Tehran/Washington/Tel Aviv, 05 March (H.S.): US President Donald Trump expressed satisfaction with the ongoing joint US-Israel military campaign against Iran, ominously warning that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's presumed successor could also be targeted as operations escalate.

Israel struck a major Iranian naval base near Bandar Abbas, with powerful explosions reported close to the IRGC's First Naval Zone at Bandar-e-Bahonar—strategically positioned near the Strait of Hormuz. The IDF confirmed a large operation damaging key Iranian military security headquarters.

An anonymous IRGC Navy commander vowed to target American, British vessels, and any ships carrying Israeli goods in the Persian Gulf, regardless of flag. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned a US attack sinking an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka, posting on X: America committed tyranny 2,000 miles from our shores. Mark my words—they will regret this deeply.

Trump thanked NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on social media, sharing reports of broad allied support for the campaign. Notable casualties include Supreme Leader Khamenei and family members, plus key military figures; 56-year-old Shia cleric Mojtaba Khamenei—his leading heir backed by IRGC—is rumored to have assumed leadership, though Iran denies official confirmation.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar