Israel-Iran conflict escalates with airstrikes, missile launches, and Gulf disruption

Israel intensified airstrikes on Iranian missile launchers and factories as Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel and actions across the Gulf, disrupting energy supplies and travel. Explosions were reported in Tehran and Lebanon, where Israel said it struck Hezbollah. A US embassy site in Saudi Arabia came under drone attack amid discussion of potential wider US involvement.

Israel expanded airstrikes on Iranian missile launchers and production sites on Tuesday. Iran responded with attacks on Israel and other Gulf locations. The exchanges disrupted energy supplies and travel across the region. Explosions were reported in Tehran and Lebanon as Israel said it also struck Hezbollah militants.

The conflict entered its fourth day, with deaths reported on both sides. Iran fired dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel, triggering air raid sirens nationwide. Israel intercepted most missiles, but some struck targets and killed 11 people. The intensity of strikes appeared to ease, yet the wider war raised doubts.

Israel Iran war: US goals and possible deeper involvement

President Donald Trump suggested the war could last several weeks, or longer. Trump also left open wider US involvement. Trump told the New York Post on Monday that he was not ruling out the possibility of boots on the ground. The administration issued shifting aims after the opening attacks.

Trump said Monday the campaign had four goals. These were to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities and wipe out its navy. Trump also said the aim was to block a nuclear weapon. Another objective was stopping Iran from backing allied armed groups.

Senior officials later said regime change was not the goal. This followed early comments where Trump urged Iranians to overthrow their government. The initial US-Israeli strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran’s leadership then began efforts to select a successor.

Trump discussed who could lead Iran after the campaign. Speaking from the Oval Office Tuesday, Trump said Reza Pahlavi was not reviewed deeply. "As far as possible leaders inside Iran, the people we had in mind are dead,\" Trump said. \"I guess the worst case would be do this, and then somebody takes over whos as bad as the previous person, right? That could happen,\" Trump said. \"We dont want that to happen.\"

Israel Iran war: succession race and limited information from Tehran

Iran’s leaders are trying to replace Khamenei, who ruled for 37 years. It is only the second such choice since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Possible candidates include hard-liners favouring confrontation with the West. Others are reformists who back diplomatic engagement.

Details from Iran stayed scarce due to weak communications and continuous airstrikes. Journalists also faced tight limits. In Tehran, residents reported aircraft overhead and repeated blasts. Streets and petrol stations appeared quieter than in recent days, according to accounts.

\"Since midnight, I and my wife are hearing sound of explosions,\" said Ali Amoli, an engineer living in north Tehran. \"Sometimes from the west side of the city and sometimes from other directions.\" A north Tehran resident, speaking anonymously, described rising fear under heavy bombardment.

The anonymous resident said many stores in Tajrish were shut. The person also said most ATMs had little cash. Bakeries and supermarkets remained open, according to the account. Iranian media also showed a damaged commercial plane at Bushehr airport after a Tuesday strike.

Israel Iran war: strikes on missiles, nuclear sites, and Hezbollah fronts

The Israeli military said it launched a wave of strikes on ballistic missile sites. The targets included facilities that produce and store missiles. Israel said the strikes hit Tehran and Isfahan. New US and Israeli strikes also shook Tehran and other Iranian cities.

The United Nations nuclear watchdog said Natanz suffered recent damage. It said no radiological consequence was expected. The US struck Natanz during a 12-day war in June. That June fighting, with Israeli support, weakened Iran’s nuclear programme.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Iran was rebuilding underground bomb sites. Netanyahu did not provide evidence for the claim. Iran said it has not enriched uranium since June. Iran also said it has a right to a peaceful nuclear programme.

Israel also intensified action in Lebanon after Monday missile fire from Hezbollah. On Tuesday, the Israeli military hit Beirut with more airstrikes. Israel said it moved additional troops into southern Lebanon. Israel said the strikes were in response to Hezbollah attacks.

Israel Iran war: Gulf retaliation, oil routes, and Hormuz threat

Iran also struck targets beyond Israel, hitting places seen as safe havens. Reported targets included two Amazon data centers in the United Arab Emirates. Another reported target was an Amazon data center in Bahrain. The American embassy in Saudi Arabia also came under drone attack.

Iran attacked energy facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, according to reports. Iran also struck ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The strait carries about a fifth of global oil trade. The attacks pushed oil and natural gas prices higher worldwide.

\"The Strait of Hormuz is closed,\" declared Iranian Brig Gen Ebrahim Jabbari, an adviser to the Revolutionary Guard. Jabbari vowed ships passing through would be set on fire. The statement added to uncertainty over shipping and fuel supplies across the Gulf.

As airstrikes and missile fire continued, officials issued competing signals on next steps. Israel reported ongoing hits on Iranian missile infrastructure and Hezbollah positions. Iran maintained attacks across Israel and Gulf states, affecting travel and energy flows. With leadership changes under way in Tehran, questions remained about how the war would end.

With inputs from PTI