West Asia conflict escalates as US‑Israel strikes hit Iran, US Embassy attacked in Riyadh

On the other hand, the Iranian state media said that a command building at a US air base in Bahrain has been destroyed.

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Conflict in West Asia has intensified as Iran and joint Israeli-US forces have launched new waves of missile and drone attacks. As per the latest reports, Israel is currently conducting simultaneous targeted strikes against military targets in Tehran and Beirut. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that its soldiers are operating in southern Lebanon and are positioned at several points near the border area as part of an enhanced forward defence posture. It further said that Israel is conducting targeted strikes against Hezbollah’s infrastructure. Israel also alleged that Hezbollah chose to attack Israel on behalf of the Iranian regime.

The IDF has also confirmed that the Commander of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), Abu Hamza Rami, has been killed in Beirut in Israeli strikes. In a statement, the IDF said that Abu Hamza Rami’s elimination has significantly degraded PIJ’s ability to carry out operations against Israel. In another strike, the Israeli forces also killed the head of Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters, Hussein Makled, in Beirut.

Moreover, the United States Central Command has said that the US forces have destroyed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command and control facilities, Iranian air defence capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields during sustained operations. In a social media post, CENTCOM said that the US will continue to take decisive action against imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime. Meanwhile, six US service members have been killed in action so far.

On the other hand, the Iranian state media said that a command building at a US air base in Bahrain has been destroyed. Bahrainian Ambassador to the US, Abdulla bin Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, said that Bahrain’s air defences intercepted 70 Iranian ballistic missiles and 59 drones targeting the Kingdom. He also alleged that civilian sites in Bahrain were attacked by Tehran.

The U.S. embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was also hit by two drones from Tehran. The drone strike resulted in limited fire and minor material damage. Reacting to the attack, US President Donald Trump said that the US will retaliate.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed structural damage at Iran’s nuclear site in Natanz, following a review of the most recent satellite images. In a statement, the UN nuclear watchdog said there were no signs of radiation leaks and no further impact on the main underground enrichment plant.

Meanwhile, a 4.3-magnitude earthquake struck Iran’s Gerash region, amid the escalating conflict in the Islamic Republic. There were no immediate indications of major damage or injuries.