Middle East tensions escalate with missile launches, Israeli strikes on IRGC facilities, and global leaders urging restraint amid growing conflict
Washington: Former Donald Trump has issued a strong warning regarding Iran’s leadership, stating that the next leader of Iran would not “last long” without approval from the United States, as the conflict between Iran and Israel intensifies.
Trump said that Washington would closely monitor who succeeds Iran’s Supreme Leader and warned that the US would intervene if necessary.
“He’s going to have to get approval from us. If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long,” Trump said.
He added that the United States wants to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons in the future.
“I don’t want people to have to go back in five years and have to do the same thing again, or worse let them have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.
US Military Warns Civilians in Iran
Meanwhile, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a public safety warning to civilians in Iran, urging them to remain indoors as military activity escalates.
According to the statement, Iranian forces have allegedly been launching drones and ballistic missiles from densely populated urban areas, which could put civilians at risk.
The US military claimed such launches have taken place from cities including Dezful, Isfahan, and Shiraz.
“The Iranian regime is using heavily populated civilian areas to conduct military operations, including launching drones and ballistic missiles,” CENTCOM said.
Israel Says It Struck IRGC Aerospace Headquarters
At the same time, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed carrying out new waves of airstrikes in Tehran, targeting facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The Israeli military said the operation targeted the IRGC Aerospace Headquarters and approximately 50 ammunition storage facilities in the Iranian capital.
Officials said the complex was connected to Iran’s aerospace operations, including activities related to the Khayyam satellite, launched in August 2022.
In addition, Israeli forces said they struck multiple security installations, including ammunition depots, law enforcement facilities, and bases used by Iran’s Basij paramilitary units.
Missile Launches Trigger Israeli Air Defences
The Israeli military also reported that missiles had been launched from Iran toward Israeli territory, prompting air defense systems to activate to intercept the incoming threats.
Authorities did not immediately provide details on the number of missiles fired or possible damage.
Oman Calls for Restraint and Diplomacy
Amid the rising tensions, Badr Albusaidi condemned the attacks carried out by both sides and called for restraint.
The foreign minister of Oman said the actions taken by the US and Israel against Iran were “immoral and illegal,” while also criticising Iran’s retaliation against neighbouring states.
“I call for restraint on all sides, a ceasefire, and an urgent return to diplomacy,” Albusaidi wrote.
Pope Warns Conflict Could Spread Across Middle East
Concern about the expanding conflict has also been expressed by Pope Leo XIV, who warned that the crisis could destabilize other countries across the region.
The Pope said reports from Iran and the broader Middle East were deeply alarming and raised fears that the conflict could spread to additional countries, including Lebanon.
“Let us pray for the roar of bombs to cease, weapons to fall silent, and space to open for dialogue,” he said.
The rapidly evolving situation has heightened fears of a wider regional war, with diplomatic leaders urging de-escalation while military operations continue.
