A powerful explosion struck central Tehran near Ferdowsi Square during a pro-government Quds Day rally. Thick smoke was seen rising from the area as crowds gathered near Enghelab Street for the annual demonstrations. Quds Day is an annual pro-Palestinian event held on the last Friday of Ramadan and was established in 1979 by Iran’s first Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.  

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel is “crushing” Iran and Hezbollah, mocking Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei as a “puppet of the Revolutionary Guards.” In a detailed war briefing, Netanyahu outlined the relentless Israeli strikes targeting Iranian bases, checkpoints and elite units, while signaling potential ground action against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Prime Minister highlighted his close daily communication with US President Donald Trump and emphasized swift regional campaigns aimed at blocking Iran’s nuclear ambitions, eliminating key scientists, and establishing new alliances for future generations. Meanwhile, Iran has issued threats over the Strait of Hormuz, calling for its closure and promising continued attacks on Gulf states, further escalating tensions as global oil prices soar above $100 per barrel.