The Middle East witnessed a severe escalation of military conflict on Tuesday as airstrikes expanded across multiple Gulf nations, with Israel authorizing offensive operations in Lebanon. This development follows Iran’s retaliatory attacks against US and Israeli assets throughout the region.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had approved military operations to “advance and seize additional controlling areas in Lebanon” to protect Israeli border settlements. This announcement came in response to Hezbollah’s drone swarm attack on the Ramat David air base in northern Israel, which targeted radar installations and control rooms.
The conflict rapidly spread beyond the Israel-Lebanon border. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense intercepted and destroyed eight drones near Riyadh and Al-Kharj, while a limited fire broke out at the US embassy in Riyadh following a drone attack. The critical Ras Tanura oil refinery, one of the Middle East’s largest with a capacity of 550,000 barrels per day, suspended some operations after being struck.
The United Arab Emirates reported engaging a “barrage” of ballistic missiles from Iran, with debris from intercepted drones causing a fire in Fujairah’s Oil Industry Zone. Australia’s Defense Minister confirmed their Al Minhad Air Base near Dubai had been hit over the weekend.
Qatar made history as the first Gulf nation to shoot down Iranian Sukhoi Su-24 bombers, while QatarEnergy, a major global LNG exporter, suspended production following drone strikes on two facilities. In Tehran, Israeli strikes targeted the state broadcaster and other areas.
A Revolutionary Guards commander declared the Strait of Hormuz “closed,” threatening attacks on vessels attempting passage through the vital shipping lane. Meanwhile, Egypt and Iraq called for de-escalation to prevent the region from descending into “total chaos.”
International law experts highlighted the complexities of targeting under International Humanitarian Law. Hadi Rahmat Purnama of Universitas Indonesia explained that civilian infrastructure loses protected status when used for military purposes, but attackers must still observe principles of proportionality and distinction, regardless of whether military installations are placed near civilian populations.