Iran has warned it is prepared to escalate the ongoing Middle East conflict “as far as necessary,” launching a series of strikes across the region while global powers face mounting pressure to secure vital oil shipping routes.
Tensions have sharply intensified since the war, involving the United States and Israel, began on February 28. In response, Iran has targeted key sites and disrupted maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz a critical passage that carries roughly a fifth of the world’s crude oil supply. The attacks have driven global oil prices up by between 40% and 50%.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed strikes on Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, as well as military installations used by US forces in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
Speaking in Tehran, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country would not hesitate to continue the conflict. “They have understood what kind of nation they are dealing with… one that is ready to defend itself and take the war as far as necessary,” he said.
The latest wave of attacks has had a direct impact on civilian areas. A drone strike ignited a fuel tank fire near Dubai International Airport, disrupting flights, while a missile strike in Abu Dhabi killed a civilian. Another drone attack triggered a fire in Fujairah, an area known for its oil infrastructure.
A witness at Dubai airport described scenes of panic, saying passengers were evacuated to lower levels following the explosion. “It has been a difficult few weeks hearing explosions regularly,” the witness said.
Meanwhile, retaliatory strikes have continued. Explosions were reported in Tehran as air defence systems were activated, while Israel confirmed targeting Iranian cities including Shiraz and Tabriz. Sirens also sounded in Jerusalem after incoming missiles were detected.
Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said thousands of targets remain in Iran, with new ones being identified daily.
On the diplomatic front, US President Donald Trump has called on international allies to deploy naval forces to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that failure to act could have consequences for global alliances, including NATO.
However, the proposal has faced resistance. Several European nations have distanced themselves from the idea, with Germany stating the conflict does not involve NATO. The United Kingdom has indicated it is working with allies but ruled out a NATO-led mission, while Japan and Australia have also declined to send warships.
Despite the tensions, at least one oil tanker from Pakistan successfully passed through the Strait on Monday, suggesting limited safe transit may still be possible.
The conflict has also expanded into Lebanon, where Israel announced limited ground operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah in the south, aimed at strengthening its defensive positions. Hezbollah entered the conflict in early March following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Israeli officials say Hezbollah has intensified its attacks, firing hundreds of rockets daily into northern Israel. In response, Israel has conducted airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, a known Hezbollah stronghold, and ordered large-scale evacuations across parts of Lebanon.
The broader regional conflict now spans multiple countries hosting US military assets. Iran claims it has launched around 700 missiles and 3,600 drones since the start of hostilities.
Saudi Arabia reported intercepting more than 60 drones overnight, while rockets struck Baghdad’s airport, injuring at least five people.
Regional leaders have expressed concern over the escalating violence. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed issued a joint statement condemning ongoing Iranian attacks.
Inside Iran, daily life remains strained but continues in parts, with some businesses reopening despite an extended internet blackout. Authorities have signalled a hardline stance against dissent, with the judiciary warning there will be no leniency for opposition figures during the conflict.
According to Iran’s health ministry, more than 1,200 people have been killed in US and Israeli strikes as of early March, though the figures have not been independently verified. The United Nations refugee agency estimates that up to 3.2 million people have been displaced within Iran as the conflict deepens.