Iran War Enters Day 7: US-Israel Hammer Missile Bases; Trump Demands Veto on Tehran’s Next Supreme Leader
By State Correspondents News Desk | March 6, 2026 |
The US-Israel alliance unleashed a fresh barrage of airstrikes on Iranian missile facilities and nuclear-linked sites on Day 7 of the escalating conflict, as President Donald Trump boldly asserted America’s right to influence the selection of Iran’s next supreme leader following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s demise. Strikes have neutralized over 300 Iranian missile launchers and degraded air defenses, prompting Iranian retaliation across the Gulf targeting US bases in Qatar, UAE, and beyond. Casualties surpass 1,300 in Iran alone, with oil prices spiking 20% amid fears of prolonged war.
Timeline of Intensifying Strikes
Conflict ignited on February 28 with Israeli daylight raids on Tehran, backed by US forces, aimed at preempting nuclear threats. Iran countered with barrages on Israel and US assets, expanding to Gulf states. By March 6, Israeli jets conducted 1,600 sorties, dropping 4,000 munitions—double prior wars—hitting bases like Imam Sajjad southwest of Tehran and sites near Kermanshah. US Central Command deploys 50,000 troops, carriers, and bombers.
Iran’s responses waned from 20 barrages on Day 1 to six by March 3, reflecting launcher losses (70% destroyed). Drones targeted Tel Aviv; cluster warheads intercepted. Lebanon sees parallel IDF operations against Hezbollah, displacing 30,000.
Trump’s Bombshell on Iranian Succession
In Axios and Reuters interviews, Trump dismissed Mojtaba Khamenei as successor: “He’s a lightweight. I must be involved—like in Venezuela.” Referencing Maduro’s ouster, Trump vowed against continuity of “terror sponsor” policies, signaling regime change ambitions. Iran FM Abbas Araghchi rebuffed talks: “Washington untrustworthy”.
Strikes hit Iran’s Assembly of Experts building, key to leader election, though vacant. Trump claims Iran “demolished”: navy, air force crippled.
Casualties and Humanitarian Toll
| Region | Fatalities | Injuries/Displacement | Key Incidents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iran | 1,230+ | School strike: 168 dead | Missile/nuclear sites hit |
| Lebanon | 120+ | 30,000 displaced | Beirut suburbs bombed |
| Israel | 12 | Air raid alerts | Missile interceptions |
| US | 6 soldiers | – | Drone attacks on bases |
Global Economic Ripples
Oil surges 20% to $100+/barrel; stocks plunge. Iran targets US bases in Qatar (Al Udeid), UAE (Al-Dhafra), Bahrain (Fifth Fleet), no major injuries yet. Saudi, Kuwait explosions reported. India monitors fuel stability amid imports. Azerbaijan drawn in.
Strategic Objectives and Risks
US-Israel aim: dismantle ballistic missiles before interceptor depletion. IDF claims majority air defenses gone. Iran vows persistence despite losses. Broader war risks engulf Hezbollah, Houthis; evacuations urged. Nuclear talks collapsed pre-strikes.
Reactions from Key Players
“Iran demolished—everything knocked out.” – Trump.
“No negotiations; endless strikes until victory.” – Netanyahu.
China/Russia condemn; UN calls ceasefire. India urges restraint.
Implications for India and World
India faces oil shocks, diaspora risks in Gulf. Strategic ties with Israel/US deepen; monitors Pakistan angle. Global markets volatile; refugee waves loom. Conflict tests Trump’s “America First” amid weeks-long pledge.
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