As the war that began with Israeli and US attacks on Iran continues on its fifth day, it is reported that the conflict could last even longer. While the death toll in Iran has surpassed one thousand, fighting is also escalating on the Lebanese front.
Israel: Attacks will continue
According to reports in the Israeli press, the Israeli army plans to continue airstrikes against Iran for at least one or two more weeks. Israel’s most widely read news site, Ynet, ran the headline: “Within the IDF, plans are in place to bomb Iran for at least two more weeks.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had argued that the military operation launched together with the United States aims to eliminate what he described as the “existential threat” posed by Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs.
Iranian warship hit: 101 missing
It was reported that the US military targeted an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka. According to US officials who spoke to Reuters, the strike was carried out as part of Washington’s military operations against Iran.
Sri Lankan authorities stated that the Iranian warship IRIS Dena sank following the attack. One person was reported killed, 78 injured, and 101 sailors are missing.
While Sri Lankan officials have not officially confirmed responsibility for the strike, search-and-rescue operations for the missing sailors are ongoing.
Death toll in Iran rises to 1,045
Iran’s state news agency IRNA announced that the number of people killed in the bombardments launched by the United States and Israel has risen to 1,045. Both soldiers and civilians are reported to be among the dead. The previous official toll had been announced as 787.
Ceremony for Khameni postponed
On the other hand, the national memorial ceremony planned in Tehran for Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was declared killed in US and Israeli attacks, has been postponed. Iranian state television announced that the ceremony has been deferred to a later date.
Ground operation in Lebanon
The Israeli army reportedly entered the town of Khiam in southern Lebanon and launched a ground operation. Lebanon’s official news agency, ANI, reported that Israeli forces advanced approximately six kilometers beyond the border. Israel is also continuing airstrikes on areas controlled by Hezbollah.
Hezbollah counterattack
Hezbollah announced that it targeted the Israel Aerospace Industries facility in central Israel and struck a military base in the north of the country with a “precision-guided missile.” The attacks were described as retaliation for Israel’s bombardments in Lebanon.
NATO supports Turkey
NATO condemned the targeting of Turkey following reports that a missile launched from Iran had headed toward Turkish airspace. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart stated that the alliance stands firmly with all its allies, saying, “NATO stands in solidarity with all its allies, including Turkey. We condemn Iran’s indiscriminate attacks across the region.”
Bahrain launches voluntary military registration
Amid the ongoing Iran war, Bahrain announced that all its citizens may voluntarily register in a national ledger to participate in the war effort. A government statement said that volunteers could serve particularly in the fields of “healthcare, engineering, logistics, administration, and supervision.” The call was addressed to all citizens of the country, whose population of 1.5 million is roughly half foreign nationals.
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