The war in the Middle East in maps, video and photos
A US‑Israeli strike campaign that killed Iran’s supreme leader has triggered a rapid escalation, with Iran launching missiles and drones across the Gulf and Israel opening a ground invasion of Lebanon. The conflict now involves multiple countries, disrupting air travel, oil markets and drawing in E…
On Saturday a coordinated US‑Israeli offensive, dubbed Operation Epic Fury by Washington and Operation Lion’s Roar by Israel, struck Iran’s capital and other strategic sites, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The attacks set off a chain reaction that has quickly expanded into a full‑scale regional war, pulling in Gulf states, Lebanon, and even European territories.
US‑Israeli strikes and the initial Iranian casualties
The opening barrage targeted high‑value Iranian assets, including Khamenei’s residence, ballistic‑missile depots and the Natanz nuclear facility. Israeli officials said the first day of strikes eliminated at least 40 senior Iranian commanders. Satellite images later confirmed damage to Natanz, a site previously hit during last year’s US campaign.
Iranian authorities reported a death toll of 787 by Tuesday, with the deadliest single incident a missile hit on a girls’ school in Minab, Hormozgan province, killing roughly 165 people and wounding 95. The school sits near an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) base, underscoring the blurred line between civilian and military targets in Iranian cities. In response, Tehran urged citizens to evacuate major urban centers.
Iran’s retaliation spreads across the Gulf
Despite the loss of senior leadership, Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles and drones aimed at U.S. and allied interests throughout the Persian Gulf. In Israel, missiles struck several locations, killing 11 people, including eight in the town of Beit Shemesh.
In the Gulf, Iranian drones hit the U.S. embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and set fire to Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil refinery. Luxury hotels in Dubai and Bahrain were struck, and airports in Dubai, Kuwait and Bahrain suffered damage. A port facility in Oman and a merchant vessel northwest of Muscat were also targeted, while Iran broadcast radio warnings to ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
These attacks marked a significant shift: previous conflicts had largely avoided direct strikes on Gulf economies, but Tehran’s campaign now threatens the region’s vital energy infrastructure.
Israel opens a new front in Lebanon
Hezbollah, Iran’s Lebanese proxy, fired rockets into Israel on Monday, claiming retaliation for Khamenei’s death. Israel responded with intensive airstrikes on Beirut and surrounding areas, then ordered a ground incursion into southern Lebanon on Tuesday.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed at least 52 people and displaced roughly 30,000 residents in two days. The rapid escalation follows a 2024 cease‑fire agreement that had limited hostilities, but the current fighting has shattered that fragile calm.
European involvement and accidental incidents
The conflict reached Europe when a drone struck the British Akrotiri airbase on Cyprus, marking the first US‑allied installation hit by Iranian‑aligned forces. Two additional drones were intercepted before reaching the island, according to Cypriot authorities.
In a separate mishap, Kuwait’s air defense mistakenly shot down three U.S. F‑15E Strike Eagle jets. All six pilots ejected safely and were reported to be in stable condition. The U.S. Central Command confirmed that four American service members have been killed in action during ongoing operations against Iran, though details remain limited.
Disruption to travel, trade and markets
Air travel across the Middle East has been severely affected. Major hubs in Dubai and Doha were closed, leading to widespread flight cancellations and delays. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical conduit for global oil shipments—sent crude prices soaring and rattled world markets.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates described an "advanced fire" at a port facility, while Qatar and Oman reported multiple drone sightings. The cumulative effect of these attacks has created uncertainty about the safety of regional airspace and maritime routes, prompting airlines and shipping companies to reroute around the Gulf.
What lies ahead?
Diplomatic channels remain strained as the United Nations calls for an immediate cease‑fire, but both Tehran and Jerusalem appear committed to further escalation. The United States has warned of additional strikes if Iranian attacks continue, while European allies are bolstering security at bases in Cyprus and elsewhere.
Analysts caution that the conflict could broaden if other regional actors—such as Saudi Arabia or Egypt—choose to intervene, either militarily or through proxy forces. The next 48‑hour window is likely to determine whether the war remains a localized exchange or spirals into a wider Middle‑East conflagration.
Why it matters
The clash threatens global oil supplies, destabilizes the Middle East and could draw major powers into a broader war.
Key points
- US and Israel killed Iran’s supreme leader, sparking a rapid regional escalation
- Iran launched missiles and drones at Gulf states, Saudi oil facilities, and Israel
- Israel opened a ground invasion of Lebanon after Hezbollah rocket attacks
- European bases in Cyprus were hit by Iranian‑aligned drones
- Air travel and oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have been severely disrupted
Frequently asked questions
Why did the US and Israel target Iran’s supreme leader?
The strikes were presented as a pre‑emptive effort to degrade Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities, which Washington and Jerusalem say threaten regional stability.
What is the significance of the attacks on the Strait of Hormuz?
The strait handles about a fifth of global oil trade; any disruption can cause sharp price spikes and affect worldwide energy markets.
Has any other country been directly attacked in this conflict?
Yes, drones have struck a British base in Cyprus, and Iranian missiles have hit Saudi, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman facilities.
What is the current status of US military personnel in the region?
Four U.S. service members have been confirmed killed, and several aircraft have been downed or intercepted during ongoing operations.
