US-Israel Conflict Expands Across Gulf Region
The U.S. and Israeli air campaign against Iran intensified on Monday, widening the conflict across the Gulf region. Israel struck Lebanon in response to missile and drone attacks launched by Hezbollah, while Iran continued targeting Gulf states that host U.S. military bases.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the military operation could continue for weeks, adding that it remains unclear who is leading Iran following the targeted killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the initial phase of the joint campaign. The escalation has drawn multiple countries into the conflict, disrupted global air travel, and halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route handling roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade. Oil prices surged as a result.
The U.S. military confirmed it has struck more than 1,250 targets in Iran and destroyed 11 Iranian ships. Six U.S. service members have been killed in retaliatory attacks, all occurring during Iranian strikes on Kuwait over the weekend. In one incident, Kuwait mistakenly shot down three U.S. F-15E fighter jets amid an Iranian attack, though all six crew members ejected safely and were recovered.
Israel warned of further imminent strikes in Lebanon and confirmed attacks on the compound housing Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB in Tehran. Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv as air defense systems intercepted incoming Iranian missiles. Early Tuesday, two drones struck the U.S. embassy in Riyadh, causing minor damage and a fire, according to Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry.
The conflict opened a new front when Lebanon’s Hezbollah launched missiles and drones toward Israel. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes in southern Beirut, resulting in at least 31 deaths and 149 injuries, according to Lebanon’s state news agency.
The U.S. State Department urged Americans to leave more than a dozen countries in the region, although widespread airspace closures have complicated evacuations. Turkey, Russia, and China condemned the military action, calling it a violation of international law.
Trump stated that the operation aimed to counter Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, though Iran denied pursuing nuclear weapons and described the U.S. assault as unprovoked. Meanwhile, renewed missile and drone attacks were reported across Kuwait, Dubai, Samha in the United Arab Emirates, and Doha in Qatar. Qatar suspended liquefied natural gas production amid shipping risks through the Strait of Hormuz, while Saudi Arabia temporarily shut its largest refinery after drone-related damage.
