Tehran witnessed a series of intense bombardments by US and Israeli forces on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict across the Middle East. The Iranian capital was rocked by powerful explosions, while nearby Karaj also experienced loud blasts that illuminated the night sky, signaling a widening theater of war beyond previous flashpoints. These strikes are reported to be among the most severe since hostilities began, with Arab media sources expressing fears that dozens of casualties may have resulted from the attacks.
In response to the escalating violence, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi firmly stated that diplomatic negotiations with the United States are off the table under the current circumstances. He emphasized Iran’s resolve to continue missile attacks for as long as deemed necessary, signaling a hardened stance amid the intensifying conflict. This declaration comes as tensions soar and both sides appear entrenched in their positions, reducing hopes for a swift diplomatic resolution.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah announced that it had launched missile strikes targeting a drone control facility in the Israeli city of Safed, along with rocket attacks directed at the Yiftah Barracks. These retaliatory actions underscore the regional dimension of the conflict, with proxy groups actively engaging in hostilities alongside state actors. In a related development, a drone strike reportedly hit a hotel in Bahrain, sparking a fire, further illustrating how the violence is spilling over into neighboring countries.
On the international front, Russian President Vladimir Putin made an urgent call to US President Donald Trump, urging a rapid end to the hostilities between the US and Iran. During an emergency phone conversation, the two leaders discussed not only the Iranian conflict but also other global issues including the situation in Ukraine, developments in Venezuela, and fluctuations in the global oil market. Putin proposed potential solutions aimed at de-escalating the crisis, highlighting Russia’s interest in stabilizing the region. Notably, Putin has previously warned that the US and Israeli military campaign against Iran risks triggering a worldwide energy crisis, a concern that resonates deeply given the Middle East’s pivotal role in global oil supply.
Adding to the complexity, the United States reportedly expended approximately $5.6 billion worth of weapons and ammunition within the first two days of the conflict, reflecting the rapid and heavy deployment of advanced military hardware. This substantial use of resources has raised concerns among some US lawmakers about the sustainability of such high consumption rates of sophisticated weaponry. The US Central Command confirmed that American forces have struck nearly 5,000 targets across Iran, resulting in the damage or destruction of around 50 Iranian warplanes, a testament to the scale and intensity of the military operations underway.
Heightened tensions around the strategic Strait of Hormuz have also come to the forefront, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issuing a stern warning that only countries expelling US and Israeli ambassadors will be granted unrestricted passage through this crucial maritime chokepoint. A spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared that Iran alone will determine the duration of the conflict, dismissing President Trump’s comments on the matter. The spokesman cautioned that ongoing attacks on Iran could lead to a complete halt in oil exports from the region, a move that would have severe repercussions for global energy markets. In response, Trump indicated that the US Navy might be deployed to safeguard commercial shipping lanes in the Strait if the situation demands it.
Iran’s military capabilities remain robust despite the ongoing conflict, with reports indicating that the country has launched approximately 2,000 drones and 500 missiles targeting various locations in Arab nations since the fighting began. This level of activity suggests that Iran’s missile stockpiles are far from depleted, contrary to earlier speculation. The Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for firing 10 Khyber Shekan missiles toward Tel Aviv, warning that air raid sirens in Israel would continue to sound. They also asserted that a US naval vessel had been struck by one of these missiles, although independent verification of this claim has not been possible.
US President Donald Trump has adopted a confrontational tone amid the escalating conflict, threatening assassination against Iran’s emerging leadership and asserting that US and Israeli forces are conducting major military operations within Iran. Speaking at a conference with Republican lawmakers, Trump warned that any new leaders rising in Iran would also be targeted for elimination. He highlighted the extensive damage inflicted on Iran’s military infrastructure, claiming that US forces had destroyed 51 Iranian naval vessels and struck 5,000 targets, effectively crippling Iran’s drone and missile capabilities.
Trump further justified the military campaign by asserting that, had the US not acted, Iran could have developed a nuclear weapon within two weeks, posing a significant global threat. He described the ongoing operation as “Epic Fury,” a large-scale and complex military campaign surpassing a previous operation known as “Midnight Hammer.” Trump also reflected on his presidential terms, noting that while his first term focused on strengthening the US military, his second term is now fully leveraging that enhanced power. He declared the US military as the most powerful globally, a fact he believes the world now recognizes.
In a separate interview, Trump criticized Iran’s appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader following the death of Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes. He described the decision as a “big mistake” and expressed skepticism about Mojtaba’s leadership capabilities. When asked about potential repercussions, Trump remained noncommittal but did not dismiss the possibility of further actions. Additionally, he hinted that the US might consider seizing Iranian oil resources, although he stated it was premature to discuss such measures in detail. The leadership transition in Iran has added another layer of complexity to the conflict, with analysts warning that it could further destabilize the already volatile region and impact global political and energy dynamics.
On the regional front, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa voiced support for Lebanon’s efforts to disarm Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group. During a video conference with European leaders, al-Sharaa affirmed Syria’s backing of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s position and the measures aimed at curbing Hezbollah’s military capabilities. He also noted that Syria has bolstered its defensive forces along the Lebanese border to prevent the conflict from spilling into Syrian territory, aiming to curb cross-border militant activities and maintain Syrian sovereignty amid rising regional tensions.
Hezbollah itself claimed responsibility for a missile strike on an Israeli military headquarters in southern Lebanon, causing significant damage and injuring at least 16 people, Israeli confirmations. The group targeted the Israeli army’s Home Front Command headquarters in Ramla, known as the Rehavam base, highlighting the ongoing tit-for-tat exchanges that continue to fuel instability in the region. Lebanese officials have warned that Hezbollah’s aggressive actions risk dragging Lebanon into a broader war with potentially devastating consequences for the country.
