Middle East War Escalates as Israel Strikes Iran and Lebanon, Hormuz Tensions Rattle Global Energy Markets

Israel launched fresh airstrikes on Iran and Lebanon, hitting multiple targets including a residential building, as fighting entered its fifth day. Iran expanded its retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel and claimed “complete control” of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route. The United States said it had destroyed key elements of Iran’s navy, air force, and radar systems, and pledged to escort oil tankers through the strategic waterway.

The U.S. military reported striking nearly 2,000 targets in coordinated operations with Israel, while Israel continued what it described as a “broad wave of strikes” across Iran. Saudi Arabia intercepted cruise missiles, and drones struck near the U.S. consulate in Dubai and a U.S. military base in Qatar, further widening regional tensions.

As global energy prices rise and stock markets fall, several countries, including the United States, Britain, and France, are working to evacuate their citizens from the region amid severely disrupted air travel.