Mass funerals in Tehran, missile exchanges escalate, ships hit in the Strait of Hormuz, while world leaders warn the conflict could destabilise the entire region
Jerusalem: The war in the Middle East intensified on Wednesday as Iran held a mass funeral for senior military and defence officials killed in the conflict with United States and Israel, while fresh missile strikes and military warnings signalled a dangerous escalation across the region.
State media reported that thousands gathered in Tehran to pay tribute to commanders killed in the ongoing war. The ceremony reflected the growing tensions as the conflict expands beyond isolated attacks.
Iran Vows War Until ‘Enemy Surrenders’
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared that the conflict against the United States and Israel would continue until the “enemy fully surrenders and the threat of war is removed”.
Officials warned that Iran would retaliate against economic and strategic targets linked to the two countries across the region.
Israel Launches Wide-Scale Strikes
The Israel Defense Forces said it had begun large-scale air strikes across Iran, while simultaneously attacking infrastructure linked to Hezbollah in Beirut.
Israeli officials also accused Iran of launching missiles and drones from densely populated residential areas, warning civilians to stay away from launch sites.
According to the Israeli military, precision air strikes targeted missile launchers while avoiding nearby civilian infrastructure.
Ship Hit in Strait of Hormuz
Amid the escalating conflict, a Thai commercial vessel was struck by unidentified projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, Thailand’s transport ministry said.
Twenty crew members were rescued by the Omani Navy after abandoning the ship in lifeboats, but three crew members remain missing following an explosion that triggered a fire in the engine room.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over global energy and shipping routes.
Global Leaders Urge Diplomacy
World leaders have begun pushing for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned that the war must be stopped before the entire region is “thrown into the fire”, urging diplomatic dialogue.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed it is in constant contact with Iranian leadership and is prepared to assist in restoring regional stability.
European Concerns Over Nuclear Threat
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned that Iran must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons combined with long-range missile capabilities, saying such a development could spark a global arms race.
Reports of Iranian Leader Injured
According to a report cited by Reuters, Israeli intelligence believes Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei may have been lightly wounded during Israeli-US air strikes.
The report suggested this could explain his absence from public appearances since the attacks.
Iran Warns of Retaliation
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that global stability would be shaken if the international community fails to hold the United States and Israel accountable.
Tehran also threatened to target economic centres and banks linked to the United States and Israel across the region, signalling the possibility of further escalation.
With missile strikes intensifying, global shipping under threat and world leaders pushing for diplomacy, analysts warn that the conflict could rapidly spiral into a wider regional war.
