Washington, 6 March: Tehran and several other Iranian cities were rocked by heavy airstrikes on Friday as the United States and Israel intensified their military campaign on the seventh day of the war with Iran, in what officials described as a new phase of operations targeting the country’s military infrastructure.
Israeli forces launched a fresh wave of attacks on the Iranian capital, striking what the military called “regime infrastructure,” while the United States deployed B-2 stealth bombers to hit deeply buried ballistic-missile launch sites across the country.
Powerful explosions were reported across Tehran and other major cities including Shiraz, Qom, Isfahan and Kermanshah, sending plumes of smoke over residential neighbourhoods and government areas. Witnesses described continuous bombardment overnight, with fighter jets flying low over the capital and shockwaves felt across large parts of the city.
The United States Central Command said American forces had struck multiple Iranian military targets, saying the operation was aimed at degrading Tehran’s missile capabilities. “Iranian targets are being decimated by US forces, paving the way for continued delivery of overwhelming American military firepower,” a statement said.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the intensity of attacks could increase in the coming days. “The bombardment is about to surge dramatically,” he said, adding that additional fighter squadrons and bomber missions were being deployed to the region.
Civilian casualties mount
Humanitarian agencies say the civilian toll is rising rapidly as the conflict spreads across Iran. The Iranian Red Crescent reported that at least 1,300 people have been killed since the start of the attacks, including more than 180 children.
In the southern city of Shiraz, officials said at least 20 people were killed and dozens injured after strikes hit the Zibashahr area. Rescue teams continued to search damaged buildings for survivors.
International concern has also grown over a deadly strike on a girls’ primary school in the southern Iranian city of Minab that reportedly killed more than 170 children. US officials say an investigation is underway into whether American forces were responsible for the attack.
The United Nations human rights chief called for a swift and transparent inquiry, warning that deliberate attacks on schools could constitute a war crime.
Iran warns of retaliation
Iran’s leadership vowed to continue fighting and warned that its military would expand operations in response to the strikes.
President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran remained committed to peace but would defend its sovereignty. “We have no hesitation in defending our nation’s dignity and sovereignty,” he said in a statement, adding that mediation efforts should be directed toward those who “ignited this conflict.”
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump dismissed threats of a ground confrontation with Iran, saying Tehran had already lost much of its military capacity.
Energy markets on edge
Beyond the battlefield, the conflict is beginning to shake global energy markets. Analysts warn that further escalation could disrupt shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a key route for global oil exports.
Energy officials in the Gulf say oil prices could surge sharply if the waterway remains blocked. Qatar’s energy minister Saad al-Kaabi warned crude prices could climb to around $150 per barrel within weeks if tanker traffic is disrupted.
With both sides signalling further escalation and regional energy supplies under threat, diplomats warn the conflict could trigger wider instability across the Middle East if a ceasefire is not reached soon.
