DUBAI — The U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran has entered its sixth consecutive day, with reports from residents indicating an escalation in bombing. Iran has declared it will retaliate against any U.S. attack on a distant ship.
In Iran, the planned three-day mourning period for the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was abruptly postponed, disrupting what seemed to be an imminent transition of power to Khamenei’s hardliner son.
“Today is worse than yesterday. They are bombing northern Tehran. We have nowhere to go. It feels like a war zone. Please help us,” said Mohammadreza, 36, calling from Tehran amid continued explosions, which Israel characterized as its latest assault on Iranian government sites.
Iran Promises Retaliation Following Warship Incident
While some global financial markets showed signs of recovery, the economic impact of the ongoing conflict intensified, with a significant portion of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies affected. Iran vowed to seek revenge for a U.S. torpedo attack that sank an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka, resulting in the loss of over 80 sailors. Iran’s foreign minister condemned the attack and warned that Washington would deeply regret its actions.
The body of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who fell victim to the U.S.-Israeli air campaign in a historic assassination, was supposed to lie in state for public mourning. However, the memorial was unexpectedly postponed shortly before it was set to begin, despite anticipated large crowds.
Officials provided no specific reason for the delay, but some sources indicated concerns about potential assassinations during the tribute while Israeli and U.S. warplanes were active in the skies. Speculation continues about who will succeed Khamenei, with his son Mojtaba seen as a leading candidate whose appointment would send a strong message of defiance.
Increasing Hostilities and Regional Tensions
Israel aims to overthrow Iran’s clerical regime, while Washington’s goal is to curb Iran’s military reach. Many Iranians seemed to celebrate Khamenei’s death, recalling the brutal crackdown on protests prior to his demise. Additionally, on Thursday, an Iranian TV broadcast was hacked, featuring a message from Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, urging unity for a victorious future.
As air raid sirens caused Israelis to seek shelter, military officials noted a decrease in missile launches from Iran, though threats persist. The conflict has substantially impacted global markets, particularly regarding oil transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian Revolutionary Guards asserting control over the area during wartime.
Amid rising regional tensions, Azerbaijan has expressed readiness to respond after an incident involving Iranian drones. Meanwhile, U.S. senators blocked a motion to curtail the ongoing air campaign against Iran, leaving President Trump’s military authority largely unchecked. Israel’s Defense Secretary conveyed a message of continued support during this escalating conflict.
