The war triggered by joint U.S.-Israel airstrikes on Iran intensified over the past 24 hours, with new missile and drone strikes across the Gulf, aviation disruptions, and rising concerns over global fuel supplies as the conflict continues to spread beyond its original battlefield.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the conflict could escalate further if maritime routes in the Persian Gulf remain threatened. In a social media post, Trump said the United States would continue operations until Iran’s military capabilities were “fully dismantled,” while warning that any attempt to block the Strait of Hormuz would trigger additional action from U.S. forces.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), meanwhile, said its missile and drone operations would continue against Israeli and U.S.-linked targets across the region. Iranian officials warned that Gulf states hosting American military bases could face further strikes, describing the campaign as retaliation for the U.S.–Israeli air campaign that began on Feb. 28.
Israeli officials said their air force carried out additional strikes on Iranian military infrastructure over the past 24 hours, targeting missile depots, air-defense systems, and logistics hubs supporting the IRGC. Israeli leaders said the military still had “thousands of targets” available if Iran continues its attacks.
Drone attacks
The regional conflict widened further after Iran launched fresh waves of drones toward Gulf states. Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted over 60 Iranian drones targeting oil infrastructure and major cities in multiple waves over the past 24 hours.
In the United Arab Emirates, suspected Iranian drones struck near Dubai International Airport, forcing temporary closures of airspace and causing major disruptions to flights. Emergency services responded to fires near airport facilities while airlines diverted or suspended flights before limited operations gradually resumed. The incident marked another strike on the U.A.E. since the war began.
Since Feb. 28, Iranian attacks on the U.A.E. alone have included hundreds of drones and missiles, killing at least six people, including two Pakistani nationals, and injuring more than 140.
Strait of Hormuz and fuel supply
The war is also increasingly threatening global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly a fifth of global oil supplies normally pass—remains heavily restricted due to Iranian naval activity.
Iran has allowed only a limited number of vessels to pass through the strait. Reports indicate that ships linked to Russia and China have been permitted transit, while Indian-flagged tankers have also been allowed to pass in some cases. Other countries, particularly the United States and its allies, remain effectively blocked from safe passage through the critical shipping lane.
The disruption has pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel and prompted several governments to release strategic reserves to stabilize markets.
Casualties and infrastructure damage
The war has caused heavy casualties across the region. Estimates indicate more than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran since the start of the U.S.–Israeli strikes, while Iranian missile attacks have killed at least 19 people in Israel and injured thousands on both sides of the conflict.
Across the wider region, including the Gulf states, Iraq and Lebanon, dozens more have died as missile strikes hit bases, oil facilities, and infrastructure linked to U.S. forces and regional governments. Among the major sites struck during the war are oil refineries in Tehran, military installations, air defense networks, and logistical hubs tied to the IRGC. Iran has retaliated by targeting oil infrastructure, airports, and U.S.-linked bases across the Gulf.
Bounties
Amid the escalating conflict, Washington has also announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to key Iranian leaders, including Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and senior IRGC officials, under the U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice program.
Iranian officials have condemned the move as psychological warfare and have accused the United States and Israel of attempting to destabilize Iran’s leadership.
With attacks now hitting airports, shipping lanes, oil facilities and military bases across the Middle East, analysts warn the war is increasingly threatening critical global infrastructure and could trigger a broader regional conflict if diplomatic efforts fail.