The military campaign against Iran reached its 14th day on Friday. Centcom reported that at least four crew members of a US aerial refueling tanker, which crashed in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury, were killed.
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**Live updates for Friday are below. All times are Eastern**
11:20am: All six crew members on the flight confirmed deceased
CENTCOM has confirmed that all crew members of the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker involved in yesterday’s crash in Iraq have died. This announcement follows nearly 24 hours of search and rescue efforts across the region. Authorities are looking into the cause of the incident, though the U.S. has stated it was not the result of enemy action or conflict.
Two aerial refueling tankers likely collided, potentially while supporting Operation Epic Fury, and one of the aircraft managed to return to its base despite suffering significant damage.
11:15am: Dubai under threat
Over the past two weeks, Iran has targeted several major cities in the Middle East, including a drone attack on Dubai today. These strikes seem aimed at damaging Middle Eastern economies, with Iran announcing a focus on economic institutions and banks connected to Western nations.
Damage was reported in Dubai’s financial district on Friday, particularly at the Dubai International Financial Center, where authorities indicated that damage from falling debris occurred after an incoming drone was intercepted. Notably, the UAE government has reported intercepting over 1,500 drones and 300 missiles in the last fortnight.
According to reports, firms like Citibank, Deloitte, and PricewaterhouseCoopers have begun shutting down offices and evacuating staff from the financial area.
British nationals face dual risks in Dubai, as one individual was detained by UAE authorities for filming the Iranian attacks on his phone. The 60-year-old man is charged under the Cybercrime Act for sharing materials that could compromise public safety. This incident is reminiscent of situations in Ukraine, where posting footage of airstrikes on social media provided intelligence to opposing forces.
A BBC commentator noted that the UAE is tightening restrictions on photography during air raids, probably to uphold a perception of safety for tourists.
In response to the escalating tensions, the British Embassy in the UAE urged British citizens in the country to comply with local laws and avoid sharing images of Iranian missile attacks.
7:45am: Iran’s leader makes a rare appearance
It’s probably no surprise that high-ranking officials in the Iranian government have been largely absent over the past weeks. Some have even mockingly referred to the new supreme leader as “Cardboard Carmani” due to the lack of public engagement since his appointment.
However, a rally took place in Tehran this morning, attended by several regime officials including Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other prominent figures. This march was held in anticipation of Quds Day, an annual event that calls for the destruction of Israel. Historically celebrated in London, authorities have banned protests this year, threatening arrests for any anti-Israel demonstrators due to potential violence risks.
Yet, static demonstrations are not legally restricted in the UK, so Quds organizers have announced plans for a rally on Sunday. In an attempt to contain the situation, police have instructed both pro-Israel and anti-Israel protesters to gather on opposite sides of the Thames.
7:30am: Four confirmed dead in Stratotanker collision
Sad news emerged this morning from CENTCOM, confirming that four out of the six crew members of the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker that crashed in Iraq yesterday have died. Efforts continue to locate the remaining crew members. The second aircraft involved in the collision reportedly managed to return home despite sustaining serious damage.
For live updates from Thursday onward, please check here.
