The Middle East conflict escalated dramatically on Sunday with a series of retaliatory strikes and significant political developments. Saudi Arabia’s civil defense reported two fatalities and twelve injuries from projectile attacks, while its defense ministry confirmed intercepting fifteen drones targeting Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter.
Political tensions intensified as U.S. President Donald Trump asserted unprecedented influence over Iran’s leadership succession, declaring that any future Iranian leader would require Washington’s approval to maintain power. This statement came amid reports that Iran’s Assembly of Experts had convened to select a potential successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel’s military immediately vowed to target any prospective successor.
Military operations expanded across multiple fronts. Tehran experienced several explosions throughout the capital, with smoke lingering over the skyline following overnight strikes on oil depots. Israel confirmed striking what it identified as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards ‘space force headquarters’ in Tehran. Meanwhile, Israeli warplanes targeted the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese state media.
Casualty reports mounted as Lebanon’s health minister revealed 394 deaths from Israeli strikes over the past week, including 83 children and 42 women. Israel reported its first military casualties in southern Lebanon, with two soldiers killed in fighting against Hezbollah. Additional explosions were reported in Abu Dhabi and Iran’s Yazd province.
Diplomatic efforts continued as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Trump held a phone conversation regarding the conflict, following days of public disagreements. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi firmly rejected U.S. interference in Iran’s domestic affairs, demanding an apology from Trump for ‘killings and destruction’ in the region. The Arab League condemned Iran’s attacks on member states as ‘reckless’ strategic errors.
Humanitarian concerns grew as three Indonesian crew members remained missing after their UAE-flagged vessel sank in the Strait of Hormuz following a blast. Meanwhile, over 100 Iranians were evacuated from Beirut overnight aboard a Russian aircraft.