A flight transporting the coffin of the deceased Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei arrived in Mashhad, a revered city in eastern Iran, on Thursday, as reported by state media.
The official news agency IRNA broadcast footage showing the Mahan Air aircraft taxing on the runway after its landing in Khamenei’s birthplace. His remains were brought back from Iraq, where memorial services were held in the sacred cities of Najaf and Karbala.
State media released unverified video footage that depicted the plane being accompanied by at least one Iranian fighter jet during its approach.
On Thursday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that U.S. airstrikes had damaged two bridges along the route to Mashhad. Khamenei died as a result of strikes attributed to U.S. or Israeli forces on February 28, coinciding with the onset of the ongoing conflict. The week-long mourning period, which culminated in Khamenei’s interment on Thursday, was intended to be a time of decreased hostilities and diplomatic discussions.
According to Iran’s Health Ministry, recent U.S. airstrikes over the past two days have resulted in the deaths of at least 14 individuals, with an additional 78 sustaining injuries. Hossein Kermanpour, a spokesperson for the Health Ministry, shared these figures via social media, marking the first official casualty count released by the Iranian government following these attacks.
On Thursday, state media reported that at least three fatalities occurred in Khuzestan province, while a separate strike in Iranshahr claimed the life of a firefighter at an airport. These fatalities followed the loss of at least nine Iranian armed forces personnel in strikes that occurred on Wednesday. The circumstances surrounding the other reported death remained unclear.
President Trump addressed reporters aboard Air Force One, stating that Iran had reached out, suggesting that the Iranian government was eager to negotiate. On his return from the NATO summit in Turkey, he expressed uncertainty over whether Iran could be trusted to adhere to any potential agreement.
When asked about Iran’s recent attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump described the Iranian regime as “sort of crazy” and slightly “out of control,” yet indicated their strong desire for a deal.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump declared the 60-day ceasefire established with Iran in mid-June to be “over,” although he indicated a willingness for peace talks to persist.
In response to Iran’s assaults on tankers, the U.S. conducted two rounds of retaliatory strikes aimed at military targets within Iran, as stated by the Pentagon. Trump characterized the airstrikes on Wednesday as “retribution” for the attacks on commercial vessels, specifically noting the incidents involving three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the week.
He issued a warning on Truth Social, stating that if such actions were repeated, the consequences would be significantly more severe. Trump also shared several undated videos showing nighttime explosions.
Following the U.S. announcement of a second night of strikes in Iran, state television reported explosions occurring in multiple cities. The semi-official Fars News Agency, linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, noted that explosions were recorded in the southern port cities of Chabahar and Konarak, as well as the strategic Gulf city of Bushehr.
Bushehr is particularly significant, housing Iran’s only commercial nuclear power facility and being located near Kharg Island, a crucial site for Iranian oil exports.
Vice President JD Vance echoed statements made by President Trump in Milwaukee, emphasizing that the U.S. had no option but to respond militarily after Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. He remarked that Iran had been relatively compliant for a week before resuming aggressive actions.
Vance framed the situation as straightforward: if Iran continues to attack ships, the U.S. would retaliate decisively. He emphasized that the potential for military response would persist until Iran ceased its aggressive behavior and allowed safe passage for vessels.
