Antiaircraft defense systems were activated last night to counter small planes and drones in the sky over Tehran, according to Iranian media reports. The antiaircraft defense systems were activated “to counter small drones and reconnaissance drones.”
“The noise of the antiaircraft defense stopped after about 20 minutes of activity and response against small drones,” reported Tasnim and Fars news agencies, stating that Tehran was back to a “normal situation.”
Israel announced the death of one of its soldiers “in combat” in southern Lebanon, the fourth since the ceasefire with Hezbollah on April 17th. Another soldier was injured. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel may “have to act again” against Iran to prevent it from becoming a threat to Israel again.
New Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon on Thursday resulted in at least fifteen deaths, including two children, despite the ceasefire, as reported by the Ministry of Health. The Lebanese army also reported that one of its soldiers and “several family members” were killed in a strike on their home in the Nabatiyeh region.
The US Embassy in Beirut called for a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The embassy stated, “Lebanon is at a turning point. Its people have the historic opportunity to take control of their country and shape its future as a truly sovereign and independent nation.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei described the US as suffering a “shameful defeat” in a message broadcast on state television. He mentioned a new chapter opening for the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz after the defeat.
Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian criticized the US naval blockade of Iranian ports as a “continuation of military operations.” He stated that the blockade, under the guise of a naval blockade, is intolerable.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino reaffirmed that Iran would participate in the 2026 World Cup and play its three group stage matches in the US as planned. Donald Trump approved of Iran playing on American soil.
Oil prices fell again on Thursday after an initial surge, reflecting market nervousness amid prolonged warfare in the Middle East. West Texas Intermediate fell by 1.69% to $105.07 a barrel, while Brent lost 3.41% to $114.01. Earlier in the session, it had climbed to $126.41, its highest since the start of the Ukraine war.
