Now in its fifth day since U.S. and Israeli strikes began on Iran on February 28, the conflict has escalated with exchanges of missiles and drones across the region, including Gulf states, as fears of broader war intensify. Three days of funerals for assassinated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have begun in Iran, while U.S. President Donald Trump claimed strikes have 'destroyed almost everything' and Iran vowed no negotiations.
Israeli forces have deployed over 5,000 munitions, achieving air superiority over Tehran and striking defense systems at Mehrabad Airport. Iran retaliated with missile barrages on Israel, sounding air raid sirens in over 300 cities and towns, with shrapnel lightly injuring a woman near Tel Aviv and explosions reported in Jerusalem.
The fighting has spread to the Gulf: Qatar reported an Iranian ballistic missile strike on Al Udeid air base (no casualties) and intercepted 10 drones and two cruise missiles. The UAE intercepted three ballistic missiles and 121 drones, with totals of 189 missiles launched (175 intercepted, one impact) and 941 drones detected (876 intercepted). A drone strike caused a fire near the U.S. consulate in Dubai (no injuries), and another damaged a CIA station at the U.S. embassy in Riyadh.
In Iran, funerals for Khamenei are underway, with burial planned in Mashhad. The Assembly of Experts is meeting remotely to select a successor amid security fears, potentially within days. Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz warned any new leader would be an assassination target. Adviser Mohammad Mokhber said Iran rejects U.S. talks and braces for prolonged war, while Ali Larijani accused Trump of a 'treacherous war.' Iran's death toll stands at 1,045.
The U.S. Joint Chiefs chairperson announced plans to target deep Iranian ballistic missile sites and factories, having struck over 2,000 targets and 20 vessels. Iran's UN ambassador called the U.S. attacks 'foolish.' Egypt's Foreign Minister held talks with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Syria counterparts, urging Arab coordination to address the escalation's security risks.
