US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that military strikes against Iran could become even more intense. His warning came as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Iran would never surrender despite a fresh round of US and Israeli airstrikes.
The latest attacks caused fires at parts of Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, one of the capital’s main airports. Smoke and flames were seen rising from the area in images taken before dawn.
Israel said the latest strikes were among the largest since the air campaign began a week earlier. According to Israeli officials, the attacks targeted a military academy, an underground command centre and a missile storage facility.
Trump issued a warning through his social media platform Truth Social. “Today Iran will be hit very hard!”
He also warned that additional targets could be considered.
“Under serious consideration for complete destruction and certain death, because of Iran’s bad behaviour, are areas and groups of people that were not considered for targeting up until this moment in time.”
Iran Rejects Demand for “Unconditional Surrender”
President Pezeshkian responded with a defiant message during a speech broadcast on Iranian state television. His remarks appeared to answer Trump’s earlier demand for Iran’s “unconditional surrender”.
Iran’s enemies “must take their wish for the unconditional surrender of the Iranian people to their graves,” Pezeshkian replied.
Despite heavy bombardment over the past week, Iran demonstrated that it still has the ability to launch missiles and drones.
Missiles and Drones Target Regional Cities
Iran carried out retaliatory strikes across several parts of the Middle East on Saturday. Air raid sirens and explosions were reported in Jerusalem as well as Gulf cities including Dubai, Manama and areas near Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at an air base hosting American troops.
The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems intercepted 15 ballistic missiles and 119 drones. However, video footage showed one projectile crashing into Dubai airport, one of the busiest international travel hubs in the world.
Mobile phone footage verified by AFP showed an explosion near an airport building and aircraft parked close to a passing train.
Meanwhile, Jordan accused Iran of launching 119 missiles and drones targeting critical facilities within its territory over the past week. Military spokesperson Mustafa Hayari confirmed the attacks.
Iran Warns Gulf States but Issues Apology
Pezeshkian apologised to neighbouring Gulf countries that host major US military bases. He said Iran would only target those territories if they were used as launch points for attacks against Iran.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also claimed it fired at the oil tanker Prima while it attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway is one of the world’s most important shipping routes for global oil supplies.
Iran has effectively blocked the strait, raising concerns about global trade disruptions.
War Expands After Death of Iran’s Supreme Leader
The conflict entered its second week after joint US-Israeli airstrikes last Saturday killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. His death triggered a wider regional confrontation.
The fighting has since spread beyond Iran. Clashes have reached Lebanon and affected nearby countries such as Cyprus, Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Naval confrontations have also taken place near Sri Lanka, where US forces reportedly sank an Iranian warship.
Inside Tehran, residents say fear is growing as infrastructure damage increases and security forces expand their presence across the city.
“I don’t think anyone who hasn’t experienced war can truly understand it,” a 26-year-old teacher told AFP anonymously. “When the bombs fall, you never know where they will land.”
Rising Civilian Casualties
Iran’s health ministry reported that at least 926 civilians have been killed and about 6,000 people injured since the conflict began. However, these numbers have not been independently verified.
Meanwhile, Israel has increased its military operations in Lebanon. Airstrikes have repeatedly hit the southern suburbs of Beirut, an area strongly influenced by the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that Lebanon could face serious consequences if Hezbollah is not disarmed.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that Israeli attacks have killed at least 217 people over the past week. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned that the country could soon face a humanitarian crisis.
Global Impact of the Conflict
The war is also affecting the global economy. Stock markets around the world have fallen while oil prices have surged due to fears of prolonged instability and disruptions in energy supplies.
Trump has rejected new diplomatic talks with Tehran and repeated that the only acceptable outcome would be Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”
He also suggested that the United States could help rebuild Iran’s economy if a new leader acceptable to Washington replaces Khamenei.
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, rejected the idea. He said Iran’s leadership would be decided by its constitution and the will of its people, without outside interference.
Calls for Ceasefire Amid Rising Tensions
Although Iran has launched retaliatory attacks, its allies China and Russia have mostly stayed out of the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin urged an immediate ceasefire during a phone call with Pezeshkian, according to the Kremlin.
Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington was not concerned by reports that Russia might be sharing intelligence with Iran about US troop movements.
American Casualties in the War
The conflict has already claimed the lives of six US service members.
President Trump is expected to attend a transfer ceremony for their remains at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.