The war between Iran, the United States, and Israel is getting more intense every day. In the latest major development, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched 30 super-heavy ballistic missiles at targets inside Israel. Each missile weighed between one and two tons.
 |
| iran-irgc-30-ballistic-missiles-israel-strike |
At the same time, the Strait of Hormuz crisis is getting worse. Iran has started laying naval mines in the waterway. Oil prices have now crossed $102 per barrel. And countries like Turkey, France, and Italy are now directly negotiating with Iran to get their ships through.
IRGC Launches 30 Super Heavy Ballistic Missiles at Israel
This is one of the biggest attacks of the entire war so far. The IRGC's aerospace commander, Major General Sayed Majid Mousavi, confirmed the strike. He said 30 super-heavy ballistic missiles were launched at targets in Israel.
According to Major General Mousavi:
- Each missile weighed between 1 to 2 tons
- The strike disrupted and destroyed Israel's key aerospace monitoring systems
- This was the heaviest operational barrage against Israel so far in this war
- Cluster bomb effects were also reported in central Israel after the attack
Footage from central Israel showed explosions and widespread fear among Israeli citizens. Multiple missile impacts were recorded. While no official casualty numbers have been released yet, signs of heavy destruction are clearly visible.
Interceptor Footage Shows How Missile Defense Works
A rare piece of footage has surfaced that clearly shows how missile interception works. In the video, an incoming Iranian missile can be seen approaching. From below, four interceptor missiles are fired one after another to track and destroy it.
The interceptors follow a calculated flight path toward the incoming missile and destroy it mid-air. The location shown in the footage is reportedly near the Orot Rabin Power Station in Hadera, Israel.
However, with 30 super-heavy missiles being launched in one barrage, it is clear that Israel's air defense systems are under enormous pressure.
Iran Laying Mines in Strait of Hormuz
The situation at the Strait of Hormuz has taken an even more dangerous turn. American officials have now confirmed that Iran has started laying naval mines in the strait.
According to a New York Times report citing a US intelligence official:
- After the US Navy destroyed Iran's larger mine-laying vessels, Iran switched to using small boats to plant mines
- The IRGC can deploy hundreds of these small boats
- Iran is laying mines faster than the US can clear them
- These same small boats have been used to harass larger vessels, including US Navy ships
US officials admitted that their mine-clearing efforts are slow and not very effective right now. Iran seems to intend to keep the strait blocked for as long as possible.
Oil Prices Cross $102 Per Barrel
As the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, oil prices have now jumped above $102 per barrel. At the time of reporting, crude oil was trading at $102.74.
In just one day, oil prices hit a low point of about $95 but then shot back up above $102. All the promises and assurances from world leaders about bringing oil prices down have failed so far.
This continued rise in oil prices is affecting economies around the world. Energy costs are going up. Transportation costs are increasing. And everyday goods are becoming more expensive for ordinary people.
Turkey Gets Special Permission From Iran for One Ship
In a major development, Turkey's Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced that one Turkish-owned ship has successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz after receiving special permission from Iranian authorities.
Here are the key details:
- 15 Turkish ships were waiting near Iranian territorial waters
- High-level talks took place between Ankara and Tehran
- Iran gave special permission for one ship that had previously used an Iranian port
- That ship has now safely passed through the strait
- Diplomatic talks are continuing for the remaining 14 Turkish ships
This development is being seen as a sign of strong diplomatic relations between Turkey and Iran, even during such a tense situation.
France and Italy Also Negotiating With Iran
According to the Financial Times, France and Italy have also started negotiations with Iran. They are hoping to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for their ships.
Italy's Foreign Minister reportedly confirmed that talks with Iran about reopening the strait for Italian vessels are underway. The Financial Times report highlighted that European countries are now directly approaching Iran for permission, showing that Iran currently controls access to this critical waterway.
Pentagon May Send More Warships to Escort Oil Tankers
The Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon is considering sending more warships to the Middle East. The goal would be to escort oil tankers safely through the Strait of Hormuz.
However, there is a major catch. US officials said that these escort operations will not start until the threat level goes down. And that could take one month or even longer.
This means that for at least the next several weeks, the strait will remain effectively closed to most commercial shipping.
Trump Claims Iran Is Close to Surrender
US President Donald Trump made a bold claim during a virtual meeting with G7 leaders. He said that Iran is very close to surrendering.
According to Trump:
- Iranian leadership is under severe pressure
- There is hardly any senior official left who can formally announce surrender
- The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is gradually improving
- Commercial ships should start operations through the strait again
- The US will provide security for commercial and oil tankers if needed
However, Trump did not give any specific deadline for when the war would end. G7 leaders pushed Trump to end the war as soon as possible because oil supply through the strait is being badly affected.
Trump Threatens to Destroy Iran's Power Plants
In a separate interview with Fox News, President Trump made some very strong statements. He said:
"We are being nice. I can take out things within the next hour."
He specifically mentioned that he could order the destruction of Iran's power plants that provide electricity to the country. He added:
"We could do things that would be so bad that they would never be able to rebuild as a nation again. We are not doing it. We are trying to be nice about it."
Trump also said the war in the Middle East is now heading into its third week and that a big attack on Iran is planned for next week.
Trump Admits Russia May Be Helping Iran
When asked if he thinks Russian President Putin is helping Iran, Trump said he believes Russia is probably providing some help. His reasoning was simple: Russia knows that America is helping Ukraine, so Russia is helping Iran in return.
Trump said: "They do it and we do it too. That is only fair."
He also mentioned that China might be doing the same thing for similar reasons.
US Confirms 6 Crew Members Killed in Iraq Aircraft Crash
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that all six crew members aboard a refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq have died.
Key details about this incident:
- The refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq
- Initially, 4 deaths were confirmed and 2 crew members were reported missing
- Now all 6 have been confirmed dead
- CENTCOM says the crash was not caused by an enemy attack
- However, an Iraqi militia group has already claimed responsibility for shooting down the aircraft
- An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing
- The identities of the crew members will be released after family notification
Previously, two Chinook helicopters were sent to search for the missing crew members. The conflicting claims between CENTCOM and the Iraqi militia group make this incident a subject of debate.
GPS Jamming Causing Problems in the Gulf
Al Jazeera has reported that military jamming and spoofing during the US and Israeli attacks on Iran is causing disruptions to GPS signals across the Persian Gulf region.
GPS systems are used in almost every aspect of modern warfare and navigation:
- Tanks and armored vehicles
- Military drones
- Cruise missiles and guided bombs
- Fighter jets
- Naval warships and submarines
- Troop movements on the ground
When GPS signals are jammed or spoofed, it becomes very hard to aim accurately. Navigation on land, sea, and air is all being affected. Just days ago, Iranian hackers also reportedly launched a cyberattack on an American company, adding another layer to this electronic warfare.
Woman Killed During Al-Quds Day Rally in Tehran
A tragic incident happened during the annual Al-Quds Day rally in Tehran. An aerial attack took place while thousands of Iranians were out on the streets showing solidarity with Palestinians.
Debris from the aerial attack fell on the rally and hit a woman who was participating. She was critically injured and died at the scene. Iranian authorities have started an investigation into the nature of the attack and its source.
Iranian Leaders Attend Rallies Without Hiding
In a powerful show of courage, top Iranian leaders attended Al-Quds Day rallies openly. They walked among ordinary citizens without heavy security. This happened even while bombs and drones were threatening from the sky.
- President Masoud Pezeshkian walked through a large Tehran rally without security. People took selfies with him.
- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also attended a rally
- Ali Larijani, Iran's top national security official, attended a rally and gave an interview right there on the street
Senior journalist Christiane Amanpour tweeted about this, saying: "Ali Larijani, Iran's top national security official who is running the country, outside on a pro-government demo despite drones and assassination from the sky, saying Trump has underestimated the Iranian people."
This is a clear sign that Iranian leadership is not hiding. They are standing with their people during this difficult time. This kind of connection between leaders and citizens can be very powerful during wartime.
UAE Says Iran Must Stop Attacks for Mediation to Work
The United Arab Emirates has made its position clear. A UAE official named Lana Nusseibeh said:
- The war will end through negotiations
- Neighboring countries are surprised that Iran attacked them
- Iran must stop attacks on neighbors before any mediation can happen
- Mediation is only possible when the guns go silent
- Trump will find a diplomatic solution to the war with Iran during his term
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many missiles did Iran fire at Israel?
Iran's IRGC launched 30 super-heavy ballistic missiles at Israeli targets. Each missile weighed between 1 to 2 tons. The IRGC aerospace commander called it the heaviest operational barrage against Israel so far.
Is the Strait of Hormuz still closed?
Yes, the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. Iran has now started laying naval mines using small boats. Countries like Turkey, France, and Italy are negotiating directly with Iran for permission to pass their ships through.
What is the current oil price?
Oil prices have crossed $102 per barrel. At the time of reporting, crude oil was trading at $102.74. Prices continue to rise as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked.
Did Trump say he will attack Iran's power plants?
In a Fox News interview, Trump threatened that he could destroy Iran's power plants within one hour if he wanted to. He also said a big attack on Iran is planned for next week. However, he claimed he is "trying to be nice" for now.
Did any US military personnel die in Iraq?
Yes. US Central Command confirmed that all 6 crew members aboard a refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq have died. CENTCOM says it was not an enemy attack, but an Iraqi militia group has claimed responsibility for shooting it down.
Is Turkey getting ships through the Strait of Hormuz?
Turkey received special permission from Iran to allow one Turkish ship to pass through the strait. There were 15 Turkish ships waiting near Iranian waters. Diplomatic talks are continuing for the remaining ships.
What is GPS jamming in the Gulf?
Military jamming and spoofing during the attacks on Iran is disrupting GPS signals across the Persian Gulf. This affects navigation for ships, aircraft, missiles, and military operations on land, sea, and air.