The ongoing war between the United States and Israel against Iran has reached its ninth day, marking the beginning of the second week of hostilities.
As military actions escalate, casualties continue to mount, particularly in Iran, where the number of fatalities has surpassed 1,300 due to relentless airstrikes.
Updates on the unfolding situation have been shared, highlighting significant incidents.
Attacks on Gulf States Persist Despite Apology
Officials from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait have reported fresh assaults, occurring just one day after Iran expressed regret for its prior attacks and vowed to halt future strikes unless provoked.
On Sunday, two border security personnel from Kuwait were killed following a sustained wave of Iranian drone and missile assaults.
Additionally, drones targeted fuel tanks at Kuwait International Airport, igniting considerable fires.
The Defence Ministry of Kuwait confirmed, "The fuel tanks of Kuwait International Airport were hit by drones aimed directly at crucial infrastructure."
The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry noted that the two border guards fell while executing their national responsibilities.
Kuwaiti military forces stated they successfully intercepted hostile missile and drone incursions, asserting, "Kuwaiti air defenses are currently engaged against hostile missile and drone attempts."
Due to these developments, the national oil corporation of Kuwait announced a precautionary reduction in crude oil output.
Likewise, Qatar's Defence Ministry reported that it faced an attack a day earlier from 10 ballistic and two cruise missiles launched from Iran.
The missiles were thwarted, but debris from the interception tragically struck a vehicle in the Al Barsha area, resulting in the death of a Pakistani driver.
Saudi Arabia's Defence Ministry also indicated that it successfully intercepted and destroyed 15 drones attempting to penetrate its airspace, including one targeting the diplomatic area in Riyadh.
Division Over Pezeshkian’s Apology
The Iranian government's internal dissent has surfaced amidst continuous bombardments from US and Israeli forces. President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent apology to neighboring Gulf states received mixed responses, revealing cracks within Iran’s leadership.
During a televised address, Pezeshkian extended apologies to affected countries and urged them not to support US-Israeli assaults on Iran.
President Trump claimed responsibility for the new strategy, attributing it to continuous US and Israeli pressure.
However, Pezeshkian's remarks sparked outrage from Iranian hardliners. An Iranian lawmaker, Hamid Rasai, labeled the apology as "unprofessional, weak, and unacceptable."
Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, a member of the interim leadership council, asserted that regions actively assisting the enemy would face intensified assaults, confirming a unified approach among the government and military entities.
This interim body oversees Iran's armed forces, operating with authority typically reserved for the nation's supreme leader during times of conflict.
Iran’s hardliners maintain that any nation used to launch attacks against Iran should be seen as a legitimate target.
Later, Pezeshkian reiterated his message on social media, excluding the apology.
Trump Pledges Increased Pressure on Iran
President Trump stated on Saturday that he is uninterested in negotiations, asserting he has "maximum leverage."
He indicated that discussions would be rendered moot if all possible leaders in Iran were eliminated along with its military infrastructure.
Trump asserted that the conflict would only conclude once Tehran is left devoid of a functioning military or leadership.
“We don’t want to revisit this every few years… We desire a leader who won’t plunge their nation into war. At this rate, there may not be anyone left to say, ‘We surrender,’” Trump asserted.
The US appears to have shifted its position regarding Kurdish rebels, with Trump expressing that he does not anticipate their involvement and aims to avoid complicating the war further.
Return of Fallen American Soldiers
The remains of six American soldiers who lost their lives due to Iranian strikes in Kuwait were repatriated to the US on Saturday.
Trump, as commander-in-chief, oversaw the solemn arrival ceremony for the fallen personnel, calling the day “very sad” for Americans.
This ceremony, referred to as the “dignified transfer,” involved national grief.
The US Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegeseth, affirmed that the United States would respond decisively to any threats against its citizens.
“If you harm Americans anywhere globally, we will track you down and eliminate you without remorse or delay,” he emphasized according to a CENTCOM post.
Trump Dismisses UK's Aircraft Carrier Offer
In another development, Trump declined the UK's offer to deploy two aircraft carriers to the Middle East amid heightened tensions.
This decision followed the UK Ministry of Defence's announcement regarding preparations for potential military support.
The UK stated its aircraft were providing aerial coverage over Jordan, Qatar, and Cyprus to safeguard British interests.
However, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the UK’s earlier reluctance.
On Truth Social, he commented, "The UK, once our esteemed ally, is contemplating sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. Prime Minister Starmer, we no longer require them," he stated, further adding, "But we will remember. We don’t wish to align with those who join battles after we have already succeeded."
Earlier, Trump criticized both the UK and Spain for their positions regarding the ongoing conflict, accusing Spain of denying the US access to its bases, which he claimed were vital for preventing potential threats from an unstable regime.
Trump also took issue with the UK’s agreement to return the Chagos Islands, which houses a joint US-UK military facility, back to Mauritius, highlighting that Prime Minister Starmer had initially claimed that regime change from airstrikes was not their policy.
Iran Responds to Trump's Call for Surrender
On Saturday, Iran derisively addressed Trump’s demand for "unconditional surrender."
Previously, Trump had called for the Iranian administration to fully capitulate for the war to cease, also suggesting that a new supreme leader acceptable to both the US and Israel should be appointed following the death of Ali Khamenei during the initial strike launched on February 28.
Trump stated, “Our allies will tirelessly endeavor to steer Iran away from devastation, ensuring it emerges economically robust and successful, saying, “Make Iran Great Again (MIGA!)”
In response, Iranian President Pezeshkian characterized Trump's demand as a "delusion best taken to the grave."
Israeli Strikes on Iran's Fuel Supplies
Late Saturday, Israel escalated its military offensive by targeting fuel storage facilities near Tehran.
This marked the first assault on Iran’s energy framework since the conflict commenced last weekend.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the strikes aimed to achieve a broader objective of destabilizing the Iranian government and creating circumstances that could facilitate a change in leadership.
The Israeli military conveyed that these facilities were being utilized by Iran's armed forces at the time.
In response, Iranian official Ali Larijani warned that the nation would persist with retaliatory actions and cautioned that adversaries would face consequences for attacking Iran.
In turn, Trump responded to Larijani's comments by stating, “I have no knowledge of who he is; I couldn’t care less.”
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