The conflict in the Middle East continues to intensify, with multiple fronts reporting fresh strikes, missile launches, and diplomatic fallout. Here are the latest main developments:
Explosions in Tehran
Iranian media reported several explosions in Tehran early Thursday, with the country’s air defences activated in response.
Iran Launches Missiles at Israel
Iran fired a new round of missiles at Israel, triggering alerts in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Explosions were heard in Jerusalem, though Israeli emergency services reported no casualties.
Strikes in Lebanon
An air strike hit Hezbollah’s stronghold in south Beirut, following Israeli warnings to residents. Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed three deaths in separate Israeli strikes on vehicles near Beirut’s airport highway.
Oil Spill Near Kuwait
A tanker anchored off Kuwait’s Mubarak Al-Kabeer area was struck by a large explosion, causing an oil spill. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported a small craft fleeing the scene.
Qatar Evacuations
Qatar began evacuating residents near the US embassy in Doha as a precaution after Iranian strikes.
Turkey Intercepts Missile
Turkey announced that NATO air defence systems destroyed a ballistic missile launched from Iran that had veered toward Turkish airspace. Officials said it was aimed at a base in Greek Cyprus.
Political Statements
- President Donald Trump hailed US military efforts, claiming Iran’s leadership was being rapidly eliminated.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel and Washington had made “historic gains.”
- The US Senate rejected a resolution to curb Trump’s war powers, signaling congressional support for continued strikes.
- Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said he could not rule out participation in the war.
- Spain denied US claims of cooperation, insisting its stance against using bases for strikes on Iran remained unchanged.
- China announced plans to send a special envoy to mediate, urging Washington and Israel to halt attacks.
Regional Fallout
- Qatar’s Prime Minister accused Iran of dragging neighbors into war.
- Shipping giants Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd suspended Gulf bookings, deepening the cargo crisis.
- Oil prices rose as Iran warned vessels against using the Strait of Hormuz.
- The Omani navy rescued 24 crew members from a container ship struck in the strait.
- Off Sri Lanka, a US submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship, with 87 bodies recovered.
