US media: Trump requests help from the Kurds, targeting parts of western Iran; Iran: Ready to respond to US ground operations, will "shame those American officials"

According to the latest report from CCTV News, on the evening of March 5 local time, explosions were heard consecutively in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Witnesses said the explosions came from the direction of Zayed International Airport. The UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority issued a nationwide emergency alert again, stating that given the current situation, there is a potential missile threat. Citizens should immediately seek shelter in the nearest secure building and stay away from doors, windows, and open areas, awaiting further instructions.

According to Xinhua News Agency, multiple Iranian media outlets on the 5th quoted the Iranian Martyrs and Veterans Affairs Foundation as saying that attacks by the US and Israel on Iran have resulted in 1,230 Iranian deaths.

On the 5th, Iran experienced a series of intense airstrikes across multiple regions, including multiple attacks on Tehran. According to observations by CCTV reporters, Tehran is the city most frequently targeted.

According to US media reports on the 4th, the US Central Command is requesting additional intelligence personnel from the Pentagon to support military operations against Iran that could last at least 100 days.

A document obtained by Politico shows that the US Central Command, responsible for Middle East military operations, has requested more intelligence personnel to be dispatched to its headquarters in Tampa, Florida, to support this military campaign for at least 100 days, possibly extending until September.

According to CCTV International News, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement on the afternoon of March 5, stating that during the 19th round of strikes in the “Real Commitment-4” operation that morning, weapons including the “Khoramshahr-4” missile were used, successfully breaking through Israel’s seven-layer defense system and hitting targets within Israel.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Larijani posted on social media on the 5th that Iran is prepared to respond to US ground operations.

He stated that Iran is well aware that some US officials plan to launch ground operations in Iran, but Iran is ready and will not hesitate to “shame those US officials.”

Iran Uses Heavy-Weight Missiles to Strike Israel — Warheads Weigh 1 Ton, Range Up to 2000 km

According to Xinhua News Agency, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on the 5th that they launched the “Khoramshahr-4” ultra-heavy missile carrying a 1-ton warhead to strike multiple targets in Israel.

The IRGC issued Statement No. 21, stating that in the early morning of the 5th, during the 19th wave of “Real Commitment-4” attacks targeting the US and Israel, Iran used the “Khoramshahr-4” missile with a 1-ton warhead to strike central Tel Aviv, Ben-Gurion Airport, and an air force base at the airport.

The statement said these missiles successfully broke through Israel’s multiple defenses under the escort of drone pre-attack patrols.

Fars News Agency reported that the “Khoramshahr-4” missile is approximately 13 meters long, about 1.5 meters in diameter, weighs around 30 tons, and can reach speeds of Mach 16 outside the atmosphere and Mach 8 upon re-entry. From launch to hitting targets within Israel and the US, it takes only 10 to 12 minutes, making it difficult for many missile defense systems to respond effectively.

Data shows that the “Khoramshahr-4” missile has a range of up to 2000 kilometers and can be equipped with various types of warheads.

The statement also noted that during the 18th wave of “Real Commitment-4” attacks, Iran “effectively struck” 20 US military targets located in Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE.

It further stated that Iran’s armed forces are engaged in multi-front operations, and “the strategic situation has already changed far beyond US and Israeli assessments.”

US Media: Trump Requests Kurdish Assistance for US Operations Against Iran

According to Xinhua News Agency, The Washington Post reported on the 5th that US President Donald Trump has asked the Kurds to assist with US operations in Iran, promising to provide support including air cover.

Citing multiple sources, the report said Trump spoke with Kurdish leaders in Iran and Iraq this week, promising “extensive US air support” and other assistance to help “Iranian Kurdish groups opposed to the government” take control of parts of western Iran.

A senior official from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan in Iraq said that during a call on the 1st of this month, Trump asked Iraqi Kurds to “open roads” for Iranian Kurdish armed groups in Iraq.

Additionally, Axios News reported that officials from the US, Israel, and others have revealed that armed factions from various Kurdish groups in Iran are preparing for a possible ground attack in northwest Iran, supported by Israeli and US intelligence agencies.

The report said Trump also discussed the conflict and future plans with Barzani and Talabani, leaders of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq, but both expressed reservations about participating in any ground operations against Iran.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed on the 4th that Trump had spoken with Kurdish leaders, stating the discussion was “about our bases in northern Iraq,” and denied reports that Trump had agreed to arm Kurdish forces for an attack on Iran.

Azerbaijan: Accuses Iran of “Terrorist Attack”

According to CCTV News, Azerbaijani President Aliyev convened a Security Council meeting on the 5th. During the meeting, Aliyev stated that Iran used drones to carry out a terrorist attack against Azerbaijan. He ordered the Azerbaijani armed forces to develop and implement retaliatory measures.

Aliyev demanded that Iran’s officials provide an explanation and issue an apology.

Earlier, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces General Staff issued a statement denying that Iran had launched drones at Azerbaijan. The statement emphasized that Iran respects all countries and accused Israel of attempting to frame Iran through similar means.

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the 5th, saying that the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic was attacked by drones from Iran, resulting in two injuries. Azerbaijan strongly condemned the attack.

Qatar Capital Under Missile Attack, Security Level Raised

According to CCTV News, Qatar’s Ministry of Defense issued a statement on the 5th saying the country was hit by missile attacks, and its air defense systems are intercepting missiles.

A loud explosion was heard in Doha, Qatar’s capital. The Ministry of Defense did not specify the origin of the attack.

Subsequently, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior issued a nationwide security alert, raising the security level.

The Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling on Iran to “immediately cease its irresponsible policies that undermine regional security and stability.”

Iran Says No New Supreme Leader Chosen Yet

According to Xinhua News Agency, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported on the 5th that Deputy Foreign Minister Ravanji said Iran has not yet selected a new Supreme Leader.

In an interview with US-based MSNow, Ravanji said, “After the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei, Iran established a new body composed of three members, who will be responsible for state affairs until a new Supreme Leader is elected. The election will follow Iran’s constitutional procedures and be conducted by officials elected by the people.”

When asked whether Iran is communicating directly or indirectly with the US, Ravanji stated, “We have received no messages, nor have we conveyed any to the Americans. What we communicate to the world is that we are defending ourselves and doing our best to protect our people. This war is imposed on us, and we have the right to self-defense.”

He also condemned the US and Israel for indiscriminate attacks on civilians, including students and medical personnel.

Xinhua Commentary on US and Israel’s Strikes on Iran: Abusing Force Is Like Drinking Poison to Quench Thirst

The joint military strikes by the US and Israel that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei mark a serious escalation. Less than two months after the US’s January raid on Venezuela and forced removal of President Maduro, the US has again taken extreme military action against a sovereign nation’s leader. From Latin America to the Middle East, from forced control to outright assassination, the boundaries of international order are being repeatedly broken, and the bottom line of human civilization is being openly trampled. The destructive nature of these actions warrants high vigilance from the international community.

Targeting the leaders of sovereign states with military force violates the fundamental principles established by the UN Charter and is a brutal trampling of the international legal framework built over decades. This is no longer merely a geopolitical game but involves core issues concerning the survival of international law.

Such extreme measures are extremely dangerous. A military power bypassing the UN Security Council to unilaterally judge or kill other countries’ leaders risks setting a precedent that could threaten the security of all nations with similar interests. International relations could be replaced by a law of the jungle based on force. When force becomes the primary means of resolving disputes, diplomatic negotiations and multilateral talks will be severely constrained, and the mechanisms for peaceful resolution of conflicts will be seriously weakened.

Abusing force is like drinking poison to quench thirst; it cannot solve complex international disputes and may trigger unpredictable systemic disasters. Imposing regime change often deepens hatred. History shows that the scars left by Iraq and Libya’s chaos and endless bloodshed are warnings. Today’s firebombing of Iran will only push the entire Middle East toward greater turmoil and division. Currently, the Gulf region faces a new wave of tension and spillover risks, which could impact global energy supplies and regional security.

The world must not regress into a law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak. Maintaining the international system centered on the UN and upholding the principles of the UN Charter are in the common interests of all countries. In the face of ongoing unilateral force actions that continually cross red lines, the international community should send a clear and firm message: immediately cease military operations, prevent further escalation, and resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation to restore peace and stability in the Middle East. This is not only a response to the current crisis but also a pursuit of lasting peace.

(Article source: Daily Economic News)