Day 8-9 of the war in Iran: Israel struck oil depots in Tehran, Pezeshkian apologized to neighbors, and Trump honored fallen soldiers

The war between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other has entered its ninth night since operations began on February 28. During days 8 and 9, the conflict expanded to a new level – Israel began bombing oil infrastructure in Tehran, the Iranian president apologized to neighbors for attacks on their territory, and President Trump honored six fallen American soldiers.

New phase: Oil infrastructure under fire

The Israeli military announced on Saturday evening the start of a new phase of operations targeting oil depots and refineries in Tehran. Fuel facilities that supplied both military and civilian entities were hit by massive airstrikes. Massive columns of black smoke rose over northeastern Tehran, visible in satellite imagery. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), more than 3,000 targets in Iran have been struck since the start of the war, and 43 Iranian warships have been destroyed. Al Jazeera ↗

Pezeshkian apologized to neighbors – the IRGC rejected it

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered an unexpected televised address on Saturday, in which he apologized to neighboring Gulf countries for Iranian attacks on their territory. He pledged that Iran would stop attacks on its neighbors as long as attacks against Iran were not launched from their territory. However, just a few hours after his address, explosions struck Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Al Jazeera ↗

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, led by Ahmad Vahidi, issued its own statement in which it respected the sovereignty of neighboring countries but warned that all US and Israeli military bases and interests in the region remain legitimate targets. According to analysts, Pezeshkian has no authority over military decisions – those are made by the IRGC. CNN ↗

Iran claimed it had captured American soldiers – Pentagon denied it

Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, claimed on Saturday that several American soldiers had been captured since the start of the war and that the US was disguising these captures as combat casualties. The Pentagon immediately rejected these claims. A CENTCOM spokesperson called the Iranian statements lies and disinformation. Al Jazeera ↗

Trump honored fallen soldiers in Dover

President Trump attended the dignified transfer of six fallen soldiers at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Saturday. The soldiers from the 103rd Army Reserve Sustainment Command from Iowa died on March 1 in an Iranian drone attack on the port in Kuwait. Trump saluted as the caskets were carried from a C-17 aircraft. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, and First Lady Melania Trump also attended the ceremony. CNN ↗

Iran struck a desalination plant in Bahrain

An Iranian drone attack caused material damage to a water desalination plant in Bahrain, confirmed by Bahrain's Interior Minister. The UAE president declared readiness to face threats. Kuwait announced a reduction in oil production. Saudi Arabia intercepted several drones near Riyadh. Al Jazeera ↗

Overall toll and cost of the war

After nine days of fighting, the overall casualty toll is as follows: at least 1,332 civilians killed in Iran, more than 217 people in Lebanon, 11 in Israel, and 6 American soldiers. According to the US Center for Strategic and International Studies, the first four days of operations cost $3.7 billion, representing approximately $891 million per day. The White House indicated that the campaign could last 4 to 6 weeks. Al Jazeera ↗

Netanyahu announced a plan to destabilize the regime

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Saturday evening that Israel has an organized plan with many surprises to destabilize the Iranian regime and enable a change in its nature. He directly threatened members of the elite Revolutionary Guards and stated that the military operation with the US would create conditions for the Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands. Al Jazeera ↗

Trump, meanwhile, declared that the war would end only when Iranian leaders begged for mercy. Iran, on the other hand, threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz, and its deputy foreign minister warned that Europe would become a legitimate target if it becomes involved in the conflict.