The ongoing conflict involving Iran has quickly escalated into a wider regional crisis across the Middle East. After the United States launched military strikes on Saturday, several countries have become directly or indirectly involved as Iran retaliated with attacks across the region. According to the source, the situation has pushed the Middle East into deeper instability while U.S. embassies across the region remain on high alert and American citizens are being urged to leave immediately.
How did the conflict begin?
The conflict intensified after the United States carried out a large-scale military operation targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, and networks of allied armed groups. U.S. President Donald Trump authorized the strikes, which were aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities and pressuring the government toward major political change.
Since the beginning of the fighting, at least six U.S. service members have reportedly been killed during the conflict.
What role is Israel playing in the conflict?
Israel coordinated its military actions with the United States following months of unsuccessful negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Israeli strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with dozens of senior Iranian officials.
How have Gulf countries been affected?
Several Gulf states have experienced direct attacks since the conflict began. The United Arab Emirates, a close U.S. ally, has reportedly intercepted or absorbed around 800 Iranian projectiles. Iranian drones also struck a luxury hotel on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah and caused fires at the strategic Jebel Ali Port. In response, the UAE closed its embassy in Tehran and is now considering possible military action.
Qatar suspended most of its natural gas production after Iranian drones struck two of its energy facilities. The Qatari air force also reportedly shot down two Iranian Su-24 fighter jets.
Kuwait was targeted by Iran on the first day of the war in an attack that led to the first reported American deaths. Later, U.S. officials said American fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by friendly Kuwaiti fire, though all six crew members ejected and survived in stable condition.
Which other countries were attacked?
Iran also launched strikes against U.S. military bases in Bahrain and Oman. In Bahrain, smoke was seen rising near the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Manama, while drones struck several residential buildings in the capital.
Oman, which previously acted as a mediator in indirect nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran, also became a target after Iran expanded its strikes to include U.S. bases in the country.
Saudi Arabia was also drawn into the conflict after Iranian attacks targeted U.S. bases in the kingdom. The U.S. embassy in Riyadh was struck during the escalation, and Iranian drones hit the massive Ras Tanura oil refinery, forcing part of the facility to shut down. Israeli officials believe Saudi Arabia could also respond militarily.
How has the conflict spread to neighboring countries?
Iran fired missiles and drones at U.S. military facilities in Jordan, expanding the battlefield further across the region.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah joined the war on Iran’s side by launching missiles and drones toward Israel, breaking a ceasefire that had been in place since November 2024. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes across Lebanon, killing at least 40 people including several Hezbollah commanders, and launched a ground incursion into southern Lebanon.
Iran also targeted the Kurdish region of Iraq, which Tehran considers closely aligned with the United States. Meanwhile, pro-Iranian militias attacked American bases in Iraq, and supporters attempted to storm the U.S. embassy compound in Baghdad.
How have European countries become involved?
The conflict expanded beyond the Middle East after drones struck the British Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri in Cyprus, potentially bringing the United Kingdom and the European Union further into the confrontation. Reports suggested the attack may have been carried out by Hezbollah.
Following the strike, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized the United States to use British air bases for attacks on Iranian missile facilities and deployed a Royal Navy destroyer along with counter-drone helicopters to the region.
France and Germany initially urged all sides to return to diplomatic negotiations. However, both countries began considering stronger responses after Iranian attacks reportedly affected their personnel, including a German military camp in Jordan. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also visited the White House to discuss the crisis with U.S. leadership.