Tensions in the Middle East are continuing to escalate as Iran and U.S.-backed Israeli forces exchange strikes for a sixth consecutive day, with Tehran reporting mounting civilian casualties and warning it is prepared for a prolonged war.

AnewZ was granted access to the site of buildings destroyed in Israeli–U.S. air strikes on Tehran, although ongoing attacks in the area prevented journalists from reaching the exact location of the blast.

The conflict entered its sixth day on Thursday, with both sides intensifying their exchange of attacks - both militarily and in their rhetoric.

Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani, claimed that Iranian strikes had killed 500 U.S. troops. Speaking in Tehran, he said the Islamic Republic was prepared for a prolonged conflict.

“Unlike the United States, Iran is ready to fight a long war,” he said, warning that Tehran would continue its military response.

Death toll rising

Meanwhile, the Iranian Martyrs Foundation said civilian casualties had surpassed 1,000 since the start of the conflict. According to the organisation, around 200 of those killed were schoolgirls who died when their school building was bombed earlier in the week.

The escalation came as Iran prepared for the burial of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, who was killed last Saturday on the first day of the war. Authorities said funeral preparations were under way in Tehran.

At the same time, Iran’s provisional leadership council continued meetings to determine the procedures for a national vote that will help shape the country’s political leadership in the aftermath of the attack.

President Masoud Pezeshkian, one of three members of the interim council, also issued a message to leaders of regional countries that host U.S. military bases.

In the statement, he said Tehran respected the sovereignty of those nations but insisted Iran had been forced to respond.

“Iran had no option but to retaliate in self-defence after it was attacked from these bases,” the president said.

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