US-Israel Campaign Against Iran Escalates to Seventh Day
The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has entered its seventh day, marked by escalating attacks and widening regional repercussions. Heavy strikes have been reported in Tehran, as Israel declares a “new phase” in the war, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have responded with missile launches toward Tel Aviv. The conflict, initiated on Saturday, has already claimed lives in multiple countries and disrupted global markets.
Israel Targets Tehran, Beirut
On Friday, Israel initiated a “broad wave of strikes” in Tehran, targeting what it described as “regime infrastructure.” Deutsche Welle reports that Israel also targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs. These attacks follow days of intense aerial campaigns against Iranian military and government sites.
Iranian Retaliation and Regional Impact
In response to the strikes, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards fired missiles toward Tel Aviv. The Times of Israel reported that Iran launched eight volleys of ballistic missiles at Israel on Thursday, with one missile striking an open area in a central town. The conflict’s reach extends beyond Israel and Iran, with Qatar intercepting a drone targeting the US airbase at Al-Udeid, and Lebanon reporting a rising death toll from Israeli strikes, reaching 123 as of Friday.
US Involvement and Leadership Concerns
US President Donald Trump has stated he intends to be involved in determining Iran’s next leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes on Saturday. ABC News reports Trump dismissed Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, as a potential successor. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced an impending “surge” in firepower over Iran and Tehran.
Casualties and Humanitarian Concerns
The conflict has resulted in casualties across the region. At least 11 people have been killed in Israel, and 13 people, including seven civilians, have died in Gulf countries, including an 11-year-old girl in Kuwait. In Lebanon, the death toll from Israeli strikes has reached 123. Tens of thousands have been displaced, particularly from Beirut’s southern suburbs. An internet blackout in Iran is limiting information about the impact on the civilian population, with connectivity running at approximately 1% of normal levels.
Global Repercussions and Economic Disruption
The conflict is disrupting global markets, energy supplies, and travel. Iran claims control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy flows, though the US has offered to accompany ships if necessary. Asian stock markets experienced declines on Friday, despite a temporary reprieve from surging oil prices.
US Military Actions
US Central Command reported that ballistic missile attacks from Iran have decreased by 90% since the first day of the conflict, and drone attacks have decreased by 83%. US Central Command also announced the striking of an Iranian drone carrier and the torpedoing of an Iranian frigate off the coast of Sri Lanka and Azerbaijan, respectively.
Defiant Stance from Iran
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Tehran does not seek a ceasefire and sees no reason to negotiate with the US.