The Middle East conflict intensified with missile barrages, multiple drone strikes and growing international alarm. Iran reportedly launched missiles toward Israel while Jordan intercepted the majority of incoming projectiles. Drone attacks struck Kuwait's airport and an airbase, and strikes were reported in Isfahan and across Gulf energy installations. International leaders called for restraint and diplomatic channels remain active amid mounting civilian casualties in Lebanon.
Middle East Crisis: Missile Waves, Drone Strikes and Global Tensions Escalate
Iranians in Australia supported the US and Israel in a rally (Saeed KHAN)(Saeed KHAN/AFP/AFP)
Below are the latest verified developments in the escalating conflict across the Middle East, compiled from regional and international reports.
Trump Warship Call: US President Donald Trump urged several countries — including China, France, Japan, South Korea and Britain — to deploy warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic chokepoint for global oil shipments.
Kuwait Airport And Airbase Struck: Multiple drone strikes hit Kuwait's international airport, damaging its radar system, and two drones targeted a Kuwaiti airbase that houses US personnel. Kuwait's authorities reported damage and some injuries to Kuwaiti staff; no US casualties have been confirmed publicly.
Iran Launches Missiles Toward Israel: Iranian state television reported a new wave of missiles launched toward Israel. The Israeli military reported detection of incoming threats and said its defence systems were operating to intercept them. Independent verification of impact sites and casualty figures remains limited.
Jordan Intercepts Most Projectiles: Jordan's military said it intercepted 79 of 85 missiles and drones launched toward the kingdom.
Leadership Health Update: Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said there was "no problem" with Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei after reports from some US officials that he had been wounded.
Isfahan Strike Reported: Iran's Fars news agency reported that a US-Israeli missile strike on an industrial area in Isfahan killed at least 15 people. AFP said it was unable to independently verify the casualty toll.
Turkey Accuses Iran Over Ballistic Missiles: Turkey's foreign minister Hakan Fidan said Iran denied responsibility for firing ballistic missiles toward Turkey despite what Ankara described as clear technical evidence.
Lebanon Toll And Diplomatic Appeals: Lebanon's health ministry reported that Israeli strikes since the latest fighting with Hezbollah began have killed 826 people, including 65 women and 106 children, and wounded 2,009 others. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, visiting Beirut, urged continued diplomatic efforts and international support for Lebanon.
Hamas Urges Restraint From Iran: Hamas publicly asked Iran to refrain from striking neighbouring countries while affirming Iran's right to self-defence — a notable and unusually direct appeal to Tehran.
Energy And Strategic Sites Targeted: Following US strikes on military infrastructure at Kharg Island — Iran's major crude export hub — Iranian officials said oil export operations continued "as normal" and warned that facilities belonging to US companies in the region could be targeted if Iranian energy sites were attacked. AFP reported no casualties from the Kharg strikes.
UAE And US Facilities Attacked: The UAE condemned a drone attack on its consulate general in Iraqi Kurdistan that injured two security personnel. AFP reporters also observed smoke near a UAE energy installation in Fujairah after what appeared to be another strike on Gulf petroleum facilities. Separately, a drone struck the US embassy compound in Baghdad; Iraqi officials and AFP journalists reported smoke at the site.
Regional Reactions And Rhetoric: Iran's envoy to Ukraine derided Kyiv's support for US and Gulf allies on drone defence as "a joke." Turkish officials warned of severe risks in Lebanon and accused Iran of obfuscation over missile launches into Turkish territory.
Note: Several claims remain difficult to independently verify. Where possible, the report notes when casualty figures or impact reports come from a single agency or could not be confirmed by independent journalists.
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