President Donald Trump has vowed to intensify the bombing of Iran, sparking a defiant response from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who refused to surrender amidst a fresh wave of US and Israeli air strikes. The latest escalation in the conflict saw a Tehran airport set ablaze, with smoke rising from the site of airstrikes in the Iranian capital.
The conflict, now entering its second week, was sparked by joint Israeli and US airstrikes that killed Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Israel confirmed some of the biggest raids since the aerial bombardment of Iran began, with a military academy, an underground command centre, and a missile storage facility named as targets.
Iran’s Retaliation
Iran hit back on Saturday, demonstrating its ability to launch missiles and drones despite the relentless targeting of its military infrastructure. Air raid alerts and explosions were heard above Jerusalem, as well as Gulf cities Dubai, Manama, and near Riyadh, where Saudi Arabia intercepted a ballistic missile fired at an air base housing US military personnel.
The UAE said it had intercepted 15 ballistic missiles and 119 drones on Saturday, but video footage showed one projectile crashing into Dubai airport, the world’s busiest for international traffic in usual circumstances. An explosion took place next to an airport building and parked planes close to a passing train, with mobile phone footage authenticated by AFP showing the aftermath.
Global Implications
The conflict has widened to war-battered Lebanon, as well as Cyprus in the EU, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, and has reached as far as waters off Sri Lanka, where US forces sank an Iranian warship with a torpedo. The war has sparked concerns about global stability and the potential for further escalation.
According to a statement from the US Department of State, the US is working closely with its allies to de-escalate the situation. However, with both sides refusing to back down, the conflict shows no signs of abating.
Some of the key events in the conflict include:
- Air strikes on Iranian military targets
- Retaliation from Iran with missiles and drones
- Interception of ballistic missiles by Saudi Arabia and the UAE
- Explosions at Dubai airport
- US forces sinking an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is watching with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. For more information on the conflict, visit the BBC News website.
