Iran Escalates Missile Attacks, Ben Gurion Airport Shuts Down Amid Regional Tensions
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Iran has escalated its missile attacks on Israeli territories, leading to the temporary closure of Ben Gurion Airport and heightening regional tensions. The Iranian armed forces are reportedly striking enemy positions with renewed force amidst ongoing military actions by the United States and the Israeli regime.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated in an interview with Italy’s Corriere della Sera that the Middle East is in a “very dangerous phase,” with a growing likelihood of the conflict expanding into a full-scale regional war. He criticized the Israeli regime’s actions for causing war and crisis and violating international law. Al-Sudani emphasized that Iraq is closely monitoring the developments, situated at the heart of a region with deeply intertwined international and regional interests. He reiterated that the Palestinian issue remains a primary cause of instability, and its neglect or delayed resolution will lead to recurring cycles of violence. Al-Sudani also noted that Iran’s self-proclaimed role as a defender of Palestinians contributes to direct confrontations and increased tensions.
He warned that targeting energy infrastructure, including oil and gas, could have severe consequences for the global economy. While Iraq strives to remain neutral, al-Sudani stressed that the country will not become a stage for power struggles. The Iraqi government is simultaneously working to strengthen internal stability and play a diplomatic role in bridging the views of conflicting parties. He suggested that Baghdad’s relations with both the United States and Iran enable it to act as a mediator. Iraq does not believe in military solutions, and any military action to resolve the Strait of Hormuz crisis could provoke an Iranian response. Al-Sudani confirmed that Iraq would not participate in military actions to reopen this route. He also stated that Iraqi security forces are controlling illegal violence and have prevented numerous attacks. Regarding the presence of foreign forces, al-Sudani mentioned that some armed groups consider it an “occupation,” leading Baghdad to agree with its partners to end the international coalition’s mission by September 2026. He ruled out the risk of civil war or the widespread return of terrorism in Iraq, characterizing threats as limited to small cells, but identified violations of Iraqi airspace by U.S. aircraft as a current primary problem. Al-Sudani concluded by condemning the recent U.S. strikes on Hashd al-Shaabi forces, which resulted in casualties.
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrey Rudenko, announced that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz would stabilize once the conflict with Iran concludes. He stressed that Russia calls for a complete resolution to the crisis, prioritizing the cessation of U.S. and Israeli attacks against Iran, deeming the events in the strait a direct consequence of this “illegal campaign.” Rudenko expects the strategic waterway to return to normal once the war ends.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi observed that the war in the region has caused significant economic problems and that Oman is working to facilitate safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on X, he stated that regardless of one’s view of Iran, the current war was not initiated by them. Al-Busaidi expressed fear that the situation would worsen if the conflict persists and reiterated Oman’s efforts to ensure safe passage through the strait.
U.S. President Donald Trump, via social media, retreated from his earlier threats to attack Iranian energy infrastructure, claiming productive negotiations with Iran over the past two days. He stated these discussions aim for a comprehensive solution to stop hostilities in the Middle East and ordered a five-day postponement of all attacks against Iranian energy and infrastructure facilities. Trump described the alleged talks as deep, detailed, and constructive, expected to continue this week. In response to Trump’s threats, Iran had previously warned that an attack on Israeli or U.S. energy and vital infrastructure would lead to military action by Iranian forces.
Israeli media acknowledged that Iran targets wherever it wishes, with no indication of diminished Iranian military capabilities. They reported that Tehran possesses the capacity for sustained attacks and that recent Iranian strikes on the Arad region in southern occupied territories resulted in 8 deaths and nearly 168 injuries. Channel 12 of Israeli television reported that all individuals and passengers at Ben Gurion Airport were evacuated due to a new wave of Iranian missile attacks and the activation of air raid sirens, with the airport subsequently shut down. The Israeli Home Front Command had announced a fresh barrage of Iranian missiles towards the occupied territories.
Italian newspaper La Repubblica’s military correspondent, Gianluca Di Fio, reported signs of weariness in Israel’s air defense systems, which have reportedly lost effectiveness against Iran’s heavy missile and drone attacks. He stated that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is employing its most modern and potent weaponry, possessing barrage missiles capable of penetrating Israeli defenses. The report noted a reduction in the use of Arrow interceptor systems, which are crucial for neutralizing missile salvos but are believed to have limited reserves. The newspaper indicated that Israel used over 80 interceptor missiles in the first wave of Iranian aerial attacks, compared to 50 in the initial wave during a previous 12-day war. The slow production rate of these missiles means replenishing them could take up to three years. With a shortage of Arrow missiles, the Israeli military is increasingly relying on David’s Sling missile systems, though their effectiveness against barrage missiles is reportedly delayed. The report also highlighted Pentagon concerns over Israel’s diminishing defensive capabilities, which have extended to Gulf states. To compensate, the U.S. has equipped its ships with THAAD anti-missile systems, SM-3 interceptors, and Patriot PAC-3 missiles. In the initial 36 hours of the conflict, U.S. forces reportedly expended about 80 THAAD missiles and 150 other types, representing roughly one-third of their available stock. Given a production capacity of no more than 40 missiles annually, replenishing these losses could take until 2030.
Al-Ahed News Network reported that an American fighter jet was hit in Iranian airspace and crashed in Kuwait. Details regarding the aircraft type and further specifics of the crash were not immediately available. Israeli media reported the commencement of a new wave of Iranian missile attacks on occupied territories, with air raid sirens sounding in Tel Aviv, central Israel, southern Israel, and near Gaza. The Israeli military confirmed the firing of new Iranian missiles towards occupied territories.
Thousands of people in the UK protested against the U.S. and Israeli military policies targeting the Islamic Republic of Iran, chanting slogans condemning the joint U.S.-Israeli attack and waving Iranian flags. Protesters also called for an end to the “double standards” in nuclear policies, contrasting the scrutiny of Iran’s peaceful nuclear program with the activities of certain regimes. Israeli radio acknowledged the death of one Israeli in the Mas’af Aam area due to friendly fire resulting from a malfunction in Israeli artillery. The Israeli military has reportedly attributed recent casualties from Iranian and Hezbollah attacks to various reasons, including accidents and friendly fire.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) warned of significant risks to the global economy due to the ongoing conflict, potentially leading to the release of more strategic oil reserves. According to the International Desk of Webangah, citing Reuters, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol stated that the agency has begun consultations with Asian and European governments regarding the possibility of releasing more strategic oil reserves if necessary, a consequence of the war against Iran. IEA member countries had previously agreed to release approximately 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves to influence global oil prices. Birol described the Middle East crisis as more severe than the oil shocks of the 1970s, compounded by the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. He noted that over 40 energy facilities have been damaged, posing a major threat to the global economy and identifying the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a critical solution. Despite efforts to curb rising oil prices, crude oil reached over $113 per barrel, its highest since July 2022.
Israeli media acknowledged that a drone from the Lebanese resistance fired two missiles at two Israeli vehicles on the northern border, resulting in the death of all occupants. Israeli officials have not yet commented on the specifics or casualties. Additionally, Israeli media reported an emergency in the western border area with Lebanon due to the overturning of a long-range surface-to-surface missile launcher, injuring two Israeli soldiers. The Israeli army is investigating the incident. Channel 12 of Israeli television reported that air raid sirens are almost constant on the northern front lines, with increased missile attacks from Lebanese resistance forces threatening northern areas, though military censorship reportedly hinders media coverage of missile impacts. i24 News acknowledged that Hezbollah missiles are fired in a manner that challenges Israeli military interception. Israeli Home Front Command announced air raid sirens in Tiberias, Galilee, southern Haifa, and the Sahel region, with explosions heard in Haifa following two phases of Iranian missile operations. Sirens were also heard in the Galilee. Israeli media confirmed an Iranian missile strike in the Safed region, with Channel 12 claiming it landed in an open area, while other reports indicated multiple explosions in Haifa.
The Iraqi resistance announced that its fighters conducted over 21 operations against U.S. occupation bases in Iraq and the region within the past 24 hours, utilizing drones and various missiles. The resistance released footage of these operations. A U.S. magazine, Newsweek, quoting an Israeli official, suggested that the war might end with the survival of Iran’s regime, which could perceive itself as victorious due to its extensive security structure. The official indicated a scenario where Iran, Israel, and the U.S. could all believe they have won. This acknowledgment comes as Israeli leaders, particularly Netanyahu, have openly expressed intentions to overthrow the Iranian government.
The Israeli Health Ministry reported that casualties from Iranian missile attacks on Arad and Dimona reached 182. In Arad, 118 individuals were injured, with 116 transported to Soroka Medical Center. Seven were in critical condition, 22 moderate, and 87 with minor injuries. Two moderate cases were transferred to Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv. In Dimona, 64 people were taken to Soroka, with one critical, two moderate, and 61 minor injuries. Earlier reports indicated 67 injured in Arad and 50 in Dimona. The ministry also stated that since the start of the war against Iran, 4564 people have been injured in Israel, with 303 injured in the preceding 24 hours. Of the total injured, approximately 124 are currently hospitalized, including one in critical condition, 13 serious, 26 moderate, and 84 with minor injuries. In the last 24 hours, 303 were hospitalized, with eight serious, 29 moderate, and 256 minor injuries.
Hezbollah announced conducting 57 operations against Israeli military personnel and bases in southern Lebanon and northern occupied territories, targeting assembly points, border towns, military camps, and operational centers. These operations included artillery, missile, and drone attacks. The constant activation of air raid sirens in northern Israel was reported, with increased intensity of attacks from Lebanese resistance forces posing a continuous threat, despite military censorship limiting media reporting on missile impacts. i24 News noted that Hezbollah’s missile launches are designed to challenge Israeli interception capabilities. Iran’s missile attacks on the Safed and Haifa regions were also reported, with air raid sirens activated in Tiberias, Galilee, southern Haifa, and the Sahel. Multiple explosions were heard in Haifa following two phases of Iranian missile operations, and an Iranian missile reportedly struck an open area in Safed.
