Iran fired new missiles early Tuesday, showing defiance against US President Donald Trump, who warned of major strikes unless Tehran agrees to a deal to end the war.
Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s key oil export hub, Kharg Island, along with power and desalination plants if an agreement is not reached quickly.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a key ally of Trump in the conflict, said more than half of Israel’s military objectives had been achieved. However, both leaders declined to set a timeline for ending the operation, which has triggered a wider regional war and sharply increased global oil prices.
In Dubai, four people were injured by falling debris from intercepted missiles, while a Kuwaiti oil tanker caught fire at a port. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted eight ballistic missiles.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged Saudi Arabia to remove US forces from its territory, while maintaining that Iran respects the kingdom.
Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament moved to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for about one-fifth of global oil—and proposed banning vessels from the United States and Israel.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly opposed the move, calling it unacceptable and warning it could set a dangerous global precedent.
Trump claimed the US was in contact with a “more reasonable regime” in Tehran, though Iran denied any negotiations and accused Washington of using such claims as cover for possible military escalation.
Experts warned that targeting civilian infrastructure, such as power plants and desalination facilities, could violate international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes.
Conflict Spreads Across Region
The conflict has also intensified in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes continue against Hezbollah targets. A UN mission reported that two Indonesian peacekeepers were killed in an explosion, with others injured. France condemned the incident and called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting.
Global concern is rising as the war impacts energy markets. Leaders from the G7 countries are meeting in Paris to discuss the economic fallout, with some nations already taking steps to ease fuel costs.
Oil prices have surged, with Brent crude nearing levels not seen since 2008. Analysts warn that any US ground invasion or further escalation could push prices even higher.
Adding to tensions, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched missiles and drones toward Israel, threatening shipping routes in the Red Sea.
No Clear End in Sight
Netanyahu said Israel has made major progress, including damaging Iran’s industrial and military capabilities, but did not provide a timeline for ending the war.
Despite rising tensions, US officials suggest the conflict may last weeks rather than months. Meanwhile, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has urged Trump to help end the war.
Inside Tehran, daily life continues under tight security, with residents trying to maintain normal routines despite ongoing fears and uncertainty.