Millions of Israelis were forced into bomb shelters early on Thursday after Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles at Israel, marking another sharp escalation in the deepening regional conflict.
The barrage came as the war involving United States and Israel entered its sixth day, and just hours after efforts in Washington to curb America’s military operations were defeated in the Senate.
Republican lawmakers voted against a motion that sought to halt the US air assault and require explicit congressional authorisation for further military action. The Senate voted 53–47 along largely party lines, effectively preserving President Donald Trump’s authority to continue directing the campaign.
The conflict has expanded beyond the immediate battlegrounds. On Wednesday, a US submarine reportedly sank an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka, killing at least 80 people. Meanwhile, NATO air defences intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile headed toward Turkey, the first time the alliance member has been directly drawn into the hostilities.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the incident was not expected to trigger NATO’s collective defence clause, seeking to reassure allies that the confrontation would not immediately broaden into a formal alliance response.
Shipping and energy markets have also felt the strain. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas supplies, remains severely disrupted. Oil prices climbed again on Thursday as insurers raised premiums and vessels hesitated to transit the waterway.
According to estimates published by Reuters, at least 200 ships are currently anchored offshore, waiting for safe passage.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the Navy plans to escort oil tankers through the strait once resources allow, but noted that military assets are presently focused on combat operations. Speaking to Fox News, Wright said escorts would begin “as soon as we can,” adding that the immediate priority remains countering Iranian forces.
The latest exchanges have rattled global markets and raised fears of a broader regional war, with governments racing to evacuate citizens and secure energy supplies. For now, civilians across the region continue to brace for further strikes, with shelters replacing sleep as the nightly routine.