Explosions rocked cities across the Middle East on Saturday as the US embassy in Baghdad came under a drone strike, marking the second attack on the diplomatic mission since February 28.
The strikes come amid ongoing US and Israeli operations against Iran, which have sparked a regional conflict affecting global energy markets.
The US embassy attack followed waves of drone, missile, and aerial operations that have displaced millions and reportedly killed more than 1,200 people in Iran, according to the country’s health ministry.
Dark smoke was seen rising from Fujairah, a major Emirati port with oil storage and export facilities. Iranian authorities had earlier warned civilians to avoid port areas vulnerable to potential strikes.
Despite facing US and Israeli military action, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting at least 10 neighbouring countries, significantly disrupting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Crude oil prices have surged by more than 40 percent since the conflict began.
An AFP journalist reported clouds of black smoke over the US embassy in Baghdad following strikes on the Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah, which reportedly killed two members, including a “key figure,” according to security sources.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that US forces struck Iran’s Kharg Island, the country’s largest oil export hub, targeting military sites while sparing oil facilities. Iranian media also reported no damage to the oil installations.
Heavy blasts were reported in Tehran late Friday, while Israel warned residents in an industrial zone in Tabriz to evacuate ahead of planned military operations.
The UN refugee agency estimates that up to 3.2 million people have been displaced within Iran since the conflict began. Authorities have maintained an internet blackout across the country.
According to the Pentagon, US and Israeli forces have hit more than 15,000 targets in Iran over the past two weeks, with Israel reporting 7,600 strikes, mostly aimed at Iran’s missile programme.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was reportedly killed at the start of the US-Israeli campaign, with his son Mojtaba Khamenei named as the new leader. Reports suggest Mojtaba is wounded and has stayed out of public view, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned of severe crackdowns on anti-government protests.
The United States has sent reinforcements, including the Japan-based amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli carrying about 2,500 Marines. Thirteen US personnel have died, including six in a refuelling aircraft crash in Iraq, which officials said was not due to hostile fire.
Regional responses have been swift. Qatar intercepted two missiles on Saturday and evacuated parts of Doha, while Saudi forces intercepted dozens of drones on Friday. Turkey reported NATO forces shot down a ballistic missile from Iran, the third such interception.
Hamas urged Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries but affirmed its right to defend itself. Lebanon has also suffered attacks from Israel targeting Hezbollah, killing at least 773 people, including 12 medical personnel in southern Lebanon.
AFP
