TEHRAN: The war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States continued to escalate on Friday with fresh missile launches, drone interceptions, and new military strikes across the Middle East.
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.
New missile wave launched at Israel
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.
