The conflict in the Middle East intensified early Monday as explosions rocked Beirut following Israeli airstrikes, while Israel also launched a new wave of attacks on Tehran. At the same time, Dubai temporarily closed its international airport after an Iranian drone struck a fuel tank near the facility.
The war, which began after US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, has since spread across the region. Iran has responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel, US military bases and energy infrastructure in Gulf countries.
The escalation has also severely disrupted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes, raising fears of a global energy crisis.
Oil markets have reacted sharply to the instability. Brent crude remained above $100 per barrel, reaching about $104 in early trading, nearly 45% higher since the start of the conflict, and peaking close to $120 during the fighting.
Drone Strike Disrupts Dubai Airport
A drone strike early Monday hit a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport, causing a large fire and forcing authorities to temporarily suspend flights. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze and no injuries were reported.
Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and drones toward Gulf countries hosting US military assets, although many have been intercepted by air defence systems.
Regional Attacks Intensify
Israel said it targeted Hezbollah-linked infrastructure in Beirut, issuing evacuation orders for several neighbourhoods in the Lebanese capital and southern Lebanon. More than 800,000 people have been displaced by Israeli attacks in Lebanon, where at least 850 people have been killed, including 107 children and 66 women.
Explosions were also reported in Tehran and surrounding areas after Israeli forces launched strikes on infrastructure in the Iranian capital. According to the Red Cross, more than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict began.
In Israel, 12 people have been killed by Iranian missile strikes, while 13 US military personnel have also died, including six in a plane crash in Iraq last week.
Pressure Over the Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump said he had asked several countries to deploy warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, though he acknowledged that no commitments have yet been made. Countries previously approached include China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected speculation about possible negotiations to end the war, saying Iran seeks “neither truce nor talks.”
Meanwhile, Japan said it had not received a formal request from Washington, but began releasing strategic oil reserves to ease concerns about supply shortages and rising energy prices.
The conflict continues to strain global energy markets, with analysts warning that prolonged disruption to the Strait of Hormuz could have major economic consequences worldwide.
Source: TRT Africa
