Iran's ongoing conflict with the US and its allies has sparked a series of developments that have sent shockwaves across the region and beyond. As the war enters its fourth day, the situation remains volatile and unpredictable, with the US and Israel continuing their attacks on Iran, and Iran retaliating against US allies and bases in the Gulf. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the key events and insights from the ground.
The US and Israel's Offensive and Iran's Retaliation
The US and Israel have been attacking Iran for four days, with Donald Trump predicting the attacks will last four to five weeks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that the 'hardest hits are yet to come'. The US embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was struck by drones overnight, resulting in a 'limited' fire, and Trump hinted at the US's retaliation. The conflict has expanded with Israeli military strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, and IDF soldiers operating in the south of the country.
The Changing Command Structure in Iran
The death of Iran's supreme leader, Khamenei, hasn't hampered its response to the US-Israeli aggression, according to expert Dr Bader Mousa Al-Saif. He suggests that Iran has decentralised its command structure, allowing it to continue its activities without being significantly impacted by Khamenei's passing.
RAF Base in Cyprus: A Quiet Aftermath
The RAF base in Cyprus, Akrotiri, has been relatively quiet after two Iranian drone attacks in recent days. While there is a significant military police presence, the base, which also houses US forces, has limited defences, prompting the Greek government to send fighter jets and ships to the island for protection.
Gas Prices Soar, Oil Prices Hit a 13-Month High
Gas prices in the UK have soared to a three-year high, and oil prices have hit a 13-month high after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route. This has sent shockwaves through markets, spooking traders and investors.
Regime Change in Iran: Unlikely, According to Former UK Ambassador
Regime change in Iran is possible but not likely, according to Sir Simon Gass, a former British ambassador to Iran. He notes that there are no large popular demonstrations against the regime, defections from the Iranian armed services, or splintering in the Iranian leadership, making regime change unlikely.
Lebanese Army Withdraws After Israeli Incursions
Witnesses in southern Lebanon report that the Lebanese army has pulled out of at least seven positions along the border as the Israeli military moves in. Lebanese officials have confirmed that Israeli forces are carrying out incursions along some parts of the border.
Cyprus: A Target in the Iran Conflict
The UK military base in Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri, was hit in a drone strike on Sunday night. Europe correspondent Alistair Bunkall explains that Iran's strategy is to attack across the region, putting pressure on America's allies to bring the conflict to an end. This makes Cyprus a strategic target in Iran's conflict with the US.
Could War Destroy Hezbollah in Lebanon?
Israel has opened a new front in the conflict with Iran by striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and operating in the south of the country. International correspondent Cordelia Lynch assesses the significance of these attacks with citizens just over the border in northern Israel.
Explosions in Iranian Cities
Iran's Mehr news agency reports explosions in the cities of Isfahan and Shiraz, both of which have been targeted by strikes over the past four days. Isfahan, the country's third-most populous city, is home to some of Iran's nuclear facilities, while Shiraz is the fifth-most populous city in Iran and the capital of its Fars province.
