Fresh missile attacks, air strikes and diplomatic tensions marked new developments in the United States-Israel-Iran conflict on Thursday as hostilities entered another day across the Middle East.
According to the Israeli military and Iranian state media, Iran launched another round of missiles toward Israel early Thursday, triggering air-raid sirens in several areas, including Tel Aviv.
Journalists with Agence France-Presse reported hearing explosions in Jerusalem after warnings of incoming missile fire. Israeli emergency services said there were no immediate reports of casualties.
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported several explosions in Tehran. The Tasnim News Agency said the blasts were heard across parts of the capital as the country activated its air defence systems in response to perceived threats.
Strikes in Lebanon
An Israeli air strike also struck a Hezbollah-controlled area in southern Beirut early Thursday after Israel issued warnings to residents in the area.
Lebanon’s health ministry said two separate Israeli strikes on vehicles along Beirut’s airport highway killed three people.
Shipping security concerns
Security officials also reported an explosion involving a tanker off Kuwait’s coast. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said the vessel’s captain reported witnessing a major blast.
“The master of a tanker at anchor reports witnessing and hearing a large explosion on the port side before observing a small craft leaving the vicinity,” the agency said in an update posted on X.
The incident heightened concerns about maritime safety in the Gulf region.
Shipping disruptions and oil market concerns
Major shipping companies have begun suspending new bookings in the Gulf due to the security risks. Global container operators Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd announced temporary booking suspensions following risk assessments.
Oil prices have also surged amid fears of disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit corridor.
Regional responses
Authorities in Qatar began precautionary evacuations of residents living near the United States Embassy in Doha following Iranian strikes in the region.
In Turkey, defence officials said NATO air-defence systems intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran that entered the country’s airspace through Iraq and Syria.
Political reactions
Speaking in Washington, Donald Trump defended the military campaign and signalled that operations could continue.
“Iran’s leaders are being taken out very rapidly,” Trump said, adding that the United States would continue its actions against Iranian targets.
Meanwhile, the United States Senate narrowly rejected a bipartisan resolution that sought to limit the president’s authority to continue military strikes against Iran.
Diplomatic moves
China has also stepped in diplomatically, announcing plans to send a special envoy to help mediate the crisis.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing supports efforts to reduce tensions while calling for restraint from all sides.
The escalating conflict has intensified concerns about regional stability and global economic consequences, particularly as attacks near key shipping routes threaten international trade and energy supplies.
AFP
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