Military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran have escalated with first-time strikes targeting oil storage depots and refining plants in Tehran, resulting in massive fires throughout the capital.
US President Donald Trump has reiterated his demand for Iran’s “unconditional surrender”. He stated that hostilities would only cease once the leadership in Tehran “cries uncle” or when the country’s military is rendered unable to function, reports AP.
In response, Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian official, warned that Washington would “pay a price” for starting the conflict and claimed the US is failing to meet its objectives. The Israeli military has further cautioned of “many surprises” to come following the night-time strikes that illuminated the Tehran skyline.
The conflict is also impacting the wider region, with Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates reporting fresh Iranian strikes. These attacks occurred despite a previous apology from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had pledged to stop targeting Gulf states if their territories were not used for assaults against Iran.
The escalating war has led to significant disruption, including travel difficulties for Muslim pilgrims and panic buying at petrol stations.
Locally, the “Subodh” graffiti has reappeared on a wall in Agargaon, carrying a message against the war.
