Iran-Israel-US Conflict Escalates: Missiles Strike Gulf, Oil Infrastructure Targeted, Global Markets Rattled
Dubai/Tehran — The conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel has intensified sharply, with missile strikes, drone attacks and explosions reported across several parts of the Middle East. The war, which has now entered its second week, is spreading beyond the original battle zones and affecting Gulf countries, energy infrastructure and global shipping routes.
Iran has continued launching missiles and drones at various targets in the Gulf region in retaliation for strikes carried out by the United States and Israel. Several Gulf nations, including the United Arab Emirates, have activated air defence systems to intercept incoming projectiles. In some areas, residents reported hearing loud explosions as defence systems shot down drones and missiles in the sky.
Authorities in the UAE confirmed that the sounds heard across the country were caused by missile interceptions. While most threats were neutralised, the attacks underscored how the war is expanding beyond Iran and Israel and drawing other regional states into the crisis.
In another incident, explosions were reported in parts of Dubai, where smoke was seen rising above residential areas amid heightened tensions across the Gulf. Investigations were launched to determine the exact cause of the blasts.
The conflict has also spread to critical shipping lanes and energy facilities in the region. Iranian attacks have targeted ships and oil infrastructure across the Gulf, including vessels near major ports and energy installations. These strikes have raised fears of disruption to global oil supplies.
A container ship near Dubai was struck by a projectile that caused a fire onboard, while other vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz have also come under attack. The waterway is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, carrying roughly a fifth of global crude supplies.
The widening conflict also saw drone strikes hitting fuel storage tanks at the Port of Salalah in Oman, triggering large fires and further raising concerns about the vulnerability of key energy facilities.
These developments have pushed oil prices higher, with global crude prices crossing the $100 per barrel mark as traders worry about supply disruptions.
Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its military campaign against Iranian allies in the region. Israeli forces launched strikes on targets linked to Iran and the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, particularly in southern Beirut.
The strikes came after Hezbollah launched waves of rockets and drones toward northern Israel in coordination with Iran. Israeli air raids killed several people and injured others, while thousands of families were displaced as fighting intensified.
The escalation has raised fears that Lebanon could become a major new front in the war, potentially drawing more countries into the conflict.
The war has already taken a heavy humanitarian toll. Iranian officials say more than 1,300 civilians have been killed and thousands of buildings and civilian facilities damaged since the conflict began.
In Lebanon, hundreds of people have died and hundreds of thousands have been displaced due to air strikes and ongoing fighting.
International leaders and organisations have called for de-escalation, warning that the conflict could destabilise the entire Middle East and trigger a wider global crisis.
The war is also affecting global trade, energy markets and international travel. Airspace closures and security threats have disrupted flights across the Gulf, leaving many travellers stranded in the region.
Meanwhile, governments around the world are closely monitoring the situation and urging restraint. Some countries have started releasing strategic oil reserves or considering emergency measures to stabilise energy markets.
Also Read: Gold Prices Ease in Dubai Amid Geopolitical Tensions and US Rate Uncertainty
Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting continues on multiple fronts, with analysts warning that further escalation could severely impact global energy supplies, shipping routes and regional security.
War spreads across the Gulf: Missiles rain on UAE, oil tankers burn, and global markets brace for impact as the Iran-Israel-US conflict enters a deadly second week.
