Adedokun Waliyu 
Israeli strikes have killed the intelligence chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, as the Islamic Republic defied threats from Donald Trump to devastate civilian infrastructure if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The warring sides continued their barrage of attacks, with Iranian missiles and drones targeting Israel, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Israeli strikes, in turn, hit Iran and parts of Lebanon, where it is engaged in conflict with Tehran-backed Hezbollah.
Iran warned that “much more devastating” attacks would follow if the United States carries out threats against civilian targets. Trump had earlier warned that Iran’s civilian infrastructure could be destroyed if it failed to reopen the Gulf to shipping.
Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, causing a surge in oil and gas prices and prompting countries worldwide to take measures to manage the economic impact.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, accused Trump of publicly threatening war crimes by targeting civilian infrastructure. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also stated that the strait would “never return to its former status,” particularly for the US and Israel.
The Guards confirmed that their intelligence chief, Majid Khademi, was killed in the strikes. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said the attack was in response to Iranian strikes on civilian areas, describing Khademi as a key figure responsible for such actions.
Oil prices showed some fluctuation amid reports of a possible ceasefire. Discussions involving countries like Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey suggested a proposed 45-day ceasefire to allow for broader peace negotiations.
Badr Abdelatty confirmed ongoing diplomatic engagements, while Trump stated that Iran was close to reaching a deal. However, Iran denied participating in any negotiations with the US or Israel.
The conflict, which began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has expanded across the Middle East and placed significant strain on the global economy.
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that the entire region could descend into further chaos due to the ongoing escalation.
Recent attacks have caused casualties across the region. In Kuwait, several people were injured after a strike on a residential area. The UAE reported intercepting missile and drone attacks, while in Israel, a missile struck a residential building in Haifa, resulting in deaths and people trapped under debris.
In Iran, strikes have affected residential areas in Tehran, including disruptions to gas supply after an attack on a university. Israel also confirmed completing a series of strikes targeting sites in Tehran.
The conflict has extended to Lebanon, where Israeli forces have intensified operations against Hezbollah. Airstrikes have hit parts of Beirut, following evacuation warnings issued to residents.
