Explosions rocked Tehran early Saturday as Iran retaliated against Israel with missile strikes, while the United States warned of an impending bombing campaign expected to be the most intense yet in the escalating conflict.
Iran-Israel Conflict Escalates
Video footage showed explosions and smoke rising over western Tehran as Israel initiated a broad wave of strikes. Simultaneously, loud booms were heard in Jerusalem, and incoming missiles from Iran prompted Israelis to seek shelter.
The conflict extended beyond Israel and Iran, with sirens sounding in Bahrain as Iranian attacks targeted the island kingdom. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting drones headed toward its Shaybah oil field and a ballistic missile aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base, which hosts US forces.
The US and Israel have been conducting strikes against Iran, targeting its military infrastructure, leadership, and nuclear program. The stated objectives and timelines of the war have shifted, with the US at times suggesting a potential change in Iran’s government or leadership.
“Biggest Bombing” Anticipated
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in a television interview that the “biggest bombing campaign” of the war is still to come. Israel has reported heavily bombing an underground bunker intended for use by Iranian leaders during the hostilities.
The Trump administration has approved a new $151 million (€129 million) arms sale to Israel, following a statement by Trump that he would not negotiate with Iran without its “unconditional surrender.”
In a social media post, Trump demanded “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” from Iran, adding that after such a surrender, and the selection of a “GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s),” the US and its allies would assist in rebuilding Iran, making it “economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.”
The fighting has resulted in at least 1,230 deaths in Iran, over 200 in Lebanon, and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. Six US troops have also been killed.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated on social media that “some countries” have begun mediation efforts, without providing further details.
Trump has also expressed interest in being involved in the selection of a replacement for the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dismissing Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as “a lightweight.”
Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, condemned Trump’s statement, asserting that Iran “does not accept and will never allow any foreign power to interfere in its internal affairs.”
Iranian state television reported that a leadership council has begun discussions on convening the country’s Assembly of Experts, which is responsible for selecting the new supreme leader.
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