The conflict in West Asia intensified further on Friday, with fresh strikes reported in Iran and renewed warnings from global leaders, even as concerns grow over a wider regional escalation.
A strike on a key bridge in Karaj left civilians dead and injured. More developments are expected throughout the day.
Iran war UPDATES
1 crew rescued from downed US jet, claims US media; Iran says rescue helicopter also hit
US media is reporting that one of the crew members of its F-15E fighter jet downed over Iran has been rescued. However, Iranian media reports also suggested that the IRGC has captured the pilot of the fighter jet.
Earlier, Iran claimed its air defences shot down two US fighter jets, an F-15E and F-35. US acknowledged one jet was indeed shot down over Iran and launched a rescue plane. Two choppers also accompanied the reacue plane.
Several videos shared by Iranian media showed the plane, C-130- and the choppers flying at low altitute over the region.
Purported videos also showed locals firing at the aircraft with AK-47. Iran has claimed that one of the rescue choppers have also been hit.
1 crew rescued from downed US jet, claims US media; Iran says rescue helicopter also hit
US media is reporting that one of the crew members of its F-15E fighter jet downed over Iran has been rescued. However, Iranian media reports also suggested that the IRGC has captured the pilot of the fighter jet.
Earlier, Iran claimed its air defences shot down two US fighter jets, an F-15E and F-35. US acknowledged one jet was indeed shot down over Iran and launched a rescue plane. Two choppers also accompanied the reacue plane.
Several videos shared by Iranian media showed the plane, C-130- and the choppers flying at low altitute over the region.
Purported videos also showed locals firing at the aircraft with AK-47. Iran has claimed that one of the rescue choppers have also been hit.
https://twitter.com/PressTV/status/2040007046544654442
Iran state media seeks public help to capture pilot of downed US jet
Iran’s state-run Mehr News Agency on Friday called Iranian civilians to help capture the pilot and weapons officer of an American F-15E Strike Eagle that was allegedly shot down this morning over Southern Iran.
Iran warns of retaliatory strikes against US, Israel over attacks on infrastructure
The spokesperson of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters on Friday issued a stern warning, emphasising that any assault on the country's bridges, power plants, or energy facilities will trigger severe retaliatory measures, reported state media Press TV.
"Any attack on Iran's bridges, power plants, or energy infrastructure will prompt strikes not only on all US and Israeli assets in the region and occupied territories but also on key holdings of US allies and host nations - harder and more devastating than before," the spokesperson declared.
The statement further cautioned nations hosting American military bases, urging them to reconsider their cooperation with US forces. "Countries hosting US bases must force American forces to leave if they want to stay safe," the spokesperson added.
'With a little more time, we can open Strait of Hormuz,' says Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump on Friday referred to the Strait of Hormuz as a potential "gusher" for the world and spoken about "opening it for the world."
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A "GUSHER" FOR THE WORLD??? President DONALD J. TRUMP"
Trump's remarks come amid the conflict of US-Israel and Iran, that has entered its second month now.
Earlier, Trump had reportedly said that the US will exit Iran war within weeks and not months even if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened.
Public confidence in military remains high, government trust low
While trust in the Israeli Defence Forces remains strong, confidence in the government has stayed low, reflecting growing political divisions.
The survey suggests a more cautious public outlook as the conflict stretches beyond a month.
Israeli public support for war shows signs of decline
A new survey by the Institute for National Security Studies indicates declining public support in Israel for continuing the war against Iran.
Support for pursuing regime change has dropped to 45.5 per cent from over 60 per cent in the early days of the conflict.
Call for renewed dialogue amid ongoing war
She described Iran’s messaging, indicating no hostility toward the American people, as a possible opening for diplomacy.
Sikri said the situation calls for “serious talks, direct talks, and quiet talks.”
Possibility of deeper escalation flagged in US discourse
Sikri noted discussions within the US about a range of military options, including continued air operations and potential escalation.
She also highlighted that earlier diplomatic talks between the US and Iran had shown signs of progress before the conflict began.
Trump speech keeps ‘all options open’, says former envoy
Former Indian envoy Veena Sikri said Trump’s recent address suggests Washington is keeping all military and diplomatic options open.
She pointed to troop deployments and rhetoric about hitting Iran “very hard” as indicators of possible escalation.
US officials earlier flagged emergency landing, not confirmed crash
Previous reports citing US defence officials indicated an F-35 made an emergency landing after a missile barrage, with the pilot safe.
The latest Iranian claim of a second jet downing remains unverified independently.
Iran claims second US F-35 shot down
Iranian state media claimed a second US F-35 fighter jet was downed over central Iran by an advanced air defence system.
Officials said the crash caused a “massive explosion,” making pilot survival unlikely.
The claim comes amid earlier US denials of similar reports.
Zarif proposes deal: sanctions relief for nuclear limits, Hormuz reopening
In his peace proposal, Zarif suggested Iran could limit its nuclear programme and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief.
He also proposed a mutual non-aggression pact between Tehran and Washington to prevent further escalation.
Zarif pitches peace plan, slams Trump’s ‘reckless aggression’
Former Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif has called for a diplomatic end to the war, even as he criticised US President Donald Trump’s actions.
Zarif said the war must end “on terms consistent with Iran’s national interests,” warning that continued fighting could spiral into a wider regional or global conflict.
Conflict may reshape global order, says MJ Akbar
Former minister MJ Akbar said the ongoing conflict could trigger a “new world order.”
“The present war is the violent pregnancy of a new world order,” he said, adding that the sanctity of global rules has eroded.
Akbar said the breakdown of international norms has made the world more unstable.
“No single nation can create a new world order alone… no one is safe again,” he said.
Iran says attack on commercial port violates international norms
Iranian authorities said the targeted port was a purely commercial facility, calling any strike on it a violation of international norms.
Officials said no casualties were reported in the port attack.
Satellite images confirm damage to Iran port infrastructure
Satellite imagery accessed by Reuters has confirmed damage to port facilities on Qeshm Island following US-Israeli strikes earlier this week.
Smoke was seen rising from the area, with damage reported at the Bahman commercial port and a nearby fishing pier.
Trump threatens strikes on power plants, bridges
US President Donald Trump has warned of fresh attacks on Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including bridges and electric power plants.
“Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!... has to be done, FAST,” he said, urging Tehran to make a deal.
US intelligence says Iran retains strong strike capability
Despite weeks of sustained bombardment, US intelligence assessments suggest Iran still has significant missile-launch capability, reported CNN.
Sources indicated Tehran remains capable of “wreak[ing] absolute havoc” across the region.
UN Security Council to vote on Hormuz military authorisation
The UN Security Council will on Friday vote on a proposal by Bahrain that would allow countries to use “all defensive means necessary” to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
Over 40 countries joined a virtual meeting on Thursday to discuss reopening the crucial shipping route.
Critical defence system hit amid widening conflict
The radar system, valued at around $136 million, plays a crucial role in tracking ballistic missile threats.
Its reported damage signals the expanding reach of the conflict into key US military infrastructure in the region.
Iran attack reportedly damages US radar in Saudi Arabia
A key US radar system linked to missile defence has reportedly been damaged in an Iranian strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
Satellite imagery cited in reports shows the AN/TPY-2 radar, which is part of the THAAD system, with visible structural damage, including a burnt antenna section.
Missiles launched from Iran toward Israel, says IDF
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it detected missile launches from Iran toward Israeli territory.
“Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the IDF said, confirming active interception efforts.
Netherlands signals readiness to intervene post-conflict
In contrast, the Netherlands indicated it is open to contributing militarily to ensure safe navigation in the strait, but only after hostilities end.
Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said the country is “ready to play our part,” underlining the strategic importance of the route for global energy flows.
Bulgaria opts out of Hormuz military push
Bulgaria has said it will not join any military operation aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky made the remarks during a UK-led videoconference, even as discussions continue among global powers on securing the critical shipping route.
Trump confirmed the bridge strike and warned of further action.
“The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down… Much more to follow!” he said, urging Tehran to make a deal.
Eight killed, dozens injured in Karaj bridge strike
At least eight civilians were killed and 95 others injured after US-Israeli strikes hit the B1 bridge in Karaj, according to Iranian state media Press TV.
Victims included travellers, local residents, and families outdoors for Nature Day, with the strike hitting a populated area around the infrastructure.
Iran vows to ‘defend itself using all capacities’
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran remains “resolute in defending itself against American and Israeli aggressors using all of its capacities.”
He said Iran was engaged in indirect talks with the US when the strikes began and pointed to damage to “schools,” “hospitals,” and critical infrastructure.
Over 2,000 deaths reported as war enters second month
Iranian health officials have reported that more than 2,000 people have been killed across the country since the conflict began, including women and children.
UN envoy deployed to push peace efforts
Guterres announced that his personal envoy, Jean Arnault, has been sent to support ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region.
GCC accuses Iran of targeting civilian infrastructure
The Gulf Cooperation Council said Iran has struck airports, oil facilities, residential areas and diplomatic missions, calling it a “flagrant violation” of sovereignty.
Hormuz blockade choking global economy: UN
Guterres flagged the Strait of Hormuz crisis as a key concern, warning that disruptions are driving up energy and food prices globally.
“When the Strait of Hormuz is strangled, the world's poorest and most vulnerable cannot breathe,” he said.
UN chief warns world ‘on edge of wider war’
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the world is “on the edge of a wider war” as the conflict deepens.
He said the situation is triggering “human suffering and devastation” and warned of “indiscriminate attacks” with global consequences.
Beijing rejects escalation, counters Trump rhetoric
China said escalation would not resolve the crisis, responding to US President Donald Trump’s warning of heavy strikes.
“Military means cannot fundamentally solve any issue,” a spokesperson said.
China opposes military authorisation at UN
China’s UN envoy Fu Cong warned against legitimising military action in the Middle East.
He said such moves would “amount to legitimising the unlawful and indiscriminate use of force.”
US says diplomacy still open despite ongoing war
US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Washington remains open to talks even as military operations continue.
“The president is always open to diplomacy… but his objectives will be fulfilled,” he said.
Eight Indians killed, evacuations underway
Eight Indian nationals have died in the conflict, with one still missing.
India has evacuated 204 citizens from Iran via Azerbaijan, with more expected to return soon.
Six Indian ships safely crossed Hormuz
India confirmed that six ships have successfully crossed the strait amid the crisis, as diplomatic engagement continues.
India pushes for safe navigation in Hormuz
India reiterated its stance on ensuring free and secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is in touch with Iran and other countries to ensure safe passage for vessels carrying LPG and LNG.
Russia says Hormuz open to its ships, engages Iran
Russia said the Strait of Hormuz remains open for its vessels, even as it held talks with Iran on maritime safety.
Tehran has laid out conditions for peace, including compensation and guarantees against future attacks.
Iran warns attacks on infrastructure won’t force surrender
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said strikes on civilian structures “will not compel Iranians to surrender.”
He warned of severe global consequences if energy supplies from the region are disrupted.
US denies Iranian claim of downed fighter jet
US Central Command said all its aircraft are accounted for, dismissing Iranian claims of shooting down a jet over Qeshm Island.
US bases in region also targeted, says Iran
Iran claimed missile strikes hit US bases in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, along with key radar systems in the UAE.
Iran launches ‘Wave 91’ missile barrage on Israel
Iran’s IRGC said it launched a large-scale missile and drone attack targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa.
The strikes reportedly forced millions into shelters and targeted multiple military and infrastructure sites.
US Army chief removed in Pentagon shake-up
US Army Chief General Randy George has stepped down after being asked to retire by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The move comes amid broader tensions within the US military establishment.
Trump’s speech draws mixed reactions from Indian diplomats
Former diplomats in India said Trump’s recent address lacked major announcements, with some calling it a “damp squib.”
Others, however, pointed to ongoing talks as a possible opening for de-escalation.
US says campaign making ‘undeniable progress’
CENTCOM said Iran’s air and naval capabilities have been significantly weakened as the campaign enters its fifth week.
Israel says 50+ missile targets hit in Iran
Israeli forces said they struck more than 50 ballistic missile targets and key IRGC-linked infrastructure across Iran.
Iran hits back at ‘stone age’ threat
Iran’s UN mission said Trump’s remarks reflect “ignorance, not strength,” calling them evidence of intent to commit war crimes.