for returning to talks: ending the war on all fronts, unfreezing Iranian funds, and lifting the naval blockade. Mediation continues through Qatar and Pakistan, with Iran saying it's awaiting a response from Trump.
Iran executes convicted spy
Iran executed a man it said was convicted of passing intelligence on missile sites to Israel's Mossad, part of a rise in executions since the war began.
Israelis arrested in Turkey
Turkish authorities said they dismantled an international investment fraud network with alleged Israeli links, accused of stealing roughly $266 million from victims across Europe, Asia and Africa. Local media reported nine Israelis among those arrested. Israel's Foreign Ministry said it learned of the arrests and is working to protect the detained citizens' rights.
Saudi Arabia and Yemen
Riyadh issued its first air-raid alert since Houthi-Saudi fighting resumed in July, covering the capital and nearby Al-Kharj. Explosions were reported and smoke was seen near King Khalid International Airport before an all-clear was given. The Houthis said they had thwarted an alleged plot and vowed to respond.
Syria
Authorities in Daraa arrested a suspected ISIS cell leader linked to the killing of three security personnel during a raid. Four others were also detained. Separately, an explosion at a Syrian army site in Deir Ezzor killed 11 soldiers, one of several such blasts at military facilities in Syria in recent months.
Narges Mohammadi
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate, temporarily released from prison on medical grounds, told the AP that Iranians are struggling under the weight of war and ongoing sanctions, while also describing quiet, persistent defiance among younger Iranians that she says gives her hope.
EU criticizes US visa denials
The EU said it regrets Washington's decision to deny entry visas, for a second consecutive year, to Palestinian Authority officials seeking to attend the UN General Assembly.
South Korea and Hormuz
South Korea's foreign minister met with Secretary of State Rubio in Washington and reaffirmed Seoul's willingness to help restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Topics: Iran, Strait of Hormuz, Lebanon & Hezbollah
Reported by Sammy Tisser for Bernie News Network. See our editorial standards and corrections policy.