The Middle East conflict entered a dangerous new phase this weekend as Israel intensified military operations against Iranian targets and Hezbollah positions. Israeli forces conducted precision strikes on Revolutionary Guard facilities in Tehran and Isfahan, following an extensive overnight operation involving approximately 80 fighter jets. Concurrently, Israeli forces targeted Hezbollah command centers and weapons storage facilities across southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley, resulting in several casualties among the group’s leadership.
The regional tension significantly disrupted air travel, with Dubai International Airport—the world’s busiest for international travel—temporarily suspending operations before partially resuming services following air defense activity in the area. Similar disruptions were reported in Bahrain’s capital Manama, where warning sirens prompted residents to seek shelter.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a defiant statement, asserting that Iran would not surrender to Israeli and American pressure. While apologizing to neighboring countries for recent attacks, he issued a stern warning that further Iranian missiles would only be launched if attacks originated from those territories. Simultaneously, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for targeting an oil tanker in the Gulf and conducted operations against separatist groups in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.
The diplomatic response intensified as Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman called on Iran to ‘avoid miscalculation’ following repeated missile and drone attacks against the kingdom. The Arab League scheduled an emergency meeting for Sunday to coordinate response to Iranian attacks on Arab territories, with several Gulf states participating.
Meanwhile, the United States approved emergency weapons sales to Israel, authorizing 12,000 bomb casings to bolster Israeli defense capabilities amid the escalating conflict. The Israeli military remained on high alert, responding to Iranian missile attacks that triggered air raid sirens across the country.