The conflict in the Middle East has escalated in the last 24 hours on multiple fronts, signaling a dangerous escalation in the war between the United States, Israel and Iran. The United States has attacked more than 1,700 targets, while US Central Command reported the destruction of 17 Iranian vessels in key Gulf waters.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has intercepted several drones over its airspace and Dubai authorities confirmed air defense interceptions over the city. Meanwhile, markets have reacted nervously, with oil rising and global stocks falling as fears grow that the conflict could choke off one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
Here is a brief summary of what happened in the last 24 hours:
Saudi Arabia intercepts nine drones
Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed nine drones that entered its airspace early Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Defense Ministry spokesman said the drones were destroyed “immediately” upon entering the kingdom’s airspace.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for rocket attack on Metula
Lebanon’s Hezbollah claimed to have fired rockets at Israeli forces in the northern Israeli city of Metula. This followed his earlier announcement of a missile attack on a naval base in Haifa, Al Jazeera reported.
17 Iranian ships destroyed and almost 2,000 targets attacked
The US military destroyed 17 Iranian ships, including a submarine, and attacked nearly 2,000 targets in Iran, confirmed the commander of US Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper.
Trump’s opinion
US President Donald Trump said the US Navy will begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as possible.” In a Truth Social post, he said the United States would ensure the free flow of global energy. Oil prices have risen more than 15 percent since the US and Israeli attacks on Tehran began three days ago.
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Trump also welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the White House and said Germany had been “helping” by allowing U.S. forces access to certain bases. Merz said both countries wanted to eliminate the current regime in Iran and would discuss developments after the military operation.
Donald Trump said joint attacks between the United States and Israel are aimed first at “taking out the military.” Speaking alongside Merz, Trump said the United States would end all trade with Spain and expressed discontent with the UK government led by Keir Starmer.
Trump also claimed that Tehran wanted negotiations but that it was “too late” as US military operations continued.
Markets struggle
U.S. stock futures fell as investors assessed the fallout from the attacks on Iran. Tehran’s threat to close the Strait of Hormuz has driven up crude oil prices and shipping rates, raising concerns about inflation and global trade.
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Asian stocks fell while oil prices rose amid concerns that the conflict could disrupt energy supplies.
In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 continued to decline on Wednesday and was down about 1.7% in early trading. But it looks like Wall Street will open only marginally lower in New York, according to premarket trading data.
The Korea Stock Exchange ordered a temporary trading halt after the Kospi and Kosdaq each fell more than 8% in morning trading in Seoul, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 1.2% as investors reacted to risks around the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan calls Zionism a threat
Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif described Zionism as a “threat to humanity” and warned that conflict with Iran could endanger Pakistan’s security. He said Pakistan’s nuclear capability remains a shield against external threats.
Indian basmati shipments hit by war disruption
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About 400,000 metric tons of Indian basmati rice are stuck in ports or in transit as the conflict disrupts shipping routes, trade officials said. Satish Goel of the All India Rice Exporters Association said freight rates have more than doubled and new export deals have stalled.
Iraq shoots down drone targeting US consulate
Iraqi authorities shot down a drone attempting to attack the US consulate in Erbil on Tuesday, Reuters reported.
Dubai sounded the alarm after the interception
Dubai authorities said the sounds heard in parts of the city were due to air defense interception operations. Officials said teams were closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to ensure public safety.
UK sends warships and helicopters to Cyprus
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK is deploying helicopters with anti-drone capabilities to Cyprus and sending the air defense destroyer HMS Dragon to the region after a drone strike hit a UK base.
Assembly of Experts compounds attacked in Iran
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US and Israeli forces attacked the offices of Iran’s Assembly of Experts in Qom and Tehran, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported. A Telegram channel claimed that a session called to elect Iran’s next supreme leader was attacked and several members were reportedly killed or injured. The clerical body is responsible for appointing and supervising Iran’s supreme leader.
Muslim World League condemns attack on US embassy in Riyadh
The Muslim World League condemned the attack on the US embassy in Riyadh and called it “treasonous Iranian aggression.”
Ukraine offers aid to the United Arab Emirates
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered assistance to the United Arab Emirates to counter Iranian airstrikes. He said Ukraine’s experience in fighting Shahed drones could help protect lives in the United Arab Emirates.
US Embassy warns of imminent attack in Saudi city
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The US embassy in Saudi Arabia warned of an “imminent” missile and drone attack on Dhahran and advised people not to approach the US consulate. He urged residents to take shelter on the lowest floor, away from windows.
Israeli attacks reach south of Beirut
Israel carried out airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, targeting Hezbollah leaders, Israeli Army Radio said. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported extensive damage to buildings, while AFP footage showed plumes of smoke rising.
Jordan and West Bank intercept Iranian missiles
Israeli air defenses intercepted four Iranian ballistic missiles over Jordan and areas near Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank, according to Al Jazeera citing Israeli media. No casualties were immediately reported.
Tehran’s Golestan Palace suffers damage
UNESCO expressed concern after the Golestan Palace in Tehran was reportedly damaged by debris and shock waves from a nearby airstrike. Separately, Saudi Arabia said two drones attacked the US embassy in Riyadh, causing minor damage and a limited fire.
Natanz enrichment plant affected
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The International Atomic Energy Agency said entrances to the underground Natanz fuel enrichment plant in Iran were attacked. The agency said no radiological consequences are expected and no additional impact on the facility was detected.
