Middle East tensions escalate as Iran, US, Israel exchange fresh strikes across region

The security situation across the Middle East intensified on Monday as Iran, the United States and Israel reported a series of military operations, missile interceptions and deadly attacks that underscored growing regional instability.

Authorities in Iraq confirmed that Erbil International Airport resumed operations after temporarily suspending activities following a drone incident near the facility. The airport was closed after a drone crashed close to the airport during an attack on the city, prompting security officials to assess the situation before reopening the airfield.

Meanwhile, Iran’s military announced that it had launched an attack on the Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan, a military installation used by the United States. The claim had not been independently verified, and there was no immediate confirmation from U.S. or Jordanian authorities.

Across the Gulf region, air raid sirens were activated in Bahrain as authorities warned of potential missile threats. The governments of Bahrain and Kuwait later announced that their air defence systems had successfully intercepted Iranian missiles, although details regarding casualties or damage were not immediately available.

Global energy crisis worsens as US–Iran conflict threatens strait of Hormuz shipping

The latest developments came as the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it had completed another round of air operations against Iranian targets, marking what it described as the 13th consecutive night of strikes.

Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations across the country, including Khorramabad, Jask, Ahvaz, Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island, indicating that multiple regions were affected by the latest military operations.

According to Iranian media reports, a U.S. missile strike near Ahvaz killed four people and injured five others. Separate strikes on Khorramabad and the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas reportedly left two people injured in each location. The casualty figures have not been independently verified.

Reacting to the continued military campaign, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the attacks, warning that what he described as “mindless aggression” would only increase the political and diplomatic cost for U.S. President Donald Trump in efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict.

The deteriorating security situation also extended to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israeli and Palestinian sources reported that four Palestinians and two Israelis were killed during a shootout near the Israeli settlement of Havat Gilad in the occupied West Bank.

Following the incident, the Israeli military announced the launch of a large-scale security operation in Nablus and surrounding communities, saying troops were conducting searches and pursuing those responsible for the attack.

The latest wave of violence has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict involving multiple actors, with military operations now spanning Iran, Iraq, Jordan, the Gulf region and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions remain uncertain as the exchange of military strikes and retaliatory actions continues to raise concerns about regional security and the potential for a wider conflict.