Heavy explosions shook the Iranian capital Tehran early Saturday as Israel launched a new wave of airstrikes, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile attacks against Israel in an intensifying week-long conflict.
Dark clouds of smoke were seen rising over parts of Tehran as strikes hit multiple locations. Israeli authorities said the attacks were part of a broader campaign targeting Iran’s military infrastructure. Shortly afterward, the Israeli military reported that it had begun intercepting a fresh barrage of missiles launched from Iran.
The conflict showed signs of expanding across the region. Air-raid sirens sounded in Bahrain after an Iranian strike targeted the island kingdom. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted drones headed toward its Shaybah oil field and shot down a ballistic missile aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base, which hosts US forces.
The United States has backed Israel during the crisis. President Donald Trump approved a new USD 151 million arms sale to Israel and reiterated that negotiations with Iran would only take place if Tehran accepted “unconditional surrender.” In response, Iran’s UN ambassador said the country would take “all necessary measures” to defend itself.
Meanwhile, two officials familiar with US intelligence said Russia had provided Iran with information that could help it target US military positions. Russian President Vladimir Putin also held a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian amid the escalating tensions.
The conflict has also raised concerns about global economic stability. Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi warned that prolonged fighting could disrupt Gulf energy exports and potentially push oil prices to USD 150 per barrel.
Already, the price of benchmark US crude climbed above USD 90 per barrel on Friday — the highest level in more than two years — reflecting growing fears that the widening conflict could disrupt global energy supplies.
