As the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, US President Donald Trump stated that Washington possesses the ability to extend its military operations against Iran beyond the originally estimated four-to-five-week period.
Following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday, the United States and Israel have persisted in their attacks on Iran. In retaliation, Tehran and its regional partners have initiated assaults on Israel, nearby Gulf nations, and infrastructure vital to the global production of oil and natural gas.
The magnitude and ferocity of the interactions, along with the lack of a well-defined exit plan, have increased worries that the conflict might evolve into a long-lasting and destabilizing war.
1 Netanyahu discusses the conflict
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran might take a while but won't last for years. During an appearance on Fox News' Hannity, Netanyahu mentioned that the war could be swift and conclusive, yet emphasized that it won't be a prolonged conflict. He characterized the military effort as a chance to transform the Middle East and expressed optimism about achieving enduring peace in the area, including improved relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
2. Assault on the US embassy in Riyadh
Two drones attacked the US embassy in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, amid Iran's increased strikes against the kingdom in retaliation against the US and Israel. According to Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense, the attack resulted in a small fire and minor damage to the building. The US has issued new shelter-in-place orders for Riyadh and Jeddah, while continuing the order for Dhahran. Additionally, the State Department has advised American citizens to depart from several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia.
3. One hundred individuals lost their lives in a school in Iran.
Iran reported that over 100 individuals lost their lives following an attack on a school in the southern town of Minab. Iranian officials accused the nation's adversaries of being responsible for the assault. However, neither the United States nor Israel has acknowledged conducting any such strike. Israel stated it had no knowledge of a US or Israeli attack on an Iranian school, while Washington mentioned it was investigating the reports.
4. Passengers are stuck, although some flights have now restarted.
As the conflict escalated, travelers stuck in the region started leaving the United Arab Emirates on a few evacuation flights, despite the suspension of most commercial flights in the Middle East. Although some flights have resumed from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, widespread airspace closures and cancellations throughout the area are still affecting the travel plans of many.
5. The United States has advised its citizens to leave these countries.
The United States has advised its citizens to promptly leave over a dozen Middle Eastern nations, such as the UAE, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, and Oman, due to significant safety concerns. This warning follows an increase in missile and drone attacks throughout the area. The UAE criticized Iranian missile strikes as a severe escalation and declared the closure of its embassy in Tehran, recalling its ambassador and diplomatic personnel.
6. Explosions in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Manama, and Kuwait City
New explosions were reportedly heard in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Manama, and Kuwait City as Iran persisted with its third day of counterattacks against US-Israeli air strikes. The loud blasts across several Gulf cities highlighted the expanding geographical scope of the conflict.
7. UAE contacts Kuwait
The UAE Ministry of Defence reported that the Crown Prince of Dubai, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, engaged in phone conversations with Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence to talk about regional developments. Both parties shared perspectives on the changing situation and emphasized the significance of ongoing coordination and security collaboration.
8. India's position
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over the intensifying conflict between the US, Iran, and Israel, highlighting its significance for India. During a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Modi emphasized India's support for resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. He also communicated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging a swift end to the hostilities and reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to peace and stability.
9. The United States in conflict
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured that the strikes would not lead to a prolonged conflict, emphasizing, “This is not Iraq. This is not endless.” Nonetheless, he cautioned that there could be more American casualties in the coming weeks. President Donald Trump justified the campaign, asserting that Iran’s swiftly growing missile program represented a significant threat to US forces abroad.
10. Broader regional intensification
The air offensive by the US and Israel against Iran has expanded, as Israel launched strikes on Lebanon following Hezbollah's assaults. Meanwhile, Iran persisted in attacking Gulf nations that house US military installations, heightening concerns that the conflict might escalate into a wider regional war with no foreseeable resolution.