Hezbollah launched an offensive with missiles and drones against northern Israel early Monday, marking its direct entry into the escalating regional conflict sparked by the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Jamenei, as part of a joint military operation by the United States and Israel.
The conflict, already resulting in U.S. Casualties in Kuwait and hundreds of deaths in Iran, has plunged the Middle East into a state of uncertainty impacting air traffic, oil markets and the stability of neighboring nations. The escalation underscores growing regional tensions and raises concerns about a wider war.
Hezbollah, backed by Tehran, claimed responsibility for launching “a swarm of drones” and projectiles against the Mishmar HaCarmel military base, located south of the city of Haifa. This action represents the first direct violation of the ceasefire agreed upon in November 2024, according to the group, and is presented as retribution for the killing of Jamenei during the joint bombings by United States and Israel on Saturday.
“The enemy Israeli must not continue its aggression, which has lasted for fifteen months, without receiving a warning response intended to stop this aggression and withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory,” Hezbollah stated in a statement carried by Al-Manar television.
The Israeli military responded with a series of “selective strikes” against Hezbollah commanders and infrastructure in the southern suburbs of Beirut and in various locations in southern Lebanon.
Israel’s Defense Forces issued immediate evacuation orders for 53 villages and settlements in Lebanon, triggering a mass exodus of civilians toward safer areas and causing major traffic congestion on highways leading to the capital.
“Regardless of who is behind it, the launch of projectiles from southern Lebanon is an irresponsible and suspicious act that risks the security and protection of Lebanon,” Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said in a statement reported by the National News Agency.
Four Weeks for ‘Operation Epic Fury’
From the White House, President Donald Trump provided details about the duration and objectives of the military offensive in Iran. According to the president, the initial plan envisions a period of active intervention of approximately one month to ensure the dismantling of the Iranian military command.
Trump defended the effectiveness of the attacks carried out so far, asserting they have neutralized potential successors to the Iranian regime that Washington had identified. “It’s always been a four-week process, so, no matter how strong it is, it’s a massive country, it’s going to take four weeks or less,” Trump told the British Daily Mail.
The president also addressed the internal political situation in Iran following Jamenei’s death, suggesting the civilian population now has an opportunity to replace its government.
Regarding casualties within his own country, Trump acknowledged that, following the deaths of three military personnel (in Kuwait, according to CNN), further American fatalities are likely before operations conclude.
“The attack was so successful that it eliminated most of the candidates. It won’t be any of the people we thought because they’re all dead. The second or third in line is dead,” Trump said in an interview with ABC News, referring to Iranian military commanders.
Iran Rejects Dialogue and Prepares for Defense
Despite rumors of potential mediation through third countries, the current security leadership in Tehran has dismissed any form of diplomatic conversation with the U.S. Administration.
Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and a central figure in the current regime, used his digital platforms to deny reports suggesting an approach to Washington and accused the United States of sacrificing its own soldiers for ulterior motives. “We will not negotiate with the United States,” Larijani stated firmly in a message posted on his official X account.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media outlets like Fars News Agency have disseminated propaganda videos showing underground tunnels filled with drones and weaponry, warning that the nation is fully preparing for defense against what it considers an invasion.
Explosions continue to be reported in strategic areas of Tehran and Karaj, while state-run media report that hospitals, such as Gandhi Hospital, have sustained severe damage during the bombings.
International Reactions and Attacks on Allied Bases
The conflict has begun to expand beyond immediate borders, involving allied countries and foreign military bases in the region.
The United Kingdom has authorized the use of its military bases for U.S. Defensive operations aimed at destroying Iranian missile launch sites. Shortly after this announcement, the British airbase at Akrotiri, in Cyprus, was targeted in a drone attack that caused limited damage but raised security alerts across Europe. “Our Armed Forces are responding to a reported drone attack at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus in the early hours of local time,” a spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence said in an official statement.
Gulf nations like Bahrain have reported their first fatalities due to debris from intercepted missiles falling in industrial areas.
The paralysis of air travel in hubs like Dubai and the closure of airspace corridors have forced countries such as Thailand, Pakistan, and India to prepare emergency evacuation plans for their citizens residing in the conflict zone.
