Israel’s onslaught against Iran has entered a new phase, targeting the country’s energy resources.
Meanwhile, Iran’s retaliatory attacks on U.S.-friendly Gulf states appear to be continuing, even though President Massoud Pezeshkian apologized for past attacks on the oil-rich kingdom and signaled he would stop them.
Contradictory statements and scattered messages from Iranian officials highlight potential rifts within the Iranian establishment, amid reports that the country may soon elect a new supreme leader. The new billboard will replace Ayatollah Khamenei, leader of nearly 40 years, who was killed in the opening volley of war.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said there was “a possibility” that US ground forces would be sent to Iran, adding that there would need to be a “very good reason” to do so.
Here’s what you need to know on day 9.
What are the main headings?
Iranian oil targeted: Israel launches attacks on Iranian oil storage facilities as part of the next phase of the war. The Israeli military said Saturday night that it had attacked a fuel facility in the capital Tehran that distributes fuel to “various consumers, including Iranian military entities.” CNN reporters in Tehran witnessed black rain falling over the city on Sunday morning.
‘Surprises are in store’: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded statement that Israel and the US have “almost complete control” of Iranian skies and that “many more targets and surprises are in store.”
Gulf attacks continue: Persian Gulf states reported airstrikes and interceptions into the early hours of Sunday. The various drone and missile attacks came even as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized to Gulf states for last week’s attacks on US military bases in the region and said he would stop attacking neighboring countries unless attacked.
What is happening in Iran and Lebanon?
‘Quiet’: A senior Iranian security official said President Trump’s war against Iran was the result of an “international miscalculation” and that Trump believed he could repeat the Venezuela model with Iran. In an interview broadcast on Iranian state television, Ali Larijani said the United States was currently “stuck in its own miscalculations” and that President Trump had failed to achieve his objectives by attacking Iran.
Mixed messages: Contradictory statements from Iranian officials highlight potential rifts within the leadership after Khamenei’s death. Mr. Pezeshkian apologized for the attacks on neighboring countries, but in a later “clarification” his office vowed to continue attacks on U.S. targets in the region.
DEADLY RAID: Lebanese authorities say Israeli special forces raid a border area to search for the body of a long-missing airman, killing dozens.
Beirut center hit: At least four people were killed and 10 injured in an Israeli attack on a hotel in central Beirut, Reuters reported early Sunday, citing the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The attack specifically hit central Beirut, rather than the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs, where most of the recent Israeli airstrikes have taken place. The Israeli military announced a “precision attack” targeting a key commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force.
New leader? Iran’s Council of Experts has almost decided who will be the country’s next supreme leader after long-time ruler Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in a U.S. and Israeli attack, Iranian state media said.
Airstrikes continue: Persian Gulf states reported airstrikes and interceptions. Kuwait’s military said a “wave of hostile drones” targeted a fuel depot at Kuwait International Airport. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar also reported new airstrikes.
Dubai evacuation: Buildings around Dubai’s marina were evacuated on Saturday after debris from an intercepted projectile damaged the facade of a high-rise building in the emirate city. CNN staff were among the evacuees.
Drones shot down over Iraq: Two explosive-laden drones were shot down over Iraq’s Kurdish city of Erbil on Saturday, security sources told CNN. Officials said the drone was shot down around 11 p.m. local time, at the same time a CNN team on the ground heard a loud explosion and air defense fire into the sky.
Possibility of escalation: President Trump said it is “possible” that U.S. troops could be sent to Iran as the war continues, but that it would require “a very good reason.”
Kurdish involvement: President Trump has said the United States does not want Iranian Kurdish groups drawn into a war with Iran, contradicting previous efforts by the CIA to arm Kurdish groups in hopes of sparking an uprising, according to a CNN report. “We do not expect the Kurds to join the war. As you know, we are very friendly with the Kurds, but we don’t want to complicate the war any further,” Trump said.
Blame-shifting: The president blamed Tehran for the bombing of an Iranian elementary school that killed at least 168 children and 14 teachers, even though CNN and experts analyzed that the U.S. military was likely responsible.
