Iran War Escalates: Israel Bombs Beirut as Conflict Widens

The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its seventh day, marked by escalating attacks across the Middle East. Israeli forces have initiated a “next phase” in the conflict, including bombing Beirut’s southern suburbs, while the war’s impact is being felt as far away as Sri Lanka and Azerbaijan.

Israel Targets ‘Regime Infrastructure’ in Tehran

Israel reported launching a wave of strikes on Tehran, targeting what it described as “regime infrastructure” within the Iranian capital. Reports from the ground indicate loud blasts were heard in various parts of the city.

International Involvement and Responses

The conflict is drawing in multiple nations. Three Australian military personnel were onboard a US submarine that sank an Iranian navy ship off the coast of Sri Lanka, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. This occurred as part of training arrangements under the AUKUS defense pact with Britain and the United States.

Bahrain reported Iranian strikes on a hotel and residential buildings in Manama, following a previous attack that sparked a blaze at the country’s main oil refinery. Saudi Arabia also announced it intercepted three ballistic missiles launched towards Prince Sultan Air Base, as Iran continued attacks across the Gulf. Western embassy staff in Riyadh were reportedly instructed to shelter in place after a prior attack on the US embassy compound.

Lebanon Faces Rising Death Toll

The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that the death toll from Israeli strikes on Lebanon has risen to 123 since the country became involved in the regional war earlier this week, with the latest strikes targeting Beirut’s southern suburbs. Over 638 people have been wounded since Monday.

The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for parts of Beirut and large areas of southern Lebanon prior to the latest attacks, with over 300,000 people evacuating southern Lebanon, according to the IDF.

Economic and Defensive Measures

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stated the country is in an economic “state of near-emergency” due to the conflict, warning of runaway inflation and suggesting price-gouging traders could face military trials. NATO has strengthened its “ballistic missile defence posture” after a missile launched at alliance member Turkey was shot down.

Israel’s Future Plans and US Involvement

Israel’s military chief stated the US-Israeli campaign against Iran is entering a new phase, aiming to dismantle the Islamic republic’s military capabilities, promising “additional surprises ahead.”

US President Donald Trump expressed support for a potential offensive by Iranian Kurdish fighters into Iran, stating he would “be all for it.” He also insisted he should have a role in selecting Iran’s next supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dismissing Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, as “a lightweight.”

Sri Lanka Assumes Control of Iranian Vessel

Sri Lanka has taken control of an Iranian navy vessel, the IRIS Bushehr, and offloaded its crew, following a US submarine attack on another Iranian ship. The vessel had participated in a naval exercise in eastern India.