Iran war: Know what is happening on Day 6 of US–Israel offensive on Iran

Day 6 of Iran-Israel-US war: The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has entered its sixth day, with the situation inside Iran worsening and tensions spreading across several parts of the Middle East, including the Gulf region, Lebanon and Iraq.

Fighting is now unfolding on multiple fronts while threats to global shipping routes and new military developments are expanding the scope of the conflict beyond Iran’s borders.

Situation inside Iran: Death toll crosses 1,000

According to Iranian state media, the death toll from five days of US and Israeli strikes has reached 1,045, while more than 6,000 persons have been injured. The attacks have reportedly targeted multiple locations across the country.

Civilian infrastructure hit

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has accused the US and Israel of striking 33 civilian sites. These reportedly include hospitals, schools, residential neighbourhoods, the Tehran Grand Bazaar and the historic Golestan Palace complex in Tehran.

Debate Over Next Supreme Leader

Amid the escalating crisis, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is being viewed as a leading contender to take over the country’s top leadership position. Analysts say he has spent years building influence within Iran’s political establishment and maintaining strong ties with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

War expands beyond Iran: US submarine sinks Iranian warship

In a significant escalation, a US submarine reportedly sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean off the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s navy said 87 bodies were recovered from the wreckage while 32 sailors were rescued.

Kurdish groups launch ground offensive

There are increasing reports that Kurdish-Iranian armed groups have started a ground offensive in northwest Iran against the Islamic government. Meanwhile, Kurdish forces in northern Iraq are reportedly on standby after US officials asked Iraqi Kurdish leaders to assist in cross-border operations.

Strait of Hormuz closure raises global concerns

On Wednesday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route for oil. Iran has warned it may target vessels passing through the strategic waterway, causing maritime traffic in the area to slow dramatically and raising fears of disruptions to global oil supplies.

Diplomatic fallout: Iran praises Spain

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praised Spain for refusing to allow US forces to use Spanish military bases for operations linked to the war. However, US President Donald Trump reportedly threatened to halt all trade with Spain in response.

Rising tensions in Gulf countries

Saudi Arabia

US Secretary of State held talks with the Saudi foreign minister about threats posed by Iran. Saudi authorities also condemned an Iranian drone attack targeting the US Embassy in Riyadh.

Qatar

The government of Qatar has begun evacuating residents living near the US Embassy in Doha as a precautionary measure. Qatar’s foreign minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani also contacted Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, urging an immediate halt to the attacks.

Explosion near Kuwait tanker

An explosion was reported near a tanker located about 30 nautical miles southeast of Mubarak Al‑Kabeer Port in Kuwait.

Israel intensifies military operations

The Israeli military announced a new wave of strikes targeting military infrastructure in Tehran.

According to US and Western officials, the joint campaign has destroyed a significant portion of Iran’s military capabilities, allowing US and Israeli fighter jets to operate over Iranian territory with minimal resistance.

Inside Israel, the military has slightly eased wartime restrictions, shifting public activity guidelines from “essential” to “limited.”

Political debate in the US 

US Senate Vote

The United States Senate voted 53-47 against requiring the Trump administration to seek Congressional approval for continuing the war. The decision effectively blocked a bipartisan War Powers resolution.

Public support remains low

A poll conducted by Reuters and Ipsos showed that only about 25% of Americans support the military action, while 43% oppose it.

White House justifies military action

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration’s goal is to eliminate Iran’s nuclear ambitions and destroy its naval power.

President Donald Trump claimed Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon, saying the strikes were necessary to prevent that outcome.

Rising tensions in Lebanon and Iraq

Lebanon

The conflict is intensifying in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have carried out attacks in Beirut and Khiam, while exchanging heavy fire with the militant group Hezbollah.

Iraq

A drone strike hit a building near Erbil International Airport in northern Iraq, further heightening tensions in the region.

Missile intercepted over Turkiye

NATO air defence systems intercepted and destroyed an Iranian ballistic missile that had entered the airspace of Turkiye in the eastern Mediterranean region.

Retired US general Mark Kimmitt said the missile launch appeared to be a deliberate attempt to fire into a country not directly involved in the Gulf conflict.

China calls for immediate ceasefire

China has urged an immediate halt to military operations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi raised the issue during a phone call with his Israeli counterpart, calling for restraint and de-escalation.