MUMBAI: The joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran has intensified into its ninth day, with fresh airstrikes targeting Tehran's oil storage depots and refining facilities, igniting massive explosions in the capital and neighboring Karaj. Iranian forces, reeling from the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28, continue retaliatory missile and drone barrages on Israel, US bases, and Gulf allies, despite a partial apology from President Masoud Pezeshkian for attacks on neighboring states.

The conflict erupted last week when US and Israeli forces launched preemptive strikes, decapitating Iran's leadership and crippling key military sites. US President Donald Trump has demanded "unconditional surrender" from Tehran, vowing to expand targets while ruling out involvement of Kurdish forces to avoid complications. Trump described the campaign as successful in "diminishing the Iranian military and regime," but warned the war would persist "a little while" longer.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised "many surprises" in the next phase, as Israeli jets struck fuel sites, rocking Tehran with blasts. Israel has intercepted over 110 Iranian drones since the war's onset and estimates Iran has only 100-200 missile launchers left. Meanwhile, Iran's missile launches have declined by 90%, according to US Central Command, though Tehran fired ten waves at Israel in the past 24 hours, with two striking open areas.

Iran has targeted Gulf nations, hitting Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan Airbase and Aramco oil field, the UAE with 121 drones and 16 missiles, and Qatar with ballistic strikes. A fire engulfed a Kuwait City tower amid the assaults. Pezeshkian apologized for these attacks, pledging to halt them unless the countries serve as launchpads against Iran, but hardliners insist the strategy remains unchanged. The Strait of Hormuz remains open, but Iran threatens any US or Israeli vessels.

As per several media reports, at least 1,332 have been killed, including American service members in a drone strike on Kuwait's Shuaiba port. The US has bolstered deployments of troops and jets, while Iran's clerical body nears selecting Khamenei's successor—whom Israel vows to target.

Analysts describe the Islamic Republic as fighting for survival, with its navy largely destroyed and energy infrastructure in flames. Global repercussions include maritime threats and calls from China against returning to the "law of the jungle." As strikes continue, Tehran rejects Trump's demands as a "dream," signaling no immediate end to the escalating conflict.