The escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has entered a dangerous new phase as military strikes and political tensions continue to grow across the region.
US President Donald Trump said in an interview that he wants Washington to play a role in selecting Iran’s next leader rejecting the idea of Mojtaba Khamenei the son of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei taking power. Trump stated that the US prefers a leader who can bring harmony and peace to Iran.
Meanwhile missile strikes reportedly hit two schools in the town of Parand near Tehran days after a deadly attack on a girls school in Minab that killed more than 160 students and staff according to reports from Iranian sources.
Iran has retaliated with drone attacks targeting US military facilities including bases in Kuwait and the Kurdish city of Erbil in Iraq. Casualties have been reported across several countries as the conflict spreads.
The fighting has also spilled into neighboring states. Authorities in Azerbaijan said Iranian drones entered the Nakhchivan region injuring civilians and prompting diplomatic protests.
Analysts warn that without urgent de escalation the widening conflict could destabilize much of the Middle East and draw more countries into the crisis.

