Israel's Channel 13 reported the U.S. is preparing to deploy about 100 aerial-refueling tankers to the Middle East to extend its operational range against Iran. Israel's defense establishment is preparing for a possible major escalation in the region.

The Wall Street Journal reports nearly 2 million Americans have been unemployed for at least six months. U.S. Labor Department data show June long-term unemployment (27 weeks+) accounted for 27.3% of total unemployed, up 4 percentage points year-on-year and near the highest level since late 2021. Overall unemployment remains low, so the stock of long-term unemployed is not yet large enough to materially hit the economy, but analysts warn spillovers are accumulating. Employ America senior economist Preston Mui said: "We haven't seen large-scale layoffs in recent years, so short-term unemployment has stayed relatively stable. At the same time hiring activity has fallen off noticeably. Even if some long-term unemployed find jobs, the weak hiring environment means more people keep joining the long-term unemployed pool, keeping the count elevated."

Abbas Aslani, senior researcher at Tehran’s Middle East Strategic Studies Center, said CENTCOM’s latest statement may be a prelude to further escalation. "In the past few days we have seen limited, controlled exchanges of fire. It appears the conflict has not reached its final phase of confrontation. In the coming days or weeks we may see more intense hostile actions," he said.