US and Israeli forces continue large-scale bombardment of Iran and Lebanon, with strikes reported in Tehran, Qom and Beirut as the death toll surpasses 1,045.
US Senate to Vote on Iran War Powers
The US Senate is set to vote on a resolution to limit President Donald Trump's authority to continue military action in Iran without congressional approval, amid escalating conflict in the region.
Iran Expands Retaliation
Tehran launches drone and missile attacks for a fourth consecutive night, targeting US facilities in Dubai, Qatar, Iraq and Kuwait.
Lebanon Front Escalates
Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut’s suburbs and eastern Lebanon, including Hazmieh and Baalbek, while evacuation warnings spread across the south.
Gulf Tensions Rise
Missiles and drones intercepted over Saudi Arabia and the UAE; shipping risks increase amid threats surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Regional Military Mobilisation
US confirms major troop and naval deployment; France deploys Rafale jets over the UAE; Israel redeploys reserve forces near the Lebanon border.
Iranian Warship Sinks Near Sri Lanka
An Iranian naval vessel, identified as IRIS Dena, has reportedly sunk off the coast of Sri Lanka following what was described as a submarine attack. Sri Lankan authorities said 32 crew members were rescued, while several bodies were recovered during ongoing search operations.
Political Fallout Grows
Democrats criticise President Trump’s justification for the strikes; Canada and Spain question the legality of the military actions.
Global Economic Shockwaves
Asian markets tumble sharply, with Seoul recording its largest single-day drop amid fears of oil supply disruption.
Russia & China React
Moscow and Beijing raise diplomatic objections, calling for restraint and warning of wider regional destabilisation.
Canada Questions Strike Legality
Canada’s Prime Minister said the US-Israeli strikes on Iran appear inconsistent with international law, noting that military actions should comply with global legal standards and diplomatic principles.
Spain Opposes War Expansion
Spain’s prime minister reiterated his opposition to the conflict, saying that the Spanish government supports peace while warning that further escalation could destabilise global security and trade. Trump has also vowed to sever diplomatic ties with Spain.
Espionage Arrests in Israel
Israeli police announce the arrest of seven suspects accused of spying for Iran and gathering sensitive military information.
Iran Mourns School Victims
Iran is observing nationwide mourning after a reported strike on a girls’ primary school in Minab, southern Iran, where around 165 schoolgirls and staff were said to have been killed. Thousands have gathered for funeral ceremonies as communities grieve the young victims.
Future Leadership Speculation
Mojtaba Khamenei is reported to have survived the recent strikes, and some international assessments consider him a possible figure in Iran’s future political leadership despite holding no official government post.
Israeli Defence Stance Hardens
Israel’s defence leadership has stated that the military will pursue any future Iranian leader succeeding the current political authority, signalling continued strategic pressure.
ASEAN Expresses Serious Concern
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has expressed serious concern over the expanding Middle East conflict and urged all parties to respect international law. ASEAN warned that the US-Israeli attacks and counterattacks across the Gulf region heighten civilian risk and threaten global peace and stability.
Missile and Drone Interceptions Reported
Turkey’s defence ministry said NATO air defence systems intercepted an Iranian missile approaching its airspace. Saudi Arabia also reported a drone attempt targeting a major oil refinery, though officials confirmed no damage was recorded.
The United States is reportedly exploring the possibility of increasing engagement with Kurdish armed and political groups as part of its strategy toward Iran amid growing regional tensions, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
CIA Involvement with Kurdish Forces
Officials said the Central Intelligence Agency has been involved in preliminary talks about providing support to Kurdish factions operating near the Iran–Iraq border. The reported objective is to encourage pressure on Iranian security forces and potentially create conditions that could fuel internal dissent.
Trump’s Diplomatic Outreach
The discussions are reportedly linked to diplomatic contacts by Donald Trump, who has held phone conversations with key Kurdish political figures in Iraq, including leaders in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. These talks are said to focus on coordination between the US and Kurdish groups amid regional instability.
Strategic and Operational Challenges
Sources say that any potential assistance to Kurdish forces would require cooperation from Iraqi Kurdish authorities to ensure the safe movement or staging of military resources.
While Kurdish groups maintain several thousand fighters near the Iran-Iraq border, analysts note that the factions remain politically fragmented and may lack the capacity to sustain a large-scale operation without extensive external support.
Regional Concerns and Tehran’s Response
Iraqi officials have stated that their territory will not be used for cross-border attacks. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have warned of destabilising activities along the border and have urged Kurdish officials to maintain strict border control and coordination.
Uncertain Outcomes
Military analysts and intelligence sources caution that providing external support to Kurdish groups carries significant diplomatic and security risks.
While US and Kurdish cooperation could stretch Iranian forces, the effectiveness of such a strategy remains uncertain due to political divisions and historical mistrust.
Official Position
Neither the Central Intelligence Agency nor the White House has confirmed the reports. US defence officials have reiterated that American strategic objectives are not premised on supporting any specific armed group in the region.
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