Trump Threatens "Very Hard" Strikes as Pezeshkian Vows Iran Will Never Surrender
As the conflict initiated by the United States and Israel enters its second week, tensions have reached a boiling point. U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded an "unconditional surrender" from Tehran, threatening to launch "very hard" strikes if his terms are not met.
In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has remained defiant, stating that the Islamic Republic will never capitulate while continuing to authorize drone and missile strikes against targets in Israel and the broader Gulf region.
Pezeshkian: Defensive Operations Limited to Sources of Aggression
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated that Tehran’s military actions are directed only at facilities linked to attacks against Iran, insisting that the country has not targeted friendly neighbouring states.
In a series of messages shared on social media, Pezeshkian said the Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to maintaining good relations with governments across the region.
He stressed that Iran values neighbourly cooperation, mutual respect for sovereignty and the protection of territorial integrity.
However, the president also emphasised that Iran retains the right to defend itself against what he described as military aggression by the United States and Israel.
The remarks come as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East following the start of the US- and Israel-backed military campaign against Iran.
Turkey Calls for Dialogue Amid Rising Regional Instability
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone consultation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss the escalating crisis.
Erdogan stressed that diplomatic efforts must be intensified to create a space for dialogue with Iran. He warned that prolonged military interventions could cause irreparable harm to both regional and global stability, noting that Ankara is closely monitoring the aftermath of recent attacks on Iranian soil.
Maritime Incident Reported Near Saudi Arabia’s Jubail
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) is currently investigating a report of a maritime incident occurring approximately 10 nautical miles north of Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
This report surfaced shortly after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for a drone strike on the Louise P, a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker in the Persian Gulf. The IRGC characterized the vessel as an asset belonging to the “terrorist America.”
Lebanon Condemns Shelling of UN Peacekeepers
The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong condemnation following the overnight shelling of a UNIFIL position in the town of Qouzah.
The attack, which targeted a Ghanaian battalion headquarters, resulted in three peacekeepers being injured, one of whom is in critical condition. While the incident remains under investigation by UNIFIL, Lebanon described the shelling as a grave violation of international law.
Security Officials Discuss Regional Stability in Virtual Summit
Top officials from Bahrain, the United Kingdom, and the United States held a virtual meeting on Thursday to coordinate their response to the "Iranian regime’s deliberate aggression."
Participating leaders, including CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper and Bahraini National Security Adviser Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, emphasized the necessity of collective action to maintain peace and protect civilians across the Middle East.
Missiles Launched Toward Israel; Sirens Triggered in Bahrain
The Israeli military confirmed that it activated interception systems today after detecting a barrage of missiles launched from Iran toward its territory.
Simultaneously, authorities in Bahrain activated emergency sirens, urging citizens to remain calm and immediately seek shelter in the nearest safe locations as the regional security environment deteriorates.
Hezbollah Targets Israeli Army Bases in Response to Lebanon Strikes
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for two separate military operations against Israeli positions. The group reported launching a missile barrage at the Tzrifin base east of Acre and targeting a gathering of vehicles near the Fatima Gate crossing in the border town of Kfar Kila.
Hezbollah stated these actions were a direct retaliation for ongoing Israeli strikes across Lebanese territory.
Kurdish Ground Operation Into Iran "Highly Likely"
Babasheikh Hosseini, leader of the Khabat Organisation of Iranian Kurdistan, told Al Jazeera that a cross-border ground campaign into Iran is now a strong probability.
While no operation has commenced, Hosseini revealed that U.S. officials have established contact with the nationalist group.
This comes as the IRGC reported striking three "separatist" locations in Iraq’s Kurdish region today, warning that any threat to Iran’s territorial integrity would be met with crushing force.
