Iran marks Eid amid escalating regional tensions

National unity had strengthened Iran’s position while exposing divisions among its adversaries, Mojtaba Khamenei

Iran marks Eid amid escalating regional tensions
Iran marks Eid amid escalating regional tensions

Iran observed Eid on Saturday under the shadow of intensifying tensions with the United States and Israel, as reports of ongoing strikes and counter-strikes continued to emerge across the region.

The United Kingdom has agreed to grant the United States access to military bases, while Iran reportedly launched missiles toward a joint US-British facility. Explosions were also reported in Tel Aviv.

In a notable development, Washington has allowed limited exports of Iranian oil, even as discussions surfaced about deploying thousands of troops to the region.

Despite earlier dismissing the possibility of a ceasefire, US President Donald Trump later suggested on social media that Washington was considering ending military operations in the Middle East.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, stated in a written message that national unity had strengthened Iran’s position while exposing divisions among its adversaries.

He said the United States and Israel had underestimated Iran, expecting internal unrest following a short conflict an expectation he said had not materialized.

Khamenei also highlighted Pakistan’s importance, noting longstanding ties, and emphasized Iran’s desire to improve relations with regional nations despite ongoing external pressures.

British officials reported that Royal Air Force units had destroyed more than 40 Iranian drones during the conflict.

Iran also launched missiles at the joint US-British base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.

According to US media, two medium-range ballistic missiles were fired, though neither hit the target one failed mid-flight while the other was intercepted.

The US Treasury announced a temporary license allowing the sale of Iranian crude oil already loaded on ships, valid until April 19. Iranian authorities dismissed the move as a psychological tactic aimed at influencing global oil markets.

In Iraq, a fire broke out at a US base following an attack that reportedly disabled its radar systems. Earlier, American citizens had been urged to leave the country immediately.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it had launched its 67th wave of missile strikes against Israel, targeting 25 locations in Haifa and Tel Aviv using advanced missile systems. It warned of further retaliation if Iranian territory was attacked again.

Meanwhile, US forces carried out fresh strikes in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting Iranian drones and naval assets.

Airstrikes were also reported in multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Karaj, and Isfahan, according to local media.

Switzerland announced it would suspend approvals for arms exports to the United States during the conflict, citing restrictions on supplying military equipment to countries engaged in active hostilities with Iran.