Israel and Iran exchanged attacks on Saturday, as the United States deployed thousands of additional Marines to the Middle East, while President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for their reluctance to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Israel also attacked Beirut, saying it was targeting Hezbollah as it steps up airstrikes targeting the Iran-backed Lebanese militia in the deadliest spillover from the war on Iran since Hezbollah fired on Israel in support of Tehran on March 2.
More than 2,000 people have been killed since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, while Americans appear increasingly concerned at signs the war could expand further as it enters its fourth week.
Vital energy infrastructure in Iran and neighbouring Gulf states has been attacked, sending oil prices up 50% and threatening global economic shock.
Iran Targets U.S.-UK Base In Indian Ocean
Israel said Saturday’s attacks on Iran included Tehran, Karaj west of the capital and the central city of Isfahan.
Before its strikes on Lebanon, the Israeli military said, it issued evacuation warnings for seven neighbourhoods in the southern suburbs of Beirut. More than 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon and over 1 million displaced in the Israeli attacks.
Air raid sirens in Israel warned of incoming missiles from early morning, sending millions to shelters as the blasts of interceptions rang out from above. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Israel’s military said search and rescue teams were headed to impact sites in central Israel and asked the public to avoid gatherings in those areas. Iranian missile attacks have killed 19 people in Israel and the Palestinian territories since the war began.
Iran fired two ballistic missiles at the U.S.-British military base Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, demonstrating the reach of its weaponry. The Wall Street Journal said two intermediate-range ballistic missiles were launched but did not hit the base.
Natural gas prices in Europe surged as much as 35% this week as Iran and Israel hit some of the region’s most important gas infrastructure. The EU urged members to lower gas-storage targets and start refilling reserves gradually to curb demand, according to late reports.
United Airlines (UAL.O), said it would cut its scheduled flights by 5% in the second and third quarters, planning for prolonged higher oil prices.
Reuters.