Iran-Israel Conflict: Live Updates on Attacks and US Response
The conflict in the Middle East entered its sixth day on Thursday, , with continued exchanges of fire between Israel, the United States, and Iran. New strikes were reported in Tehran and Beirut overnight, escalating concerns of a wider regional war. The situation remains highly volatile, with diplomatic efforts so far failing to de-escalate tensions.
According to reports, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed to have targeted a command center belonging to Hezbollah in overnight raids. In response, Iran launched projectiles towards Israel and its allies in the Persian Gulf. The tit-for-tat exchanges are raising fears of a prolonged and increasingly dangerous confrontation.
Adding another layer of complexity, the U.S. Senate rejected a resolution that would have limited President Trump’s authority to engage in military action against Iran. This decision signals continued support for the administration’s current approach, despite growing international anxieties. The vote came as President Trump publicly commented on the potential for a change in Iranian leadership, stating his intention to be involved in the selection of a new supreme leader and dismissing the current leader’s son as “unacceptable.” He reportedly told Axios, “We want someone who will bring harmony and peace to Iran.”
The conflict is not limited to direct military exchanges. Qatar reportedly intercepted Iranian bombers en route to a major U.S. Airbase, Al-Udeid, located in Qatar. Sources indicated the bombers were just minutes away from the base when intercepted. This incident underscores the potential for miscalculation and the rapidly expanding geographic scope of the conflict.
Further complicating the situation, President Trump has also leveled criticism at U.S. Allies, Spain and the United Kingdom. He described Spain as a “loser” and accused it of being “exceptionally hostile to NATO,” while expressing disappointment with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. These remarks, made in an interview with the New York Post, raise questions about the strength of transatlantic alliances at a critical juncture.
The humanitarian consequences of the escalating conflict are also becoming increasingly apparent. Polish Airlines (LOT) announced it is organizing repatriation flights for tourists stranded in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Male, Maldives, due to the disruption of air travel. The International Organization for Maritime Affairs (IMO) reported approximately 20,000 seafarers and 15,000 cruise ship passengers are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf, highlighting the disruption to vital shipping lanes.
In Lebanon, the IDF announced it had carried out strikes in Tripoli, marking the first time the city has been targeted during the current conflict. Reports indicate people are fleeing Beirut amid fears of further escalation, with some reports suggesting warnings that the city could face a fate similar to Gaza. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported 102 deaths and 638 injuries as a result of Israeli strikes since Monday, warning that the number of casualties is likely to rise.
Attacks are also being reported outside of the immediate conflict zones. Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior reported an attack on a facility within its oil infrastructure, though details remain limited. Meanwhile, in Iraq, Iranian forces reportedly attacked a U.S. Base in Erbil with drones, causing minor damage.
The conflict is also having broader geopolitical implications. The Wall Street Journal reported that Russia is emerging as a key beneficiary of the U.S.-Iran confrontation, as the conflict is diverting crucial air defense resources away from Ukraine. The paper cited European and Ukrainian diplomats who expressed concern that the depletion of Ukraine’s air defense capabilities could undermine ongoing peace talks and Western security guarantees.
Reports also indicate an attack on a facility belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Kashan, Iran, and claims of Iranian attacks on civilian infrastructure, with the Iranian Red Crescent reporting damage to over 3,600 civilian sites, including homes, commercial centers, and medical facilities.
The situation remains fluid and unpredictable. The Central Command of the United States (CENTCOM) released video footage showing the destruction of Iranian ballistic missile launchers. However, the continued exchange of fire and the increasingly broad geographic scope of the conflict suggest that a resolution remains distant. The international community continues to call for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic efforts, but the path forward remains unclear.
Lituania has offered its territory to support potential allied military operations against Iran, according to statements from the Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander, General Raimundas Vaikšnoras. The decision, he stated, rests with the country’s political leadership.