The US and Israel's airstrikes on Iran enter the sixth day, and the funeral of Khamenei is suddenly postponed, intensifying the power struggle for succession

BlockBeats News, March 5 — The joint military operations by the U.S. and Israel against Iran have entered their sixth day, with airstrike intensity continuing to escalate. Iran reports that the U.S. torpedoed an Iranian warship near the coast of Sri Lanka, resulting in over 80 sailors killed. Iran has vowed to retaliate against the U.S. at any location.

The situation within Iran has also undergone significant changes. After the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei during the initial airstrikes, the three-day funeral and mourning events scheduled in Tehran were suddenly postponed indefinitely. According to sources, this move was partly for security reasons, fearing the gatherings could become new targets for attacks.

Previously, it was widely believed that Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, might be quickly appointed as his successor, but the postponement of the funeral has introduced uncertainty into the process of Iran’s highest authority transfer. Israel has stated that any successor continuing the current policies could become a target for strikes.

Meanwhile, Iran’s national television was hacked, broadcasting a speech by Iran’s last Shah, Reza Pahlavi. He is currently a prominent figure among Iran’s overseas opposition.

On the military front, Israel reports a reduction in the number of Iranian missile launches, but threats remain. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard claims to have attacked a U.S. oil tanker in the northern Gulf and states that it will control the Strait of Hormuz during wartime.

Analysts note that the Strait of Hormuz accounts for about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas transportation. The current conflict has already caused significant impacts on global energy and financial markets. Meanwhile, U.S. Senate Republicans vetoed a motion to limit the president’s authority to conduct military operations, effectively leaving Trump’s decision-making power over military actions against Iran largely unconstrained.