US Threatens Deeper Strikes Into Iran As Israel Strikes Tehran, Targets Hezbollah Infrastructure

US officials signalled a threat of deeper military strikes into Iran while allied operations against Tehran and Hezbollah intensified, and Pentagon leadership held repeated briefings as the campaign continued.

“• Widening conflict: Israel said it was launching strikes across Tehran as well as against what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut”

CNN

CNN reported that “Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine are holding a briefing at the Pentagon, the second since military action against Iran began,” and described wider US-Israeli military action, noting German concerns about the strategy and references to “US-Israeli strikes on Iran.”

CNN

The network also documented immediate domestic effects inside Iran, including the postponement of the mourning ceremony for the country’s slain supreme leader and a prolonged nationwide internet blackout as the conflict entered its fifth day.

NATO and regional actors reported missile activity and interceptions as the conflict risked widening across neighbouring states.

CNN relayed a Turkish statement that “NATO air defense systems shot down an Iranian missile that was traveling towards Turkey’s airspace,” with NATO condemning “Iran’s targeting” of Turkey, and Turkey’s foreign minister raising concerns directly with Tehran.

CNN

The network framed the interception as a notable escalation and the first such NATO engagement since the recent outbreak of hostilities.

Israel expanded operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, advising civilians to evacuate as diplomatic warnings and retaliatory threats circulated across the region.

“• Widening conflict: Israel said it was launching strikes across Tehran as well as against what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut”

CNN

CNN reported that “The Israeli military has advised residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate as it expands its operations against Hezbollah,” while Iran warned it would “widen retaliatory strikes if its diplomats are attacked in Lebanon.”

The report also noted related incidents and disruptions beyond the battlefield, including a Sri Lanka navy account that “An Iranian ship has sunk off Sri Lanka’s coastline” and the continuing Iranian internet blackout.

In Washington and among maritime experts, proposed responses to Iranian threats drew skepticism while the US signalled willingness to protect shipping and supply lines.

CNN quoted President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post that he had ordered the US Development Finance Corporation to provide guarantees and that “If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible.”

CNN

Analysts and shipping groups expressed doubts: CNN relayed Amena Bakr of Kpler saying “Our experts don’t think Trump’s vessel escort idea will work,” and BIMCO warning that providing protection for all tankers in threatened areas would be “unrealistic.”

Iran’s internal political future and strategic posture were highlighted as analysts saw continuity and an intent to raise costs on adversaries.

“• Widening conflict: Israel said it was launching strikes across Tehran as well as against what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut”

CNN

CNN explained that “In the coming days, a body of 88 senior clerics, known as the Assembly of Experts, will select a successor for Iran’s slain Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,” with “speculation ... that the position will be filled by his second son, Mojtaba Khamenei.”

CNN

Carnegie’s Maha Yahya told CNN “The regime is still holding together and we see that,” and warned that a Mojtaba appointment would signal continuity and a harder line; she added that “Iran’s strategy … has been to really increase the cost on everyone” by targeting energy and civilian infrastructure.