The United States has warned that the conflict with Iran is entering a more aggressive phase, with the U.S. secretary of war saying the coming day will mark the “most intense day of strikes” since the fighting began.
The war continues to expand across the region as Iran and Israel exchange strikes, while Iranian attacks have begun spilling into neighbouring countries, including Saudi Arabia, raising fears of a broader Middle East confrontation.
Iran’s parliament speaker said Tehran is “definitely not looking for a ceasefire,” signalling the country intends to continue its military campaign despite mounting casualties and international pressure for de-escalation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s ongoing offensive against Iran is significantly weakening its rival’s military capabilities. He described the campaign as “breaking their bones,” and pledged that Israeli strikes would continue.
The conflict is also creating growing concern in global energy markets. Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil giant Aramco warned that its East-West pipeline to the Red Sea is nearing full capacity, raising fears that disruptions to shipping routes could rapidly drain global oil inventories.
Meanwhile, tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia have escalated after Iranian attacks targeted infrastructure linked to American military and energy interests in the Gulf region. Analysts say the strikes threaten Saudi Arabia’s carefully cultivated image of stability and economic strength, prompting warnings from Riyadh that retaliation could follow.
At a news conference Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump again accused Iran of being responsible for a deadly explosion at a school that killed more than 165 people. However, newly surfaced footage reviewed by an investigative group suggests the blast may have been caused by a U.S. Tomahawk missile that struck near the school.
The war has already taken a heavy human toll across the region. Officials report that at least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran, 486 in Lebanon, and 13 in Israel since the fighting began, as the conflict shows no signs of slowing.
