Israel Launches Fresh Strikes on Tehran as Conflict Escalates
Israel has conducted airstrikes on Iran for the sixth consecutive day, with loud explosions reported in Tehran as the military claims to have dismantled dozens of assets linked to Iran's ballistic missile programme. The ongoing conflict has also seen Israeli attacks extend to Lebanon, further intensifying regional tensions.
US Senate Rejects War Powers Resolution
In a significant political development, the US Senate voted down a War Powers Resolution on Wednesday, failing to curb President Donald Trump's military actions against Iran. The resolution was rejected by a vote of 47-53, allowing the administration to continue its operations without congressional constraints. Trump has asserted that Iran would have had a nuclear weapon 'in two weeks', despite previous claims of destroying its nuclear programme.
Human Toll and Military Engagements
The combined US-Israeli attacks have resulted in over 1,000 fatalities in Iran, while Iranian strikes on American military installations in the Gulf have killed at least six US soldiers. In a separate incident, an American submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka, leading to the deaths of at least 87 sailors. The vessel was returning from multilateral naval exercises in India.
Maritime Incident and Evacuation Efforts
On Thursday, a tanker anchored off Kuwait was struck by a 'large explosion', as reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The vessel began taking on water, with oil observed leaking from a cargo tank. Meanwhile, evacuation efforts are underway, with the first UK government flight to rescue Britons stranded in the Middle East failing to depart as scheduled from Oman. In Qatar, the US embassy has initiated the evacuation of residents living nearby as a temporary precautionary measure.
Leadership Speculation and Military Propaganda
According to Polymarket, Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is the frontrunner to become Iran's next leader, with approximately 55% odds. The US military has released a promotional-style video titled 'Operation Epic Fury', showcasing 100 hours of strikes on Iranian missile sites, air defences, and other infrastructure.
Economic and Market Reactions
Asian shares rallied on Thursday, with South Korea's KOSPI surging 10.4% and Japan's Nikkei advancing 2.9%, signalling a tentative return of risk appetite amid hopes for a de-escalation. Oil prices climbed, with US crude rising 3.01% to $76.91 a barrel and Brent increasing 2.49% to $83.43, driven by ongoing energy supply concerns. Gold prices also gained, reflecting persistent geopolitical uncertainties.
China has set its 2026 growth target at 4.5%–5%, slightly below last year's pace, as part of its economic blueprint. Market analysts caution that geopolitical risks remain high, and early gains in Asia-Pacific markets may be volatile until oil flows normalise.
Casualty Updates and Further Developments
The Pentagon has identified the final two service members among the six American troops killed in the conflict: Maj. Jeffrey R. O'Brien and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan. Additionally, the US State Department confirmed the first charter flight evacuating Americans from the Middle East, highlighting ongoing efforts to assist citizens amid the crisis.
