Iran Launches Fresh Strikes On Israeli, US Bases; Warns America Will ‘Bitterly Regret’ Sinking Of Warship
The conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States continued to intensify on Thursday as Iran launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli territory and American military bases in the region. Tehran also warned that Washington would “bitterly regret” sinking an Iranian naval vessel earlier this week.
Air raid sirens rang out in several Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, after authorities reported incoming missile attacks. Iranian state television said the new strikes also targeted US bases in the region.
Meanwhile, Israel said it had begun a “large-scale” military operation against targets in Iran’s capital, Tehran. Explosions were reported across different parts of the city shortly after the announcement. The Israeli military also confirmed it carried out strikes in Lebanon against positions linked to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
Tensions further escalated after the US Navy reportedly sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday night, killing at least 87 Iranian sailors. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the incident, calling it “an atrocity at sea.”
According to Araghchi, the warship was travelling in international waters and had nearly 130 sailors on board when it was attacked. He also claimed the vessel was visiting India as a guest of the Indian Navy.
“Frigate Dena, a guest of India’s Navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning,” Araghchi wrote on social media, warning that the United States would face consequences for the move.
Adding to the rising tensions, a senior Iranian religious leader reportedly called for retaliation against US President Donald Trump, further inflaming the already volatile situation.
Regional Tensions Spread
The conflict is also spilling over into neighbouring countries. Azerbaijan summoned Iran’s envoy on Thursday after drone strikes hit its exclave of Nakhchivan. One drone crashed near an airport while another landed close to a school, injuring two civilians and damaging infrastructure.
Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the incident, accusing Iran of launching the attacks. Tehran has not confirmed any involvement.
Iran Claims Attack On US Tanker
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also claimed they struck a US oil tanker in the northern Gulf, saying the vessel caught fire. However, there has been no immediate confirmation of the claim from independent sources.
In a statement carried by Iranian state media, the Guards warned that during wartime, shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz would be under Iran’s control.
Israel Says Iranian Leadership ‘Shaken’
Israel’s military said its ongoing campaign of airstrikes has already “shaken” Iran’s leadership and that operations would continue until the threat from Tehran is eliminated.
“The goal of the operation is to inflict severe damage on the Iranian regime until the existential threat is removed,” Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said in a televised briefing.
He added that the leadership in Tehran had been destabilised since the first round of Israeli strikes and that further attacks were aimed at deepening that impact.
As both sides continue to exchange strikes and threats, fears are growing that the conflict could expand into a broader regional war involving more countries in the Middle East and beyond.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
