IDAN KWELLER

The night passed without military action by either the US or Iran, but tensions remained high across the Middle East following the escalation in recent days.

US officials told The Jerusalem Post that America was not responsible for the explosions. However, a Bushehr official told IRNA that a military site in the region was hit by a US-Israeli projectile.

Besides the consulate, other nearby buildings, including a school, were evacuated, and streets were closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic, with no injuries reported.

Hegseth, who is in Ankara alongside US President Donald Trump for the NATO summit, was expected to make a brief visit against the backdrop of the American strikes against Iran.

The ambassador also rejected a report that he had raised his voice at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a conversation about the Lebanon agreement.

Netanyahu and Trump last met on February 11, 2026. Later that month, the United States and Israel jointly attacked Iran.

“Israel is not only Turkey’s problem, and it is not only President Erdoğan’s problem,” the Turkish foreign minister said. “These people have become a burden that humanity can no longer bear."

The Israeli Embassy in the United States confirmed the extension of the talks, which entered their fourth day. The negotiating teams will return to the table at the US State Department in the morning

Former strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer said that while he had heard “concerns” about a possible agreement with Iran, Israel should “take a step back” and assess the current strategic picture.

Trump also asserted that Israel was not involved in the strikes, which reportedly targeted Iranian air defenses and radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz.