Tensions in the Middle East has continued with more hostilities renewed as the United States and Israel intensified military strikes on Iran.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that American “firepower over Iran is about to surge dramatically,” indicating that Washington is preparing to increase the scale and frequency of its attacks.
At a White House event, US President Donald Trump said American forces were striking Iranian drone and missile systems “every single hour,” as part of efforts to weaken Iran’s military capabilities.
Israel also signalled a shift in its strategy. The Israeli military chief said the country was “moving to the next phase” of the war, as Israeli forces launched new strikes targeting sites in Tehran and Beirut, widening the scope of the confrontation.
In southern Lebanon, the situation triggered panic among civilians after Israel issued evacuation warnings. Long queues of vehicles were seen as residents rushed to leave areas believed to be potential targets.
The growing conflict has also forced several countries to evacuate their citizens from the region. A plane chartered by the United Kingdom government carrying evacuees from the Middle East landed safely in London, marking the first organised return of British nationals since the escalation began.
Across Iran, civilians described a climate of fear and exhaustion as bombardments continued. Some residents told the BBC that life had become “tiring” and “frightening,” with one man saying the strikes were so intense that his house shook repeatedly.
Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Interior issued an emergency alert urging residents to take shelter after the country intercepted six Iranian missiles and 131 drones, highlighting the growing regional fallout from the conflict.
