US Strikes Iranian Military Targets After Deadline Missed

Reports indicate the US has initiated strikes on Iranian military bases, despite a missed deadline for Iran's response to proposals.

Foreign news agencies report that on April 7th, US forces attacked military targets on Kharg Island, Iran, on Monday night local time.

The US confirmed the strikes were aimed at military targets, not oil facilities, and were not the full-scale attack previously threatened.

A recap of a prior US attack on March 13th, which targeted 90 significant sites including naval mine depots and missile storage.

The strategic significance of Kharg Island as Iran's primary oil export hub, handling approximately 1 million barrels daily, is explained.

President Trump's strong rhetoric is highlighted, including a warning of Iranian civilization's potential annihilation and the end of corruption.

Reactions from US Democrats are presented, with some condemning Trump's threats as potential war crimes.

Pope Francis has condemned Trump's threats to destroy Iranian civilization and revert the country to a primitive state.

An attack on the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, on April 7th is discussed, with speculation of Iran-backed involvement.

Details of the Istanbul attack emerge: three assailants, a shootout with security, one assailant killed, two injured, and two police officers wounded.

Many believe the Istanbul attack was carried out by Iran-backed groups, fulfilling Iran's prior threats against US allies.

Iran's President Rouhani has mobilized citizens, including youth, athletes, and celebrities, to form human shields around critical infrastructure.

Large numbers of Iranians have gathered to form human shields around bridges and power plants, expressing readiness to sacrifice their lives.

A proposal by Iran to charge $2 million per oil tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz is mentioned as a point of contention.

International calls for de-escalation are noted, with Pakistan's Prime Minister urging Trump to extend the deadline for diplomatic efforts.

Analysts find Trump's shifting justifications for action against Iran unpredictable, moving from nuclear concerns to regime change and resource seizure.

The report emphasizes that the escalating tensions have global implications, including potential impacts on energy prices in Thailand.