Azerbaijan on Thursday accused Iran of launching two drones into its territory, an incident that reportedly injured two people. The Azerbaijani government responded strongly and summoned the Iranian ambassador to lodge a formal protest.

According to Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, one drone crashed at an airport in Nakhchivan, an autonomous region located near the Iranian border. Another drone reportedly fell close to a school in the same area.

In an official statement, Azerbaijan condemned the incident and demanded clarification from Tehran. The ministry also warned that the country reserved the right to take "appropriate response measures" if necessary.

Israel Plans Extended Military Campaign

At the same time, tensions in the region continue to rise as Israel intensifies its military operations against Iran. Reports indicate that the Israeli military plans to continue its offensive for at least one to two more weeks.

The campaign aims to strike thousands of additional targets linked to Iran’s government and military infrastructure.

The offensive began with a large-scale bombing campaign. By Wednesday, the Israeli Air Force reported that it had dropped more than 5,000 bombs on targets across Iran since the conflict began, according to a report by Times of Israel.

Explosions Reported in Bandar Abbas

Heavy explosions were reported on Thursday in Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas. According to reports, the blasts occurred near Bandar-e Bahonar in the First Naval Zone of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The area lies close to the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital oil shipping routes.

Fresh Overnight Strikes Across Iran

Iran also reported a new wave of strikes beginning around midnight. Loud explosions were heard in eastern Tehran, and shockwaves were felt in several parts of the capital. However, officials did not immediately confirm the specific targets of the attacks.

Overnight strikes were also reported in several Kurdish cities, including Sanandaj, Saqqez and Bukan.

Iranian authorities say that since Saturday, attacks have affected more than 150 cities across the country.

Iran Launches New Missile Attacks

Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had launched the 19th wave of retaliatory attacks against Israel and US bases in the region, according to Al Jazeera.

On Thursday, Iran fired another round of missiles toward Israel. The launches triggered air raid alerts in multiple areas, including Tel Aviv. However, there were no immediate reports of casualties.

The Israeli military said the missile launches came after a pause of more than seven hours in hostilities.

“The Israeli Air Force has identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel,” the military said, adding that air defence systems were working to intercept them.

Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB also confirmed the missile launches.

Trump Says Iran Is ‘Out of Control’

US President Donald Trump described Iran as a country “out of control.” He said the pre-emptive strikes were intended to prevent Tehran from launching attacks on Israel first.

Trump added that Washington now holds a strong strategic position against Iran and warned that those who attempt to become leaders in the country “end up being dead.”

Meanwhile, US officials said American forces had destroyed more than 20 Iranian naval vessels during the ongoing operations. The destroyed assets reportedly included one of Iran’s most advanced submarines. White House spokesperson Leavitt confirmed the development during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Iran Reports Heavy Casualties

Iranian state media reported that more than 1,000 people have been killed since Israeli and US strikes began last weekend.

The casualties reportedly include Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, several members of his family, and other senior Iranian leaders who were killed during joint attacks after diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran collapsed.

Iran Says It Was Forced to Defend Itself

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran had tried to pursue diplomacy to prevent war. However, he claimed Iran was forced to respond after what he described as “American-Zionist military aggression.”

While speaking with leaders from neighbouring Gulf countries, Pezeshkian emphasised that Iran respects the sovereignty of regional states. He also said lasting security in the region should be achieved through cooperation among neighbouring countries rather than through military confrontation.