Explosions have rocked Tehran after Israel announced it was launching a “wide-scale” wave of strikes against Iranian targets, marking a major escalation in the rapidly intensifying conflict between the two countries.
Israeli officials said the new attacks came after Iran launched additional missiles toward Israeli territory. The exchange of strikes signals a dangerous expansion of hostilities across the region.
The situation further intensified after a United States refuelling aircraft went down over western Iraq earlier in the day. The US military described the event as an “incident” involving two aircraft and clarified that neither hostile fire nor friendly fire was responsible.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump made a dramatic statement on social media, claiming the United States was “totally destroying” the Iranian regime and urging the world to “watch what happens” in the conflict on Friday.
Washington has also moved to ease sanctions on Russian oil shipments stranded at sea, a step aimed at preventing sharp increases in global energy prices and stabilising supply markets as tensions disrupt shipping routes.
In Iran, a statement attributed to the country’s new supreme leader was broadcast on state-controlled television. It was his first public message since taking power and included a commitment to continue blocking the critical shipping route known as the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, and any disruption could have major consequences for global energy markets.
Security concerns have also grown across the Gulf after at least three cargo ships were reportedly attacked. The strikes are widely believed to have been carried out by Iranian forces, with Iranian state media confirming responsibility for at least one of the attacks.
In Israel, the impact of Iranian missile strikes has already been felt. Explosions were reported early Friday in the town of Zarzir, near Nazareth.
Emergency responders from Magen David Adom said dozens of people were treated following the strike. Images from the scene showed rescue workers inspecting a heavily damaged house and surrounding buildings.
Elsewhere in the region, Saudi Arabia said its air defence systems intercepted a wave of drones entering its airspace overnight.
According to the Saudi defence ministry, at least 28 drones were shot down in multiple incidents. The interceptions occurred across several regions, including Al-Kharj Governorate and the kingdom’s Eastern Province.
The developments highlight how the conflict between Israel and Iran is increasingly drawing in neighbouring countries and threatening to destabilise the wider Middle East.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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