U.S. Hits Pro-Government Quds Day Demonstration in Tehran

A large explosion struck Tehran during the pro-government Quds Day demonstration held to show support for Palestinians, as Iranian state television reported thousands chanting “death to Israel” and “death to America.”

U.S. President Donald Trump posted a threatening message on Truth Social claiming: “They’ve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them.”

KSAT

The blast occurred amid mass public attendance at the annual event and was reported alongside escalating U.S.-Iran tensions.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said more than 15,000 enemy targets have been struck.

An American KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq killing all six crew members, bringing the U.S. death toll in Operation Epic Fury to at least 13 service members.

The Malta Independent

About 140 U.S. service members have been injured, the Pentagon said, and the crash remains under investigation.

Brent crude remained above $100 per barrel amid reporting that Iran retained a stranglehold on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts warned the war’s effect on Gulf exports could destabilize the global economy.

U.S. officials said they were monitoring maritime security and that escorting ships through the strait remained an available option if needed.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged for “a convincing plan on how this war can come to an end,” describing a “dangerous escalation.”

Iran’s parliament speaker warned that attacks on southern islands would provoke heightened retaliation.

KSAT

President Trump said the conflict would end “when I feel it in my bones” and declined to rule out future operations to seize Iranian assets, calling questions about Kharg Island “foolish.”