Middle East Conflict Spreads To Indian Ocean, Missiles Target Qatar; Khamenei’s Mourning Ceremony Postponed

Iran: The Iran vs. US-Israel conflict has now spread to the Indian Ocean, where a US submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena. The ship was returning from India after the International Fleet Review and was in international waters.

Why did America sink the Iranian ship? 

The US Defense Secretary clearly stated that the submarine destroyed the ship with torpedoes because it thought it was safe. The incident occurred off the coast of Sri Lanka, from where 32 sailors were rescued, but 87 bodies have been recovered and around 100 are feared dead. Iran is screaming that the attack came without warning, and now American ships around the world can be targeted.

Why did two Iranian drones fall in Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan says two drones launched from Iran fell in its Nakhchivan region – one on an airport building, the other on a school. Four people were injured. Azerbaijan closed the airspace for 12 hours and threatened to give a befitting reply if it happened again. Iran denied it, saying we did not target. But now it seems that the flames of war are reaching the neighbors. NATO claimed to have successfully intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile that landed in Turkey. This shows that the conflict has now gone far beyond regional boundaries.

Is son Mojtaba becoming the new supreme leader?

Following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his funeral and condolence service were suddenly postponed – for an undisclosed reason, but rumored to be due to fear of US-Israeli attacks. There seems to be a consensus on making Khamenei's son Mojtaba Khamenei the new leader. Reports are saying that he has survived the attacks and is now preparing to take power.

What is the situation in Tehran? 

Loud explosions were heard in many areas of Tehran. Israel claimed to have heavily bombed more than 20 military targets, including missile bases, radars and bunkers. Iran's state TV was hacked, where a message from the former Shah's son Reza Pahlavi started playing for some time. So far, more than 1,230 deaths are being reported in Iran.

How is Iran's retaliation going?

Iran launches the 19th wave of 'Operation True Promise-4'. Israel and American bases (in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar) were targeted with missiles and drones. It is claimed that THAAD defense system was foiled and many radars were destroyed. Sirens sounded in Israel, people went to bunkers. There is also some claim of an attack on American aircraft carrier and destroyers also. When Israel launched heavy airstrikes in Lebanon, Hezbollah responded with drones and missiles.

What is India's stand in this matter?

India clarified that the Iranian ship that was sunk was no longer a "guest." No help was sought after the war started. But Iran claims that he came on the invitation of the Indian Navy.

This war is now spreading not just to missiles and bombs but also to the sea, neighboring countries and transfer of power. The coming days will tell how much the situation will worsen. But it is clear that now no area seems completely safe.