Explosions were reported across several cities in the Middle East on Saturday as tensions in the region intensified, with a drone strike hitting the United States embassy in Baghdad and Iran issuing warnings to civilians in the United Arab Emirates to avoid port areas.
The latest development comes amid a widening conflict that began after the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28. Since then, the region has witnessed waves of missile, drone, and aerial attacks that have affected economies and displaced millions of people.
According to Iran’s health ministry, the violence has already claimed the lives of more than 1,200 people in the country.
In the United Arab Emirates, thick black smoke was seen rising over Fujairah, a major port city known for its oil storage and export terminals. Iranian military authorities reportedly cautioned civilians in the country to keep away from port facilities that could become potential targets.
Despite ongoing operations by US and Israeli forces, Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks against several neighbouring countries and has significantly disrupted shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.
An AFP journalist reported seeing a cloud of dark smoke rising above the US diplomatic compound in Baghdad following strikes targeting the Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah. Security sources said two members of the group, including a “key figure,” were killed.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said on Friday that American forces had carried out strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, the country’s largest oil export hub. He noted that the military operation targeted strategic facilities but avoided damaging oil infrastructure.
Iran had earlier warned that energy companies connected to the United States could face attacks if its oil facilities were hit. Following the escalation, crude oil prices have surged by more than 40 percent as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—responsible for about one-fifth of global oil supply—has nearly stopped.
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President Trump said the US Navy would begin escorting oil tankers through the strait “very soon” in an effort to restore the flow of exports.
Late Friday, heavy explosions were reported in Tehran, while the Israeli military issued warnings to residents in an industrial area of Tabriz in northern Iran to evacuate ahead of planned operations.
The United Nations refugee agency estimates that about 3.2 million people have been internally displaced in Iran since the conflict began. Authorities in the country have also maintained a nationwide internet shutdown during the crisis.
According to the Pentagon, US and Israeli forces have struck more than 15,000 targets across Iran in the past two weeks. Israel said it carried out about 7,600 of those attacks, many aimed at Iran’s missile infrastructure.
Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed at the start of the US-Israel campaign. His son Mojtaba Khamenei has since been named the new supreme leader but has not appeared publicly and is believed to have been injured. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned of severe action against any anti-government protests.
The United States is also reinforcing its military presence in the region. Reports indicate that the Japan-based amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, carrying about 2,500 Marines, is being deployed.
At least 13 US military personnel have reportedly died during the conflict, including six who were aboard a refuelling aircraft that crashed in Iraq. Officials said the crash was not linked to enemy fire.
Elsewhere in the region, Qatar announced that it intercepted two missiles on Saturday and evacuated sensitive areas in its capital, Doha, after explosions were heard. Saudi Arabia also reported shooting down dozens of drones the previous day.
The Palestinian group Hamas urged Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries while maintaining that the country has the right to defend itself.
Turkey also disclosed that NATO forces intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran, marking the third such interception since the conflict began.
Lebanon has also been drawn into the conflict following attacks by the Iran-backed group Hezbollah against Israel after the death of Khamenei. Lebanese officials reported that at least 773 people have been killed in Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah positions. One of the attacks in southern Lebanon reportedly killed at least a dozen medical workers at a healthcare facility.