Bairut, March 3 (V7N) — Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply following fresh airstrikes and retaliatory threats involving Israel, Iran and the United States, according to international media reports.

The Israeli military said it carried out new airstrikes on the Iranian capital Tehran and Lebanon’s capital Beirut, claiming that the operations targeted “military objectives.” Israeli officials also stated that ground forces in southern Lebanon would advance further to seize what they described as strategically important areas, aimed at preventing attacks on Israeli border settlements.

Meanwhile, Iranian sources reported a drone attack targeting the United States Embassy Riyadh in the Saudi capital Riyadh. According to reports, two drones struck the embassy compound, causing limited fire and structural damage. There has been no detailed confirmation from US officials regarding the extent of the damage.

Iranian state media also claimed that the command building of a US air base in Bahrain was destroyed. However, US authorities have not issued any official statement confirming or denying the claim.

In a further escalation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, warning that any vessel attempting to pass through the vital shipping route would face attack. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, through which a significant portion of global oil and gas supplies transit daily.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that “the worst of Iran’s actions may still be ahead,” signaling that tougher countermeasures could be taken in the coming days if hostilities continue.

The rapidly evolving situation has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, with global markets and diplomatic channels closely monitoring developments.

Source: BBC, Al Jazeera

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