The conflict in the Middle East escalated Monday as the U.S. and Israel continued military operations against Iran, while Tehran and its allies retaliated against Israel, Gulf states, and critical oil and gas infrastructure. U.S. President Donald Trump stated the U.S. has the capacity to continue operations beyond the initially projected four-to-five-week timeframe.
Casualties and Damage
At least 555 people have been killed in Iran by the U.S.-Israeli campaign, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, with over 130 cities reportedly under attack. In Israel, 11 people have been killed, and 31 in Lebanon, according to authorities. The U.S. military confirmed the deaths of two additional service members Monday, bringing the total American casualties to six. Eighteen American service members have been seriously wounded.
Escalating Regional Tensions
Israeli military strikes hit a Hezbollah-aligned media building in Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting what they described as “Hezbollah command centers and weapons storage facilities.” Hezbollah responded with missile and drone attacks on northern Israel, prompting further Israeli airstrikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon, resulting in at least 52 deaths and 154 injuries in Lebanon, according to the country’s Health Ministry. Hezbollah stated that its actions are a “reaction to the aggression” and warned against continued Israeli attacks.
The U.S. military reported destroying 11 Iranian warships in the Gulf of Oman. A drone attack on a fuel terminal in Abu Dhabi was quickly contained, with no injuries reported.
Political Responses and Concerns
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson described the U.S. attack as a “defensive operation” motivated by Israel’s determination to act against Iran. However, Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, stated there was no imminent threat to the United States from Iran, only a threat to Israel. Lawmakers received a classified briefing on the operation, but Senator Chuck Schumer found the answers “completely and totally insufficient.” The Trump administration is expected to seek supplemental funds from Congress to cover the costs of the operation.
Spain stated that joint U.S. bases within the country were not used in the attack on Iran, emphasizing that any operations must comply with international legal frameworks and have international support.
International Reactions and Warnings
Iran’s foreign minister posted an image of freshly dug graves, alleging they were for over 160 girls killed in an airstrike on a school in southern Iran. Both the U.S. and Israel are investigating these reports. The State Department urged all U.S. citizens to depart more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries due to safety risks. The U.S. Embassy in Jordan temporarily evacuated staff due to a threat from Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on European allies to support the U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran, even without direct military involvement. Iran claims to have shot down 20 enemy drones since the beginning of the attacks.
Israel Reopens Gaza Crossing
COGAT, the Israeli military body overseeing civilian affairs in Gaza, announced the reopening of one crossing into the territory for the gradual entry of humanitarian aid. This follows a complete closure at the start of the conflict, which had led to fuel rationing and water shortages in Gaza.
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