Heavy strikes hit Tehran as Israel declared a 'new phase' in its war against Iran, targeting what it called regime infrastructure. The escalation comes a week into the conflict, which began with joint Israeli and United States attacks that killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel signalled further operations ahead, while the United States defence secretary warned that military firepower over Iran would increase dramatically.

Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities and targets in Gulf countries, including an attempted strike on a United States air base in Qatar. Fighting has spread across the region, with Lebanon reporting 123 deaths from Israeli air strikes and thousands fleeing their homes. Gulf states including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia also reported intercepted missiles, while maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has declined.

Inside Iran, an internet blackout has obscured the full impact of the bombardment, though state-linked figures put the death toll at more than 1,200. Civilians described fear and displacement, while security forces increased their presence on the streets of Tehran. The United States military reported six personnel killed, and at least 11 people have died in Israel.

President Donald Trump said he would play a role in choosing Iran's next leader and rejected the possibility of Khamenei's son succeeding him. While Washington has cited goals ranging from curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions to encouraging political change, Iranian officials have ruled out negotiations and vowed to continue fighting, even as United States commanders said incoming attacks from Iran were declining.