Tehran/Jerusalem/Washington, Mar 2 (KNS): The escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran widened on Sunday, with fresh strikes, regional spillover and mounting concerns over oil supplies and civilian safety.
Explosions were reported near a nuclear technology facility and an air force base in Isfahan, Iranian media said, as Israeli strikes targeted sites in and around Tehran. The offensive followed joint US-Israeli operations that, according to Iranian sources, resulted in the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials.
In retaliation, Tehran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf states hosting US forces. Bahrain said it intercepted dozens of missiles and drones, while Iran claimed it targeted energy infrastructure in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Fires were reported at some facilities.
Three US fighter jets crashed in Kuwait in what United States Central Command described as an apparent friendly-fire incident. All six crew members ejected safely.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelAt least 18 people, including four US service members, were reported killed in retaliatory attacks across the region.
The conflict has also spilled into Lebanon, where Israeli strikes hit areas in Beirut’s southern suburbs amid exchanges with Hezbollah. The United States Department of State issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Iran and Iraq, while the US embassy in Beirut urged American citizens to leave Lebanon.
In Tehran, a transitional council comprising President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and cleric Alireza Arafi has assumed interim leadership pending succession procedures.
Oil markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude and US benchmark WTI rising amid fears of disruption to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global energy trade.
Regional and international leaders have called for an immediate ceasefire, warning of prolonged instability if hostilities continue.(KNS)