Day 5 of War on Iran: What We Know So Far

War enters its fifth day: Israel has launched what it called a “broad wave” of new strikes across Iran, while also targeting Hezbollah positions in Beirut as the regional conflict widens. 

Nearly 2,000 targets struck: The U.S. military says it has hit almost 2,000 targets in Iran since the joint U.S.–Israeli bombing campaign began. Iran has retaliated with more than 500 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 drones fired toward Israel and U.S. interests in the region.

‘Overwhelming’ strikes expected: Senior Trump administration officials told lawmakers in classified briefings that a larger wave of strikes against Iran could take place in the coming days, as attacks again rocked Tehran targeting Iranian security forces.

Rising regional death toll: More than 1,000 people have been killed in Iran since the strikes began, according to the Iranian Red Crescent, while 11 people have died in Israel during Iranian missile attacks. 

U.S. casualties confirmed: The U.S. government has identified four of the six American service members killed in a drone attack on a port facility in Kuwait.

Iran expands retaliation: Iranian attacks have struck U.S. bases, travel hubs and oil facilities across the Gulf, including sites in Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, raising fears of a wider regional war. 

Missile intercepted near Turkey: NATO air defenses shot down a ballistic missile headed toward Turkish airspace, and the alliance condemned what it called Iran’s “indiscriminate attacks across the region.”

Iranian leadership crisis: Iranian clerics are moving to select a successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed earlier in the strikes. His son Mojtaba Khamenei has emerged as a leading contender. 

Funeral plans delayed: Iranian authorities have postponed public mourning ceremonies for Khamenei amid the ongoing bombardment and security concerns. 

Iranian vessel sunk: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a U.S. submarine torpedoed an Iranian ship in the Indian Ocean, the first time a submarine has sunk a vessel in combat since World War II. 

Strait of Hormuz tensions: President Donald Trump said the U.S. Navy may escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if needed to protect global energy shipments. Iran says it has “complete control” of the strategic waterway, where threats to shipping have already disrupted traffic and pushed oil prices higher. 

Trump signals possible talks: Trump said new Iranian leaders have expressed interest in talks with the United States, though he warned the worst outcome would be if another leader as hostile as the previous regime takes power.

Trump criticizes UK stance: The president also criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for declining to join the strikes, saying, “This is not Churchill we’re dealing with.”

UK boosts military presence: Britain has deployed a warship and anti-drone helicopters to Cyprus after an RAF facility was struck earlier this week.

U.S. access to UK facilities: The British government has authorized American forces to use UK bases for certain defensive operations tied to the conflict.

Evacuations underway: The U.S. State Department is urging Americans to leave multiple countries across the Middle East immediately as the war with Iran widens and regional tensions escalate.

Late Monday, officials advised U.S. citizens to “depart now” using available commercial transportation from countries including Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, citing serious safety risks.

The UK has chartered a commercial flight from Muscat, Oman, for British nationals seeking to leave the Middle East, with priority given to the most vulnerable passengers.