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Russia is close to completing a shipment phase of drones, medicine and food for Iran, which is part of a process that began in early March and was expected to be completed by the end of the month, but the Kremlin has been stepping in to not only fill in gaps in Iran’s combat capabilities, but also to underwrite the broader political stability of the Iranian Government, however, a western security official reported that they had not yet determined what class of drone that Russia had agreed to send to Iran, noting that they are in the position to send models such as the Geran-2 which is based on the Shahed-136.
Financial Times later reported that Russia was continuing to send drones and provide satellite imagery to Iran, according to western Intelligence sources cited by the FT, stating that the cooperation includes intelligence support and marks an expansion of military ties between Moscow and Tehran during the war.
Most of US Military personnel in the Middle East have moved to working in hotels and office spaces due to Iranian strikes on facilities in the region, with the exception of fighter pilots and crews. There were around 40,000 US military personnel in the region when Operation Epic Fury begun, but Central Command has dispersed many of them, while others have been relocated to areas as far as Europe, reported the NYT, adding that many US officials report this is an indication of the Trump administration miscalculating how Iran would respond.
Republicans and Democrats expressed frustration over the lack of clarity of information during an intelligence and defence briefing on the conflict with Iran, with one congressional official reporting that the officials who gave the briefing didn’t give a clear answer about the plan, strategy or end game of Operation Fury, while House Armed Services Committee Chairman Republican Representative Mike Rogers acknowledged the frustrations over the briefings that had been received over the past months.
Smoke began to rise over the Iranian southern port of Bandar Abbas after a reported assassination attempt early on Thursday morning, and soon after the IDF reported they had completed a wave of strikes against Iranian government infrastructure in Isfahan.
US President Donald Trump told associated he hoped to bring the war to end with Iran soon to avoid a protracted conflict, which comes after Trump originally planned for the war to be over by the mid-May summit with Chinese President Xi, however, Trump also indicated that the war was distracting him from other priorities such as the US midterm elections.
Alerts were reported for Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the early hours of Thursday morning, later reported to have been from interceptions of incoming aerial attacks, as Dubai authorities later confirmed that two people were killed and three others were injured from the fall of missile debris on Suwaihan Street, noting that the two killed were of Pakistani and Indian nationality, while the three wounded were Emirati, Jordanian and Indian.
An Iranian missile was launched towards Israel as initial reports suggested the missile was intercepted and debris had fallen, but its believed a cluster munition was used which allegedly caused injuries in Kafr Qasim as footage of smoke was seen rising over Peta Tivka.
Around two hours later, another attack was launched towards Israel towards northern Haifa, with reports later suggesting that shrapnel had fallen in northern Haifa as well as in Ramallah, West Bank.
Another two hours passed before Iran again launched missiles towards Tel Aviv, as the Iron Dome performed interceptions at low altitude, but it was later reported the missile was a cluster with 4x100kg warheads, and one submunition fell in Holon.
KAN News was told by an Israeli official that the Commander of Iran’s IRGC Navy, Alireza Tangsiri, had been killed, noting that he was responsible for overseeing the maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz, later confirmed by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, warning that Israel would target senior members of the IRGC, adding that operations in Iran would continue with full force to achieve its war objectives.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a video statement on Thursday in which he confirmed the elimination of the Revolutionary Guards Navy Commander as Israel continued to forcefully strike at Iranian targets.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said indirect US-Iran talks were ongoing through messages relayed by Pakistan, adding that the United States has shared 15 points under review by Iran, with Turkey and Egypt also supporting mediation efforts, stating that Pakistan remained committed to promoting dialogue, stressing that diplomacy was the only way forward.
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said the Gulf States must be included in any talks or agreements to resolve the crisis with Iran, in a way that strengthens regional security and stability and ensures Iran’s aggression does not repeat itself: “We say loudly that we oppose any frameworks, initiatives or regional arrangements that would change the map of the Middle East after this crisis,” he added.
Iran formally responded to the US 15-point proposal through intermediaries, reported Tasnim News Agency, noting that Tehran was now waiting for the US to respond. In its response, Iran demanded an end to the aggression and terror, complete guarantees against a repeat of the war, compensation for damages, and the cessation of all hostilities across all fronts for all resistance groups involved, while also asserting its natural and legal right to exercise sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and insisted that the US commitments would be implemented. The source said Iran was certain the US claims of seeking talks were a third deception aimed at presenting a peaceful image, keeping oil prices down, and buying time to prepare for a new ground invasion in southern Iran. “If Iran had doubts about the results of the negotiations and the US commitment before the 12-day war, since then it has had complete doubt about the US’s very willingness to negotiate,” the source said.
President Trump took to Truth Social to criticise NATO allies, saying they’d done nothing to assist the war against Iran so far: “NATO nations have done absolutely nothing to help… The USA needs nothing from NATO, but never forget this very important point in time,” he said, later taking to Truth Social again to state the Iranian negotiators are ‘very different and strange,’ adding that they are ‘begging’ for a deal even as they publicly stated they were only looking at the US proposal.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte hit back at Trump’s comments saying that the NATO alliance is stronger today than it ever has been, noting that NATO had intercepted three Iranian missiles heading toward Turkey during the conflict and was working to make the Strait safe for shipping, while crediting Trump for pushing allies to increase defence spending, adding that the logical conclusion of Iran’s attack on the Diego Garcia base is that ‘Iran now has the capabilities, increasingly dangerous for allies.’
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran was determined to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity until its objectives were fully achieved and the ‘aggressors are forced to retreat.’
Iraq’s Oil Ministry announced that it was working on a new pipeline to transport oil to Syria’s Baniyas port as part of efforts to create alternate export routes due to the closure of the Strait, while the ministry was aiming to raise export capacity to Turkey’s Ceyhan port to 650,000 barrels per day, with the main Kirkuk-Fishkhabour pipeline undergoing rehabilitation and an initial capacity set to 350,000 bpd.
US Airstrikes targeted a camp belonging to the Popular Mobilisation Forces in Amerli, east of Salah al-Din province in Iraq, despite the Iraqi government asking for a cease in attacks in the country, noting that the damage in this instance had caused material damage.
Iraq’s Ministry of Defence announced an unidentified drone flying at low altitude was detected in the sector of the 3rd Battalion, 44th Brigade, 11th Infantry Division within the Kirkuk Operations Command at 10:45am on Thursday, noting that a unit from the 2nd Company of the battalion quickly engaged and shot down the drone near the village of Al-Fakhira, causing no casualties, and a force led by the battalion Commander along with a field engineering unit was dispatched to the site for technical processing, as the Ministry said its forces remained on high alert and would firmly deal with any attempts to threaten the security in the area.
In a later statement, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry expressed its ‘absolute rejection of any attacks against the Gulf Arab states and Jordan,’ reiterating that Iraq stands for balance, respect and cooperation, while the government said its determined to take necessary steps against security obstacles and is fully prepared to receive any information related to attacks on other countries launched from Iraqi territory – Iraq also opposes the use of its land to target other nations.
During the evening, a US airstrike reportedly targeted the headquarters of the 2nd Regiment of the 61st Brigade of Iraq’s PMF in the area between Altun Kupri and Dibis which is north of the Kirkuk Governorate.
Weapons intended for Ukraine could be diverted to the Middle East as the war with Iran depletes critical US munitions, reported WaPo, stating that air defence interceptors ordered through a NATO programme in which allies bought US arms for Kyiv could be primarily diverted, adding that European capitals had become increasingly concerned that Washington was rapidly using stocks, potentially delaying deliveries of US systems to Ukraine.
Iran had agreed to allow Malaysian vessels to transit the Strait, reported Al-Maydeen, noting that discussions had taken place between Malaysia’s Prime Minister and the leaders of Iran, Egypt, Turkey, and other regional countries in order to complete an arrangement.
Commander of the Iranian army’s ground forces Brigadier General Ali Johanshahi warned that a ground war would be ‘more dangerous and costly’ for the enemy, adding that the armed forces were monitoring movements moment by moment and were prepared for any scenario at any time, stating that the presence, steadfastness and unity of the people would be the secret to Iran’s victory.
US Central Command told Wall Street Journal that a sailor on board the USS Abraham Lincoln was injured during flight operations in the Arabian Sea and was in a stable condition, noting that the injury wasn’t combat related or life-threatening, and that the sailor had been taken ashore for further medical care.
Iran’s Deputy Health Minister Ali Jafarian told Al Jazeera that at least 1,937 people had been killed since the start of the war, including 240 women and 212 children, while more than 24,800 had been wounded.
Iranian state media reported that explosive devices allegedly disguised as canned goods were used in an alleged attack on a residential area in Shiraz, targeting civilians, noting that during the distribution of food to IRGC forces in Fars province, some cans containing explosives detonated when opened, while in the village of Kafri alone, more than five people had been killed and several others wounded due to these improvised explosive devices.
President Vladimir Putin said it remained difficult to predict the consequences of the conflict in the Middle East, warning of the danger of its geographical expansion, stating that countries that have abandoned sovereignty are no longer able to fully protect their national interests, but Russia is strong and must remain so to meet current challenges.
UAE air defences intercepted 15 ballistic missiles and 11 drones launched from Iran on Thursday, reported the Emirati Defence Ministry, noting that since the start of the war, the country’s defences had engaged 372 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,826 drones.
Signs show that the US is becoming annoyed with Israel’s level of control over the US administration, as an informed Iranian security-political source told Al-Mayadeen that the CIA and Vice President JD Vance’s team were working to sideline Israeli PM Netanyahu from US decision-making, noting that the Israeli right wing circles were increasingly worried about a potential betrayal by Trump that could see the war suddenly end.
According to the Source, Trump backed away from threats after receiving a firm Iranian response vowing to strike all energy infrastructure in countries from which attacks were launched, so the ‘big strike’ against Iran that US Secretary of War Pet Hegseth and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir pushed for, the source claimed, was intended as a way out of the war’s stalemate.
Araghchi criticised the United States on X for what he described as double standards in its application of international law, noting that the US supported Israel’s siege of Gaza which cited ‘security’ claims and allowed the path of humanitarian aid while at the same time condemned Iran for defending itself in the Strait, stating it was double standards, because Israel’s crimes were deemed as acceptable while Iran’s defence against aggressors was condemned, adding that International law was not a tool for ‘selective, expedient use.’
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that the international community should encourage Iran and the United States to return to the negotiating table, adding that the nuclear issue should be resolved through dialogue and not become a reason to resort to force.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused Netanyahu of not only attacking Iran but also executing a plan to occupy Lebanon step by step, dragging the region towards catastrophe: “Netanyahu is attacking Iran and carrying out his plan to occupy Lebanon,” Erdoğan said.
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned the Security Cabinet that the military would collapse if the personnel crisis isn’t resolved, which came after new settlements in the West Bank and Jordan Valley had been approved: “The scale of missions is only increasing: the expanding military operation in southern Lebanon, continued control of roughly half of the Gaza Strip, the addition of new settlements – while the number of soldiers is not only not increasing but is set to shrink,” the chief of staff said, adding that they simply needed more personnel: “The army will collapse into itself if there is no solution – I am raising many red flags.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia for an unscheduled visit on Thursday evening, days after revealing Ukraine were helping five Middle Eastern countries counter drone attacks: “Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings scheduled,” he posted on X: “We appreciate the support and support those who are ready to work with us to ensure security.”
Approximately 200 Ukrainian air defence personnel are on the ground in the Middle East helping US and regional partners defend against Iranian drones, reported the WSJ, stating that the deployment followed Zelensky’s pledge to send counter-drone specialists after a request from Trump, because Iranian Shahed drones had proven to be a difficult threat in the conflict, already killing six service members in Kuwait and damaging infrastructure across the region.
Members of the Iranian parliament issued a statement praising the armed forces’ achievements in defending the homeland and calling for the continuation of the ‘sacred defence’ until its stated objectives are achieved, which includes full deterrence against the aggressor, destruction of the enemy, preventing any future harm to Iranian territory, and the removal of all American and Israeli forces from West Asia.
Abbas Araghchi expressed appreciation after the Iraqi government, religious authorities, and others had condemned the US and Israeli actions while supported Iran in their operations, stating that Iraq’s stance and expressions of solidarity reflected the strong ties between the two nations, adding that ‘in hardships, true brothers are recognised.’
Jared Kushner said much of Iran’s public rhetoric should be ignored because it was aimed primarily at their domestic audiences, echoing similar assessments made by US Secretary of State Colin Powell ahead of the 2003 Iraq war, when he said of Saddam Hussein’s government: “If you break it, you own it.”
Saraya Awliya al-Dam Military Spokesperson Abu Mahdi Al-Jaafari warned that any US ground operation inside Iran would not be a ‘military stroll’ but an ‘open-ended quagmire’ that would drain willpower before equipment: “The scene is no longer read by the measure of conventional power, but by the measure of the ability to withstand and redefine engagement – all options are on the table, all scenarios have been prepared for a long time, and the necessary preparations have been made,” the statement said, warning that a ground invasion would not “reorder the Gulf coast to its historical reality” and that the geography of the borders would not remain stable as some imagine.
UK pilots and aircrew have now logged over 1,000 flying hours since the start of the conflict, with pilots and RAF Regiment gunners achieving more than 70 successful engagements, the British Defence Ministry said on Thursday, stating that latest Intelligence assessments made clear that Russia almost certainly provided training and sharing intelligence, including drone types and electronic warfare, with Iran ahead of the conflict, as British Typhoons, F-35 jets and Royal Navy Merlin and Wildcat helicopters continued to be deployed on defensive missions overnight, including over Cyprus and Jordan.
Cultural Deputy of the IRGC’s Tehran branch Rahim Nadali said that the age of recruitment for participating in Basij checkpoints has been lowered to 12 and above.
Israel has shifted its air defence campaign from destabilising Iran’s regime to crippling its military-industrial base because hopes of a regime change are fading, reported the WSJ, noting that over 18,000 airstrikes in four weeks had been carried out, but the military was now returning to sites to deepen the damage, targeting weapons factories, cruise missile plants and submarine research centres, due to officials concluding an uprising would be unlikely to succeed against a still-entrenched government, so strikes on internal security forces had been halted.
Israeli news channel KAN News was trying to push the narrative that Gulf intelligence agencies were concerned that Trump may reach a ceasefire without resolving the issue of the enriched uranium, reporting that Gulf States and Jordan fear this would increase the likelihood of Iran obtaining unconventional weapons and give it a significant advantage over regional countries, citing UAE Ambassador to the US Yousef Al‑Otaiba who wrote in the Wall Street Journal that ‘a simple ceasefire is not enough.”
KAN News also alleged that significant disagreements had occurred between Israel and the White House over three clauses in the US’ 15-point proposal to Iran, which include vague language regarding the future of Iran’s ballistic missile program, the transfer of Iran’s enriched uranium to the IAEA, and significant relief from US and European economic sanctions, as officials said discussing with the US were ongoing and changes to the draft were possible, however, Israel still remained concerned that Trump could agree to a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the negotiations in Tehran.
Despite Trump’s expressed willingness to negotiate an end to the war, no date has yet been set for the US-Iran meeting mediated by Pakistan, but based on past experience, if an agreement is reached, Iran would likely want to launch a final barrage of fire to mark its conclusion, and an Israeli source said Iran was ‘already speaking in terms of an endgame picture’ but had yet to make significant demands on the United States.
Pages allegedly taken from the journal of the deceased Secretary of the Iranian National Security Council Ali Larijani have been published, showing one entry where Larijani reaffirmed he would rather be killed by his enemies rather than die in a bed from sickness.
Saudi’s Ministry of Defence claimed they’d shot down 25 Iranian drones within a four hour period between around 11pm and 3am local time.
Israeli police have charged a fourteen-year-old Israeli on espionage charges after the youth was caught spying for money, reported the Times of Israel, stating that: “the minor made contact with an Iranian agent on Telegram, filmed footage of a hospital, residential neighbourhoods, was asked to spy on Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and spray paint messages.”
Axios cited two senior US officials when reporting that “the Pentagon is developing military options for a final blow in Iran that could include the use of ground forces and a massive bombing campaign,” adding that: “a dramatic military escalation will grow more likely if no progress is made in diplomatic talks and, in particular, if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.”
Yemen’s Houthis stand ready to strike shipping in the Red Sea in solidarity with Tehran, Reuters reported, quoting one of the group’s leaders: “We stand fully militarily ready with all options. As for other details having to do with determining zero hour they are left to leadership and we are monitoring and following up with the developments and will know when is suitable to make the move. Until now Iran is doing well and is defeating the enemy every day and the battle is going in its direction. If anything contrary to this happens, then we can assess.”
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said that Germany had not been consulted before the attack, it’s not Germany’s war, and Germany do not want to get sucked into the war, adding that what is needed now is a diplomatic solution as soon as possible.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told press before a flight that the Strait of Hormuz could be open tomorrow if Iran stopped threatening global shipping, which is an outrage and a ‘violation of international law,’ stating that all the countries that care about international law should be doing something about it, while noting that some concrete progress had been made on talks which had already been documented, and there was a growing amount of energy that’s been flowing through the straight, but not as much as should be flowing.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian took to X to state that Putin’s messages and the support of the Russian people inspired Iran during the war: “The resistance and courage of the Iranian people promise new bonds that will ensure the security East Asia by the countries of the region – on behalf of the people of Iran, I thank the government and people of Russia.”
Iran’s Sports Ministry announced a ban on the presence and dispatch of sports teams to ‘hostile countries’ until further notice, reported IRNA citing an inability to ensure the security of Iranian athletes and team members, which could have an impact on the Iranian Women’s Football Team in the World Cup later this year.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said: “We do not transfer intelligence information to Iran, and everyone knows the coordinates of American bases in the region.”
