New Delhi: The war involving the United States, Iran and Israel entered its ninth day on Sunday. Fresh strikes and missile alerts were reported across several parts of the Middle East. The conflict began on February 28 after joint US Israeli strikes targeted Iran.
Authorities in many Gulf countries issued fresh warnings to residents about possible aerial attacks. Mobile alerts went out in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain reported heightened security measures.
Explosions reported in Tel Aviv
At least 10 explosions were reported in Tel Aviv on Sunday. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard vowed to intensify attacks against Israel and US assets in the region. The blasts occurred as tensions rose between the rival sides.
Israel also launched strikes on multiple locations in the region. Israeli forces attacked targets in southern Lebanon, Beirut and oil storage facilities in Tehran. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said more action could follow. He warned that the next phase of the war could bring “many surprises”.
Decision on Khamenei successor
Iran’s clerical body responsible for choosing the next Supreme Leader has reached a decision on the successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The announcement has not yet been made publicly.
Ayatollah Mohsen Heidari Alekasir, a member of the body, hinted that the name had already attracted international attention.
“even the Great Satan (the US) has mentioned his name.”
Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late leader, has emerged as a possible candidate after Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes on February 28.
Israel warns next leader could be targeted
Israel’s military has warned that it will continue pursuing any successor to Khamenei. US President Donald Trump also issued a strong warning. He said the war might only end when Iran’s military leadership and ruling system were removed.
Iran launches new missile barrage
The United Arab Emirates said Iran launched 16 ballistic missiles and more than 117 drones toward targets in the region on Sunday. According to the UAE Defence Ministry, air defence systems intercepted all 16 missiles and most of the drones.
Officials said one additional missile fell into the sea while four drones landed inside UAE territory. Authorities said they were ready to “firmly confront” the threats.
Strikes cause fires and casualties
Large clouds of black smoke rose over Tehran after strikes hit oil storage facilities. Explosions also struck Iran’s Yazd province and other locations including Isfahan.
In Lebanon, officials said an Israeli strike on a hotel in Beirut killed four people. The Israeli military said it carried out a “precise strike” targeting members of Iran’s Quds Force.
More than 100 Iranians including diplomats left Beirut overnight on a Russian aircraft, according to a Lebanese official.
Energy exports face disruption
The conflict has also affected energy supplies in the region. Oil and gas exports from several countries have faced disruption. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation announced production cuts and declared force majeure on March 7 after exports through the Strait of Hormuz were affected.
According to official figures, the war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 300 in Lebanon and about a dozen in Israel.