The conflict involving Israel, Iran and the United States intensified on Friday as Israeli warplanes carried out heavy strikes on both Beirut and Tehran, marking the seventh day of fighting.
Israel said it launched a large-scale wave of airstrikes on Tehran, while explosions were also reported in Iran’s western city of Kermanshah, an area known for missile bases. In Lebanon, Israeli aircraft pounded Beirut’s southern suburbs, the heaviest attacks since a 2024 ceasefire ended the last war with the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.
At the same time, Iran fired missiles and drones toward Israel and several Gulf countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, where U.S. military bases are located. Air defence systems across the region were activated, though initial reports indicated limited casualties.
The U.S. military also confirmed it struck an Iranian drone carrier, the IRIS Shahid Bagheri, setting the vessel ablaze during operations targeting Iran’s naval capabilities.
According to regional authorities, the war has already killed more than 1,200 people in Iran, over 120 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, while six US troops have also been reported killed.
Amid the escalating conflict, Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s president, said several countries had begun mediation efforts, though he did not name them. Meanwhile, Donald Trump reiterated calls for Iran’s «unconditional surrender,» raising concerns that diplomatic efforts to end the war may face significant obstacles.
The United Nations has urged all sides to de-escalate, warning that the conflict risks spreading further across the Middle East.
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