The United States recently struck scores of targets inside Iran. This action sparked swift retaliation from Tehran on American allies across the Gulf region. These intense military exchanges occurred just as Iranians laid to rest their assassinated supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iranian state media reported that a projectile hit a military headquarters on the outskirts of Bushehr. This specific area houses the country’s only civilian nuclear plant.
“Moments ago, a military headquarters on the outskirts of Bushehr was attacked and hit by a projectile of the American-Zionist enemy,” stated deputy governor of Bushehr Ehsan Jahanian.
However, a US defence official stated that the US military was not currently carrying out any strikes on Iran.
Iran Targets US Military Bases in the Gulf
Meanwhile, dozens of missiles and drones fired by Iran caused no significant damage or injuries to American personnel. A US defence official confirmed that the incoming weapons were successfully intercepted or failed to cause major damage. The official added that there were no US injuries recorded from the volley.
Conversely, explosions were heard over the Bahraini capital of Manama on Thursday morning. Air raid sirens sounded for a third time after Iran’s military claimed it targeted sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar.
Earlier, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated they had struck key infrastructure and facilities at US bases. These targeted locations included Arifjan and Ali Al Salem in Kuwait, alongside Juffair and Sheikh Isa in Bahrain. Specifically, the Iranian army claimed it targeted a Patriot missile system in Kuwait, an early warning system in Qatar, and fuel tanks in Bahrain.
Iran Lays Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to Rest
Iran late Friday laid to rest its former supreme leader Ali Khamenei over four months after his killing. The historic burial took place after two days of intense attacks raised fears of a return to all-out war. Khamenei was originally killed alongside close family members on the first day of the conflict on February 28.
Khamenei’s flag-covered coffin was carried aloft into the shrine of Imam Reza in his home city of Mashhad. A massive sea of people waited outside to listen to the final prayers. The body of the martyred leader was buried in the memorial hall of the shrine.
The highly emotional burial followed another day of tit-for-tat attacks by Washington and Tehran’s forces. Iranian officials reported that US strikes killed 17 people. State media also noted that one strike targeted a railway line between Tehran and Mashhad, forcing its immediate closure.
Leadership Absence and Growing Regional Conflict
The final burial ceremony was closely watched for signs of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son and appointed successor. Several high-profile senior figures were present at the shrine, including:
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Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
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Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei
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Khamenei’s eldest son, Mostafa Khamenei
However, there was no public appearance by Mojtaba Khamenei. Since being named leader, he has only communicated through written statements. Reports suggest he was wounded in the initial February 28 strikes.
The Islamic republic stated it had fully resumed attacks targeting US assets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. Sirens also blared in Jordan, where the military intercepted eight missiles launched from Iran.
Meanwhile, international tensions continue to climb. Reports surfaced that intelligence teams detected a new Iranian plot targeting US political figures. Additionally, regional leaders warned they are preparing for every scenario. They vowed to respond with even greater force if further conflict erupts.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a central point of contention. Traffic through the vital oil and gas corridor has fallen sharply after the Iranian military hit at least three ships.
