The conflict in the Middle East escalated rapidly on Monday, expanding to multiple fronts with renewed strikes by the United States and Israel targeting Iran. Iran, in turn, continued to target Gulf countries and even territory within the European Union, specifically in Cyprus. The escalating violence raises concerns about a wider regional war and its potential impact on global stability.
Entering its third day, the conflict is marked by a firm resolve from both sides to continue hostilities, with Gulf nations threatening retaliation should Iran’s “aggression” persist.
Israel broadened its operations to include Lebanon, launching what it described as massive strikes in response to an attack by the Hezbollah movement in support of Tehran. Hezbollah’s actions prompted the Lebanese government to prohibit all military activities by the group.
Violent explosions rocked various neighborhoods of Tehran, Iran. Reports also indicated strikes in the country’s central and western regions.
“They are striking very hard today. Every two or three hours, and it lasts about half an hour. The windows shake. Almost everyone is giving in to fear,” Elnaz, a 39-year-old resident of Tehran, told the Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The capital city has taken on the appearance of a ghost town, largely deserted by its inhabitants. The few signs of activity are customers stocking up at the limited number of open businesses and motorists waiting in line at gas stations.
In some neighborhoods “where there have been strikes, people are understandably afraid […]. But we, we try to get together in the evening to play cards, drink wine,” said Nastaran, 33. “But our mothers are afraid.”
“All Options on the Table”
The Lebanese government strongly reacted to Hezbollah’s actions against Israel, which risks triggering another deadly war following the 2023-2024 conflict. It proclaimed “the immediate prohibition” of all military activities by the Shiite militia.
In response, Mohammad Raad, head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, denounced “the bluster of the government,” “while Lebanese people were expecting a decision refusing Israel’s aggression.”
The Israeli army stated Monday evening that “all options are on the table,” when questioned about the possibility of a ground attack against Hezbollah.
Netanyahu’s Offices Targeted
The Islamic Republic continued to launch missiles and drones toward Israel, which extended the closure of schools, offices, and a ban on gatherings until Saturday. Explosions were repeatedly heard in Jerusalem.
According to the Revolutionary Guards, Iran has “attacked 60 strategic targets and 500 military targets” belonging to the United States and Israel since Saturday, including the offices of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Guards – the ideological army of the Islamic Republic – claimed responsibility for an attack on a tanker, described as being linked to the United States, in the Strait of Hormuz, and again targeted wealthy Gulf countries hosting several American military bases.
However, “Iran’s defensive counterattack against US military bases […] should not be considered an Iranian attack against these countries,” argued its Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi.
Qatar reportedly shot down two aircraft originating from Iran – a first since the start of the war – following drone attacks on sites belonging to its QatarEnergy company, which has suspended its liquefied natural gas (LNG) production.
Kuwait was among the hardest hit. Thick black smoke rose above the American embassy and a power plant in the north on Monday morning.
In Abu Dhabi, a fire broke out at a fuel storage facility targeted by a drone.
Journalists from AFP also reported explosions in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, where Dubai Airport suspended all its flights.
“We are waiting to be able to depart and, above all, we are waiting for information,” Raphaëlle, a 37-year-old French national, told AFP while confined to her hotel.
In Cyprus, the EU country closest to the Middle East, a British base was targeted by three drones fired from Lebanon, one of which hit a runway, prompting evacuations in the south of the island.
London announced Sunday it would authorize the United States to use its British bases in the war against Iran, for “defensive” purposes.
Faced with the expansion of a multifaceted conflict, financial markets have grown anxious, driving up hydrocarbon and dollar prices. International stock exchanges posted significant losses on their first day of trading since the start of hostilities, without however succumbing to panic.
“Four to Five Weeks”
Despite the deaths of numerous Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Ali Larijani, head of the Supreme National Security Council, affirmed that his country would fight “whatever the cost,” to “fiercely defend” its “6000-year-old civilization.”
“Iran, unlike the United States, has prepared for a long war,” he said, rejecting any negotiations with Washington.
Israel warned that “many days” of war lie ahead. Donald Trump, however, predicted “four to five weeks,” while assuring that the United States can “proceed much further.”
The American president also stated he would not hesitate to send ground troops “if necessary.”
Following the announcement of Ali Khamenei’s death, who ruled Iran with an iron fist for nearly 37 years, the Iranian government called on the population to gather Monday evening throughout Tehran to pay tribute to him.
Rallies were held in various cities across the country, according to images from Iranian television.
