After US-Israel attacks that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, missile and drone exchanges have widened into a regional conflict, drawing in Gulf states and disrupting global travel, oil, and diplomacy
Saudi Arabia: The Middle East has erupted into a broader war after coordinated United States and Israel strikes on Iran, part of Operation Lion’s Roar, targeting Iranian military and strategic sites. The bombardment reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior commanders, prompting fierce retaliation from Tehran.
Iran responded by launching multiple missile and drone barrages across the region, striking Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. A missile attack in Tel Aviv killed at least one person and injured dozens more, according to Israeli officials.
Gulf states have condemned Iranian strikes. Saudi Arabia summoned Iran’s ambassador, protesting violations of its sovereignty amid the escalating conflict.
The violence has also hit vital infrastructure. Qatar halted about 20 percent of global LNG production. Saudi Aramco temporarily shut down its Ras Tanura oil refinery after drone attacks, sending oil prices sharply higher.
The conflict is disrupting civil life and global travel. Several Middle Eastern nations closed airspace, leading to widespread flight cancellations involving major carriers such as Air France, Air India and Turkish Airlines.
At the United Nations Security Council, world leaders condemned the spiraling violence. Secretary-General António Guterres warned against a broader war and urged diplomacy as the only way to halt further bloodshed.
The escalating conflict now risks drawing in proxy groups such as Hezbollah, which has already launched rockets from Lebanon against Israel, prompting Israeli retaliatory strikes there as well.
With no sign of de-escalation yet, the crisis continues to impact global politics, energy markets and civilian life as regional actors assess their next moves.
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