TEHRAN: As the war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States entered its 14th day on Friday, fighting and security incidents were reported across multiple fronts in the Middle East, while global concerns grew over energy supplies, civilian casualties, and regional stability.
From Israel and Lebanon to Iraq and the Gulf region, the conflict is expanding across several fronts while concerns grow over global oil supply disruptions and regional security.
Iranian media confirmed several blasts across the city, though details about casualties or damage were not immediately clear.
Meanwhile, the US military confirmed the loss of a KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft over western Iraq during operations linked to the conflict. US Central Command said the aircraft crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.
HERE ARE THE KEY DEVELOPMENTS:
Explosions reported in Tehran
Explosions were reported in the Iranian capital, Tehran, as Israeli forces launched what they described as a “wide-scale” wave of air strikes targeting government infrastructure.
The Israeli military said early Friday that Iran launched a new barrage of missiles toward Israel, prompting authorities to instruct residents in affected areas to move to shelters.
“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the military said in a statement posted on Telegram.
Saudi Arabia intercepts drones
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted dozens of drones entering its airspace as Iran continues retaliatory attacks across the region.
A spokesperson for the defence ministry said twelve drones were intercepted and destroyed after entering Saudi airspace, adding that at least 16 other drones were also shot down in separate incidents.
US refuelling plane crashes in Iraq
An American KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq while a second aircraft involved in the incident landed safely, according to the US military.
US Central Command said the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, though investigations into the incident are continuing.
French soldier killed
A drone attack killed a French soldier and wounded six others in Erbil, in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday.
The troops were engaged in training activities on counterterrorism with Iraqi partners when the attack occurred. The injured personnel were transported to a nearby medical facility.
Iran vows vengeance
Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to avenge Iranian casualties following the strikes that triggered the war on February 28.
Khamenei, whose father and several relatives were killed in the initial attacks, was reportedly wounded during the strikes. His exact location and condition remain unclear.
Trump says war moving ‘rapidly’
US President Donald Trump said the war against Iran was progressing “very rapidly”.
“Our military is unsurpassed,” Trump told reporters at the White House, without directly addressing the latest statements from Iran’s leadership.
Israel strikes Basij force
Israel said it struck checkpoints in Tehran operated by the Basij paramilitary force, which is affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
Later, the Israeli military confirmed it launched a new wave of strikes in Tehran, continuing its campaign against Iranian targets for a 13th consecutive day.
Two Iran-backed fighters killed in Iraq
At least two fighters from an Iran-backed group were killed in a strike on a base used by a former paramilitary coalition in the suburbs of Baghdad, according to officials from the faction.
Hormuz mines dispute
Iran denied laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz after the United States said its forces had struck 28 Iranian vessels suspected of preparing to deploy mines.
Iran’s deputy foreign minister said some ships from selected countries were still being allowed to cross the crucial shipping route.
Beirut strikes
Israel continued striking Beirut as it warned it could expand operations and seize territory in Lebanon if Hezbollah did not stop its attacks.
Footage showed dark smoke rising into the sky above Bashoura, in the heart of Beirut.
IEA warns of biggest oil shock
The International Energy Agency said the war is creating what could become the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market.
According to an IEA market report, global crude oil production is currently down by at least eight million barrels per day.
Israel moves deeper into Lebanon
The Israeli military moved further into southern Lebanon and instructed residents to move immediately north of the Zahrani River, around 40 kilometres from the Israeli border.
It said the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah launched approximately 200 rockets overnight, describing it as the largest barrage of the war so far.
Iran claims damage to a US aircraft carrier
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said a missile and drone attack caused significant damage to the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln during operations in the region.
The statement did not provide further details, and the US military has not yet commented on the claim.
Drone shot down near Baghdad airport
Air defenses intercepted a drone targeting the logistics support centre near Baghdad International Airport, where the US embassy is located.
Iraqi media reported that air defense systems were later activated again in the area amid concerns over additional aerial threats.
Missiles and drones intercepted in Gulf
Qatar said it intercepted two ballistic missiles, a cruise missile and several drones launched from Iran.
Bahrain also activated emergency sirens several times as authorities warned residents to move to safe areas amid possible aerial threats.
Oil prices surge above $100
Global oil markets reacted sharply to the conflict, with Brent crude rising above $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022.
Iran warned the United States would “regret” launching the war as energy markets reacted to fears of supply disruptions.
Humanitarian concerns grow
The United Nations migration agency warned that more than 800,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon due to Israeli attacks.
Humanitarian agencies say the number of displaced civilians could continue to rise if the conflict spreads further across the region.
