Israel Threatens to Target Iran’s Next Supreme Leader as Tehran Burns After Oil Depot Strikes

The ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States intensified dramatically on Sunday as new airstrikes and missile launches were reported across the Middle East. The escalating war has raised serious concerns about regional stability, with growing fears that the conflict could expand further beyond its current scope.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a strong warning, stating that Tehran could expand its attacks against American military and strategic targets throughout the Middle East. His statement comes amid increasing tensions following multiple Israeli strikes on Iranian infrastructure and military facilities.

The conflict has already caused significant destruction and loss of life. Since the war erupted on February 28 following coordinated US–Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, the number of casualties has continued to rise across several countries in the region.

Tehran Oil Depots Targeted in Overnight Israeli Airstrikes

Late-night Israeli airstrikes targeted major fuel depots in Tehran, the capital of Iran, triggering massive explosions and widespread fires. Eyewitnesses reported seeing huge fireballs rising into the night sky, followed by thick black smoke that spread across several parts of the city.

According to Iran’s national oil distribution company, at least four employees were killed during the attack on the fuel facilities. Residents living nearby described a strong smell of burning oil and a dense haze that lingered over the city on Sunday morning.

The strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure have intensified concerns about the long-term impact of the war, particularly as oil facilities play a critical role in the country’s economy and energy supply chain.

Iran Responds With Missile and Drone Attacks Across the Region

At the same time, several Gulf nations reported fresh missile and drone launches from Iran targeting locations across the Middle East. These retaliatory attacks signal that Tehran is prepared to escalate the conflict further if the strikes on its territory continue.

Authorities in Bahrain reported that an Iranian drone struck a desalination plant, which is considered essential civilian infrastructure. The attack damaged parts of the facility and injured three people, though officials confirmed that both water and electricity supplies continued to function despite the incident.

Experts warn that attacks on critical infrastructure such as water facilities, energy plants, and transport networks could significantly worsen the humanitarian situation if the war continues.

Leadership Crisis in Iran After Death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Adding to the uncertainty surrounding the conflict, Iran is currently facing a leadership transition following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He was reportedly killed during the initial wave of joint US–Israeli airstrikes that marked the beginning of the war.

Iran’s Assembly of Experts, the powerful clerical body responsible for selecting the country’s supreme leader, has confirmed that it has reached a decision on who will replace Khamenei. However, the identity of the successor has not yet been publicly announced.

Analysts believe that the new leader will likely adopt a firm stance against Western nations, particularly the United States and its allies.

Israel Warns It Will Target Iran’s Next Supreme Leader

In a dramatic escalation of rhetoric, Israel has warned that any individual selected to replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could also become a target. Israeli military officials stated that they would pursue not only the next supreme leader but also individuals involved in selecting him.

The Israeli military specifically warned members of the Assembly of Experts that their involvement in the leadership selection process could put them at risk. According to the statement, even those planning to attend meetings related to the selection of the new leader might become potential targets.

This announcement has heightened tensions across the region and raised serious concerns about further escalation of the conflict.

Donald Trump Criticizes UK Over Delayed Support

Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump criticized the United Kingdom for what he described as delayed support for the US-led military campaign against Iran. His remarks were directed at British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that the United States did not need Britain’s support to win the conflict against Iran. He claimed that Washington had the military strength to succeed independently, even though the United Kingdom was reportedly considering sending aircraft carriers to the Middle East.

Trump’s comments have added another political dimension to the already complex conflict, highlighting disagreements among Western allies regarding the scale and strategy of their involvement.

Rising Fears of a Wider Middle East War

As airstrikes, missile launches, and drone attacks continue across multiple countries, fears are growing that the conflict could spread further throughout the Middle East. Military analysts warn that involvement from additional nations could transform the confrontation into a much larger regional war.

With casualties rising and leadership uncertainty in Iran, there is currently little indication that the conflict will end soon. The situation remains highly volatile, and global leaders are closely monitoring developments as diplomatic efforts struggle to keep pace with the rapidly escalating military actions.

For now, the Middle East remains on edge as the war between Iran, Israel, and their allies continues to unfold with no clear resolution in sight.