The Middle East conflict intensified this week as U.S President Donald Trump encouraged Iranian Kurdish forces in Iraq to launch attacks against Iran, while Azerbaijan warned of retaliatory measures after Iranian drones crossed its border.
Israel and U.S Launch Operations Against Iran
Israel announced on Friday the start of a “broad-scale” attack on Iranian infrastructure in Tehran, coinciding with renewed bombardment of Gulf cities by Iranian forces.
Meanwhile, Iran targeted the U.S Al Udied airbase in Qatar with a drone attack-the larges U.S base in the Middle East-with no reported casualities.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it also attacked Ramat David airbase and a radar site in Israel, Al-Adiri camp in Kuwait (housing U.S forces) and a U.S base in Erbil, Iraq with drones.
A Guards’ spokesperson warned that new weapons and initiatives would soon be deployed to confront Israeli and U.S forces, without providing details.
The Conflict Spreads Regionally
The war, now in its seventh day, has affected multiple countries: Israel, Gulf States, Cyprus, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, and has extended to the Indian Ocean, where a U.S submarine sank an Iranian naval vessel.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzabeh described the conflict as an “existential war” and said Iran would respond wherever attacks originated, emphasizing the nation’s determination to retaliate against American and Israeli aggression.
U.S and Kurdish Forces
President Trump, in a call with Reuters, expressed support for Iranian Kurdish militias entering Iran from Iraq, saying:
“I think it’s wonderful that they want to do that, I’d be all for it.”
Two drone attacks targeted an Iranian opposition camp in Iraq Kurdistan on Thursday. Sources indicate that Kurdish militias have consulted with the U.S about potential operations inside Iran.
Trump also controversially claimed the U.S would have a role in selecting Iran’s next leader after airstrikes reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last week.
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth clarified that American objectives have not expanded, focusing solely on destroying Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and preventing nuclear weapon development. Investigations are ongoing into an apparent strike on an Iranian girls’ school, which killed scores of children.
Azerbaijan and Hezbollah Involvement
Azerbaijan announced preparations for retaliatory measures after four Iranian drones crossed its Nakhchivan enclave border, injuring four people. President Ilham Aliyev condemned the incident as “unprovoked aggression”. Iran denied targeting Azerbaijan.
In Lebanon, the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia warned Israeli residents near the border to evacuate, citing threats to civilian infrastructure.
French President Emmanuel Macron pledged support to the Lebanese Armed Forces, providing armored transport and other assistance.
U.S. Military Strength
The Pentagon emphasized that U.S. forces have ample munitions to sustain operations indefinitely. Admiral Brad Cooper confirmed at least 30 Iranian ships have been targeted, including a large drone carrier. B-2 bombers have struck deeply buried ballistic missile launchers and production facilities.
Iranian drone and missile attacks have reportedly decreased by 83% and 90% respectively, since the war began.
Humanitarian Toll
According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, at least 1,230 people have died in Iran, including 175 schoolgirls in Minab. In Lebanon, 77 deaths have been reported, with thousands fleeing southern Beirut after Israeli evacuation warnings.
Economic Impact
Global markets have reacted to the conflict, with oil prices surging and Wall Street shares falling. The disruption has affected global supplies of oil and liquefied natural gas, impacting energy prices worldwide
