Iran Supreme Leader Unconscious as Israeli Strike Hits Railway Bridge, Kills 2

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has been rendered unconscious and is receiving emergency medical care in the holy city of Qom, according to intelligence assessments cited by The Times, even as an Israeli airstrike on a railway bridge in central Iran killed two persons.

The attack on the Yahya Abad railway bridge in Kashan, confirmed by Iran's Mehr News Agency, came hours after the Israel Defense Forces issued a public warning urging Iranian civilians to avoid train travel across the country until 21:00 local time.

Leader Incapacitated in Qom

The intelligence assessment, shared with Gulf allies through a diplomatic memo, indicates Khamenei is in "severe condition" and unable to participate in any regime decision-making. The Times report suggests the new supreme leader may be incapable of carrying out his leadership duties, plunging Iran's political hierarchy into uncertainty at a critical juncture.

Medical teams are attending to Khamenei in Qom, though Iranian authorities have yet to issue an official statement on his condition.

Bridge Strike Kills Two

The Israeli strike targeted the Yahya Abad railway bridge in Kashan, located in central Iran's Isfahan province. The deputy governor of Isfahan confirmed to Mehr News Agency that two people lost their lives in the attack.

Israeli military's Farsi-language social media account had earlier warned civilians to stay away from railway lines, stating that being near trains could endanger lives. The warning remained in effect until 9 pm local time.

Rail Services Suspended

Following the Israeli warning, authorities in Mashhad announced immediate suspension of all rail services departing from the city's central railway station. The cancellation, described as a precautionary measure, will remain "until further notice," according to Mehr news agency.

Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage has sent an official letter to UNESCO's Director-General, calling on the UN agency to condemn Israel's threat to attack the country's railway system.

Oil Prices Hit Record High

Crude oil prices surged nearly 3 per cent to a record ₹10,888 per barrel in futures trade on the Multi Commodity Exchange. The April contract jumped ₹300, or 2.83 per cent, while May contract touched a fresh high of ₹9,485 per barrel.

The spike reflects growing market anxiety as US President Donald Trump's Tuesday deadline approaches for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on civilian infrastructure including power plants and bridges.

Regional Spillover Intensifies

The UAE confirmed its air defences are responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting at least 18 drones and seven ballistic missiles, with debris falling near power facilities.

Meanwhile, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson warned the window for diplomatic resolution is rapidly closing. "We are close to the point where the situation in the region could spiral out of control," Majed al-Ansary told Reuters.

Death Toll Rises Across Iran

Local media reports indicate at least 15 people have been killed in overnight US-Israeli strikes across Iran. Six bodies were recovered from rubble in Pardis city east of Tehran, while nine were killed in a strike targeting a residential neighbourhood in Shahriar, west of Tehran province.

The Iranian Red Crescent condemned attacks on 17 civilian areas, stating there is "no justification for attacking civilians" and calling such actions war crimes under international humanitarian law.

What Next

The UN Security Council is scheduled to vote on a resolution addressing Iran's threats to the Strait of Hormuz at 15:00 GMT, hours before Trump's deadline. Iran continues to demand not just a ceasefire but a complete end to the war, along with removal of economic sanctions and a new arrangement for the strategic waterway. With the supreme leader incapacitated and military confrontation escalating, the region braces for further developments as the Tuesday deadline approaches.