Jordan intercepted Iranian missiles during Khamenei's funeral
Despite statements about a ceasefire, the situation in the Middle East has escalated again. Overnight on Thursday, the U.S. and Iran exchanged new strikes, and Jordan announced that it had intercepted Iranian missiles over its territory. Meanwhile, in Iran, the funeral for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei continues amid ongoing hostilities.
Air raid sirens sounded across the country this morning after Iranian missiles entered Jordan’s airspace. A Jordanian government spokesperson reported that all missiles were intercepted by air defense forces. At the same time, explosions were reported in several regions of Iran. In particular, according to the Iranian news agency Mehr, explosions were heard in one of the country’s coastal provinces.
The U.S. military stated that it had carried out approximately 170 strikes on Iranian military targets over the past two nights alone. According to U.S. Central Command, the targets included air defense systems, coastal surveillance assets, missile and drone depots, naval infrastructure, and logistics facilities.
Iran, in turn, reported on the consequences of these attacks. According to the country’s Ministry of Health, 14 people were killed and another 78 were injured. Iranian authorities also accused the United States of striking two bridges on the railway line to Mashhad. Tehran called this a “blatant war crime” and stated that train service between the capital and Mashhad had been suspended due to the damage. Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command reported strikes on 90 military targets along Iran’s coast but did not confirm the reports of attacks on the bridges.
Against this backdrop, a farewell ceremony for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is underway in Iran. His body was transported to Mashhad, where the burial is to take place. The ceremony concludes six days of mourning events. According to local media reports, hundreds of thousands of people have turned out to pay their respects to Khamenei. In response to the U.S. strikes, Iran stated that it had attacked U.S. military facilities in the region. According to Tehran, the strikes targeted a satellite dish in Qatar, a Patriot air defense system in Kuwait, and U.S. military fuel depots in Bahrain.
Bahrain confirmed that its air defense forces intercepted Iranian missiles and drones overnight. Kuwait reported that one person was injured by missile debris after the missile was intercepted. Despite diplomatic statements about a possible resolution to the conflict, the situation in the Middle East remains tense. The parties continue to exchange strikes, and the risk of further escalation persists for now, according to CNN.
A funeral procession took place in the city of Mashhad, Iran, during which the coffins of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and members of his family were carried through the streets. Large crowds gathered to pay their respects, causing the procession to be temporarily delayed.
