'If they rise, they rise': Trump rules out ground invasion of Iran as war enters day 7 with over 30 Iranian ships sunk

US President says focusing on air campaign as Tehran claims attacks across 12 nations including Israel; India gets 30-day waiver for Russian oil purchases amid Gulf turmoil

The intensifying US-Israel Iran war completed its seventh day on Friday with dramatic new developments as Tehran launched retaliatory strikes across a dozen countries while Washington confirmed sinking more than 30 Iranian vessels and ruled out any ground invasion.

US President Donald Trump dismissed the possibility of sending American troops into Iran, calling a ground campaign "a waste of time" in an interview with NBC News. "They've lost everything. They've lost their Navy. They've lost everything they can lose," Trump said, as the US military reported destroying a significant portion of Iran's naval capabilities.

Key developments on day seven

The conflict has expanded dramatically, with Iran claiming attacks across 12 countries including Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, Syria and Azerbaijan. Saudi Arabia confirmed its air defence systems intercepted three ballistic missiles targeting the Prince Sultan Air Base early Friday.

Casualties and damage:

- Approximately 1,230 people killed in US-Israel strikes inside Iran

- Over 3,000 homes and 500 commercial centres damaged across Iran

- 14 medical and pharmaceutical centres hit in the bombardment

- Widespread power and water disruptions reported in several Iranian provinces

Israel claimed its forces destroyed around 300 Iranian missile launchers, while Iran said its strikes damaged about 20 US bases across Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE.

Trump's message to Iran on leadership transition

In a striking interview with Axios, Trump asserted that Washington must play a role in selecting Iran's next Supreme Leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US strike on February 28.

Trump specifically rejected the possibility of Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader's son, assuming the position, warning that continued hardline policies would lead to further confrontation. Iran's interim leadership council held its fourth meeting on Friday to discuss the succession process.

Energy markets in turmoil

Global crude oil prices climbed to approximately $84 per barrel as the conflict disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas shipments pass.

In a significant diplomatic move, the US Treasury Department issued a temporary 30-day waiver allowing India to continue purchasing Russian oil. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the exemption would permit Indian refiners to buy Russian crude currently stranded at sea, citing disruptions in global energy markets.

The Philippines government announced it is considering a four-day work week and energy conservation measures as rising fuel prices pressure the import-dependent economy.

Regional fallout escalates

Qatari defence forces intercepted a drone targeting the Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest US military facility in the Middle East, while Bahrain reported Iranian strikes hit a hotel and residential buildings in Manama.

Israel carried out 26 airstrikes on Beirut's Dahieh suburbs overnight, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. The IDF issued evacuation orders for approximately 500,000 residents in southern Beirut, triggering panic and mass displacement.

Meanwhile, the UK's first government-chartered evacuation flight landed at London Stansted Airport carrying British nationals from Muscat, with over 140,000 Britons registering for assistance.

International response

China is reportedly in talks with Iran to ensure safe passage for oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, as hundreds of vessels remain stranded around the critical waterway.

India expressed condolences over Khamenei's death, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signing the condolence book at Iran's New Delhi embassy. French President Emmanuel Macron called for an immediate ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, pledging military and humanitarian assistance to Lebanon.

The United States and South Korea are discussing the possible relocation of Patriot missile defence systems from the Korean Peninsula to support Middle East operations, according to South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun.