Escalating Conflict: US and Israel Strike Iran, Region on Edge

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A new wave of attacks launched by Iran against Israel, American bases, and countries across the region on Thursday has dramatically escalated tensions, with threats of further retaliation and a growing sense of uncertainty. The attacks came as the US Navy sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, prompting Iranian officials to vow retribution and even call for the death of former US President Donald Trump.

New Attacks and Retaliation

Israel reported multiple incoming missile attacks, triggering air sirens in Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem. Iranian state television confirmed additional strikes targeted U.S. Bases throughout the region. The Israeli military stated it had struck 80 targets in Lebanon linked to Hezbollah over the past 24 hours, alongside continued strikes within Iran targeting long-range ballistic missile launch sites.

Iranian Response and Accusations

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena by the U.S. Navy as an “atrocity at sea,” claiming at least 87 Iranian sailors were killed. Araghchi warned, “Mark my words: The U.S. Will come to bitterly regret [this] precedent.” Ayatollah Abdollah Javadi Amoli, in a rare call for violence, called for the shedding of both Israeli and “Trump’s blood” on state television.

Origins of the Conflict and Initial Strikes

The conflict began on Saturday when the U.S. And Israel launched joint strikes targeting Iran’s leadership and military infrastructure, resulting in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Leaders have suggested a potential goal of toppling the Iranian government, though specific aims and timelines remain unclear.

Casualties and Regional Disruption

The conflict has resulted in over 1,200 deaths in Iran, more than 70 in Lebanon, and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. The fighting has significantly disrupted global oil and gas supplies, hampered international shipping, and left hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded in the Middle East.

Expanding Regional Threats

The conflict is no longer contained within Iran, Israel, and Lebanon. A drone crashed near the airport in Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijani exclave bordering Iran, injuring two civilians. Iran has not acknowledged targeting Azerbaijan, but its attacks have spread erratically throughout the region. Six people were wounded in Abu Dhabi when a drone was shot down near Al Dhafra Air Base, which hosts U.S. Forces. Qatar evacuated residents near the U.S. Embassy in Doha and reported a missile attack on the city, while Saudi Arabia reported destroying a drone near its border with Jordan.

A tanker was reportedly attacked off the coast of Kuwait, adding to the dangers facing commercial shipping. Prior attacks have occurred in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit point for approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply.

Economic Impact

U.S. Stocks rebounded Wednesday after oil prices paused their surge and positive economic reports emerged. However, oil prices resumed their ascent Thursday, with Brent crude, the international standard, up approximately 15% since the start of the conflict due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Sinking of Iranian Warship

The Iranian ship sunk by the U.S. Navy, IRIS Dena, was returning from a February naval exercise hosted by India, in which the U.S. Navy too participated. Sri Lankan authorities rescued 32 crew members and recovered 87 bodies. Iranian officials claimed the ship carried nearly 130 crew members.

Continued Strikes on Hezbollah Targets

U.S. And Israeli military officials report a decline in Iranian launches as their attacks target ballistic missiles, launchers, and drones. Israel has eased some restrictions, allowing workplaces to reopen if shelters are nearby, though schools remain closed. Despite this, explosions were reported in Israel on Thursday, with defensive systems intercepting multiple waves of Iranian missiles.

The Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs in Iran reports at least 1,230 deaths within the country. Eight people were killed in Lebanon, including those struck in a refugee camp and on a coastal highway. The Israeli military has targeted Hezbollah members in Beirut, with further details pending.

Rising reported from Bangkok, Becatoros from Athens, Greece, and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writers Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut, Lebanon, Elaine Kurtenbach in Bangkok, Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, Julia Frankel in Jerusalem, Aida Sultanova in Baku, Azerbaijan, Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, and Giovanna Dell’Orto in Miami contributed to this report.