A wave of attacks on Iran hit the capital and northern regions overnight into Wednesday, while Iran launched what it called its “violent” operation of the war, targeting Israel, Persian Gulf states and ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
There is a growing humanitarian crisis across the region. The United Nations warns of toxic black rain, mass evacuations and disruption to life-saving supplies supply chains. And the death toll continues to rise.
Here’s what you need to know on day 12.
What are the main headings?
Condition of new supreme leader: Mojtaba Khamenei suffered a broken leg and other minor injuries in the first wave of US and Israeli attacks, a person familiar with the situation told CNN, amid rumors about his condition. Khamenei has not appeared in public or issued a written statement since being elected as Iran’s new supreme leader.
Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz: Iran attacked two ships in the Strait of Hormuz today, the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) announced. One of the vessels, the Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuri Naree, was fired upon for “ignoring warnings and persistently attempting to illegally cross the border,” the Revolutionary Guards said. Three crew members are still missing. The strait, which Iran has effectively blocked, is a vital artery for the global economy, with about a fifth of the world’s oil supplies passing through it. After the attack, oil prices rose again.
Russia-Iranian relations: Russia provides specific advice to Iran on drone tactics and helps Iran attack U.S. and Gulf targets in the Middle East, a Western intelligence official told CNN. Russia’s intelligence sharing with Iran was previously reported as general assistance with targeting. Specific tactical advice represents a new level of support.
Israeli attacks: According to the Iranian Red Crescent, Israel carried out multiple attacks on the Iranian capital on Wednesday, targeting residential areas. Israel also announced it had attacked targets in Beirut and issued another general evacuation order for residents south of the Lebanese capital. Officials told CNN that Israel is preparing for a “significant escalation” of potential attacks from Iran and Lebanon-based Hezbollah.
Iran steps up: Iran’s military announced late Wednesday that it had launched its “violent and toughest operation” since the start of the war, according to state media. The attacks targeted Israeli locations and US assets in the region. The military has also threatened to attack ports and piers across the region if its own ports are attacked.
Rising death toll: Iran accuses the United States and Israel of deliberately targeting civilians, and airstrikes have killed more than 1,300 people since the start of the conflict, according to Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations. According to the United Nations children’s agency, Israeli airstrikes have killed more than 10 children every day in Lebanon. Dozens more were killed elsewhere in the region, including by Iranian attacks. The Pentagon announced Tuesday that seven U.S. service members were killed and 140 were injured.
Mines in the Strait: The US military says it has destroyed Iranian naval vessels, including 16 minelayers, near the Strait of Hormuz. Officials earlier told CNN that the Iranian government had begun laying mines in the waterway, the world’s most important energy chokepoint, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil passes. However, US President Donald Trump said he did not believe Iran had successfully planted a mine in the strait.
Regional attacks: Arab states in the Persian Gulf are intercepting a new wave of Iranian drones and missiles early Wednesday local time. Two sources told CNN that on Tuesday, a drone believed to be Iranian-made struck a US diplomatic facility in Iraq near Baghdad airport.
Toxic black rain: The World Health Organization warns that black rain, or contaminated rain, caused by environmental pollution can pose health risks after the strike in Iran. After attacks last week on fuel depots, including in Tehran, thick black smoke billowed into the air and mixed with precipitation in the air, creating toxic rain.
Iran Soccer: Seven members of the Iranian women’s soccer team were granted humanitarian visas in Australia after applying for asylum, but one member has since changed her mind and said she wants to return home. The remaining members of the team departed Sydney late Tuesday. Meanwhile, Iran’s sports minister said the country’s national soccer team will not be able to participate in this summer’s FIFA World Cup due to the ongoing war between Iran and the tournament’s co-hosts, the United States and Israel.
US terms: The White House laid out demands for what “unconditional surrender” by Iran would look like, saying it was for President Trump to decide personally. This includes dismantling Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal to “protect” Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the White House said. He added that Trump is “not ruling out options” for war, including sending in U.S. ground forces. He told reporters that the United States has hit Iran “harder” than any country it has ever hit, but “we are not done yet.”
School strike: The Pentagon will release a report on a strike on an Iranian girls’ school that killed at least 168 children, the White House announced Tuesday. According to CNN and an analysis of evidence by experts, the U.S. military was likely involved. Video also emerged that appeared to show a US missile targeting an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval base adjacent to the school. But President Trump said he was not aware of a New York Times report that said an ongoing military investigation had at least tentatively found the United States responsible.
Issy Ronald and Hira Humayun contributed to this report.
