Israel Intensifies Offensive with Tehran Airport Strike Amid US Bombing Threats
Israel escalated its military campaign against Iran this morning by launching airstrikes on Tehran's Mehrabad airport, a key commercial and domestic hub that also serves the Iranian air force. Video footage captured a burning plane and thick plumes of smoke rising from the site, highlighting the severity of the attack. This assault occurred shortly after former US President Donald Trump demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender" and expressed interest in deploying limited ground troops to the region.
US Treasury Secretary Warns of Massive Bombing Campaign
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued a stark warning on Friday, stating that the upcoming night would witness the "biggest bombing campaign" yet against Iran. He emphasized that the operation aims to inflict significant damage on Iranian missile launchers and manufacturing facilities, substantially degrading their capabilities. This announcement follows US military officials acknowledging likely responsibility for an attack on an Iranian girls' school, which resulted in over 160 fatalities, including many pupils.
Civilians in Dubai Seek Shelter Amid Missile Threats
In Dubai, passengers at the world's busiest international airport were forced to take refuge in train tunnels after missile alerts sounded. Emirati authorities activated air defences and urged the public to seek immediate shelter following warnings of "potential missile threats." The government reported a "minor incident" caused by falling debris from an interception, with no injuries confirmed, but multiple flights were placed in holding patterns.
Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes as Conflict Widens
Iran initiated a new wave of retaliatory strikes, with Gulf countries intercepting ballistic missiles and drones. Saudi Arabia thwarted four drones targeting the Shaybah oil field, while Israeli warplanes struck Beirut and Tehran. The death toll has surged, with at least 1,230 killed in Iran, over 200 in Lebanon, and around a dozen in Israel, alongside six US troop fatalities. The conflict, now in its second week, has disrupted global markets and driven oil prices higher.
Trump's Demands and Ground Troop Considerations
Donald Trump has privately shown "serious interest" in deploying a limited US ground force to Iran, according to reports, though the White House dismissed this as speculation from anonymous sources. Trump reiterated his demand for Iran's unconditional surrender and involvement in selecting new leadership after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed intelligence reports of Russia aiding Iran, assuring that the US is tracking all developments and factoring them into battle plans.
The situation remains volatile, with diplomatic efforts emerging but facing significant hurdles as hostilities continue to expand across the Middle East.
