US and Israeli Strikes Target Tehran
US and Israeli airstrikes struck parts of Tehran on Friday, according to Iranian media reports, causing homes to shake from the blasts.
“The intensity of the explosions was such that residents of these areas reported their houses shaking. No further details have been provided about the extent of damage or possible casualties,”
reported Iran’s Fars news agency.
Iran Lays Mines in Strait of Hormuz, Surprising Trump Administration
On Thursday, Iran began laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital Gulf passage responsible for transporting 20% of the world’s oil supply, according to US officials.
Despite claims that the US military had destroyed Iran’s navy, officials revealed that Iran had started deploying smaller boats to place mines and enforce the closure of the strait it imposed on its Gulf neighbors, causing oil prices to surge.
This move to close the narrow passage had long been anticipated by war planners in previous US administrations but reportedly caught the Trump administration off guard.
Senior Trump administration officials informed lawmakers in recent classified briefings that they had not planned for the possibility of Iran closing the strait in response to US and Israeli strikes.
“Planning around preventing this exact scenario … has been a bedrock principle of US national security policy for decades,”
a former US official who served in both Republican and Democratic administrations told CNN.
“I’m dumbfounded.”
Welcome Summary
Welcome to our ongoing live coverage of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and its regional and global economic impacts. Below are the latest developments:
US Military Refueling Plane Crashes in Iraq
US Central Command reported the loss of a military refueling aircraft in “friendly airspace” over Iraq. The incident involved two planes; while one landed safely, the KC-135 aircraft crashed with at least five crew members onboard, according to a US official who spoke anonymously to the Associated Press.
Central Command stated that neither hostile nor friendly fire caused the crash and that rescue efforts are ongoing.
Israel Launches New Strikes on Tehran and Beirut
Israel conducted fresh airstrikes targeting Tehran and Beirut amid escalating tensions.
Donald Trump Comments on War Progress
Former President Donald Trump stated that his war on Iran was “moving along very rapidly” and “doing very well.” He described Iran as “a nation of terror and hate” and said it was “paying a big price right now.”
Israeli Prime Minister Issues Veiled Threat
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a veiled threat against Iran’s new supreme leader, cautioning that he “wouldn’t take out life insurance policies” on Iran’s new ayatollah or the leader of Hezbollah.
In his first press conference since the conflict began, Netanyahu defended the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, stating that Israel aims to prevent Iran from relocating its nuclear and ballistic missile projects underground. He also claimed that some Israeli strikes had killed top Iranian nuclear scientists.
US Navy Plans to Escort Vessels Through Strait of Hormuz
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told that the US Navy, potentially alongside an international coalition, will escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz once it is militarily feasible.
Bessent explained that the escort plan would proceed as soon as the US gains “complete control of the skies and ... [Iran’s] rebuilding capabilities for the missiles completely degraded.”
French Soldier Killed in Erbil Attack
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that a French soldier was killed in a drone attack in Erbil, located in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region. This marks the first French military casualty of the conflict. Several other soldiers were wounded.
The French army confirmed that French forces were engaged in training Iraqi partners during the drone attack.
Trump Comments on Iranian Football Team Participation
Donald Trump stated that the Iranian national football team was “welcome” to participate in this summer’s World Cup but expressed doubts about the appropriateness of their presence due to safety concerns.
The tournament is scheduled to take place across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Trump did not elaborate on the specific risks involved.
Drone Attack on Base Housing UK and US Forces in Erbil
A base in Erbil, northern Iraq, housing UK and US forces was targeted by an Iranian drone attack last night. According to a US defense official speaking to , there were no significant injuries, and all American soldiers remained on duty. No British soldiers were reported injured.
Ballistic Missile Strike in Central Israel
The Israeli military’s home front command reported that a ballistic missile fired from Iran struck an open area in central Israel, causing no injuries, as cited by Haaretz.
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Drones and Missiles
Saudi Arabia’s defense forces intercepted a drone heading toward the Shaybah oil field, a site frequently targeted by drones this week. Additionally, they intercepted a ballistic missile and three drones launched toward the country’s eastern region.
Qatar Intercepts Multiple Missiles and Drones
Qatar’s defense ministry announced it had intercepted two ballistic missiles, one cruise missile, and multiple drones launched from Iran.
