Israeli Military Targets Western Iran
The Israeli military says it has completed a “broad strike” against Iranian defence systems in the country’s west, marking a significant escalation in the fast-moving conflict. The operation follows joint US-Israeli air strikes that began early Saturday, sharply raising tensions across the Middle East.
The confrontation comes after weeks of strain between Washington and Tehran over efforts to negotiate limits on Iran’s nuclear programme. However, in a social media video, US President Donald Trump suggested the strikes were about more than nuclear concerns, citing longstanding grievances dating back to Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. He urged Iranians to “take over” their government once the operation concludes, calling it a rare opportunity for change.
Iran Retaliates Across the Gulf
In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting US military assets throughout the Gulf region, hitting bases in every country except Oman. The scope of the retaliation underscores how quickly the conflict has widened beyond Iran’s borders.
The back-and-forth attacks have heightened fears of a broader regional war, with military activity stretching across multiple countries in a matter of hours.
Global Alarm and Travel Disruptions
World leaders have called for restraint as the situation intensifies. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged de-escalation, and the UN Security Council is set to meet to address the crisis.
Meanwhile, several countries in the region have closed their airspace, leading to widespread flight cancellations. Aircraft heading to cities such as Tel Aviv and Dubai were diverted mid-journey or forced to return to their departure points, highlighting the growing instability across the region.
