Lead:

Iran has conducted sustained military operations against multiple Gulf states for an eleventh consecutive night, targeting infrastructure and commercial shipping while incurring documented costs estimated at $37.5 billion to U.S. military response. Simultaneously, Qatar, Egypt, and Pakistan have advanced a regional diplomatic proposal for a ten-day cessation of hostilities. Gulf Cooperation Council members and Arab League states have issued coordinated condemnations of threats to Saudi Arabia, while Lebanon's president presented a written plan to Washington for Hezbollah disarmament and Israeli withdrawal.

Details:

U.S. Central Command confirmed continuation of military operations against Iranian targets on the eleventh night, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth estimating cumulative costs at $37.5 billion—an increase from previous assessments of $29 billion. Hegseth warned Iran of a response ten times more severe if attacks on commercial vessels and regional states persist. The American military reported redirecting eight merchant ships and disabling one additional vessel since resuming blockade operations against Iran. These escalations followed Iran's targeting of critical infrastructure across multiple nations.

Kuwait announced that Iranian strikes damaged power generation units, forcing them offline. Bahrain's defense forces reported successful interception and destruction of Iranian airborne assaults, while Jordan confirmed defensive measures against aerial attacks. Kuwait formally summoned Iran's ambassador to lodge official protest over the attack on the tanker Kevan in the Strait of Hormuz. The Gulf states coordinated through official channels, with Saudi Arabia's cabinet session under King Salman reaffirming solidarity with Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan against what officials characterized as "unjust Iranian aggression."

Arab League Secretary General Nabil Fahmy, Islamic Cooperation Organization Secretary General Hussein Ibrahim Taha, and Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem Muhammad Al-Budairi issued separate statements condemning threats to Saudi Arabia and maritime freedom. Egypt formally denounced threats against Saudi security, describing them as irresponsible escalation endangering regional stability. Multiple Arab governments—Bahrain, Jordan, Oman through diplomatic channels—reiterated full solidarity with Saudi Arabia's position.

Parallel to military developments, mediators led by Qatar, Egypt, and Pakistan have circulated a ten-day ceasefire proposal. Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun presented a written plan to President Donald Trump during White House meetings, proposing mechanisms for Hezbollah disarmament and Israeli military withdrawal. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participated in telephone consultations with Italian and Spanish counterparts, emphasizing that diplomacy remains preferable while national sovereignty remains non-negotiable.

Watch For:

Whether the ten-day ceasefire proposal gains formal acceptance from Iran or results in continued military operations; statements from Tehran on mediator proposals remain pending as of reporting.

The trajectory of U.S. military operations and whether Hegseth's escalation warnings prompt Iranian policy recalibration or intensified response.

Outcomes of Lebanese government engagement with Washington, particularly whether a written disarmament framework advances toward implementation or remains consultative.