Israel Says War With Iran Entering Decisive Phase

Israel has declared that its ongoing war with Iran is entering a decisive phase as the conflict intensifies across the Middle East.

The announcement came as fresh explosions were reported in several cities across the region, including an attack that struck the United States embassy in Baghdad and another incident targeting a major energy facility in the United Arab Emirates.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military campaign had reached a critical point, stressing that Israel would continue its operations for as long as necessary to achieve its objectives.

The conflict began after joint strikes by the United States and Israel targeted Iranian military facilities, triggering a wider confrontation that has rapidly expanded across the region.

Since the war began, large-scale missile, drone and aerial attacks have forced millions of civilians to flee their homes. Iranian authorities say more than 1,200 people have been killed, although the figures have not been independently verified.

Smoke was seen rising near the United States embassy in Baghdad after it was struck during the latest wave of attacks. It marked the second time the diplomatic compound has been targeted since the conflict erupted.

Another strike hit the Emirati port city of Fujairah, which hosts a major oil storage and export terminal. The incident occurred shortly after Iran’s military warned civilians to stay away from port areas across the Gulf.

Despite facing the combined military strength of the United States and Israel, Iran has continued to launch missile and drone attacks across the region. Reports indicate that at least ten neighbouring countries have been affected by Iranian strikes.

The crisis has also disrupted global energy supply routes. Iran’s actions have effectively halted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime passage through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally flows.

In response to the escalating threats to international shipping, US President Donald Trump said the US Navy would soon begin escorting oil tankers through the strait in an effort to restore safe passage.

Meanwhile, fighting has spread beyond Iran’s borders. Lebanon has become another flashpoint after the Iran-backed group Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in the early days of the war.

Lebanese authorities say hundreds of people have been killed in Israeli retaliatory strikes, with evacuation orders forcing many residents to abandon their homes.

The humanitarian toll of the conflict continues to grow. The United Nations estimates that more than three million people have been displaced inside Iran since the fighting began.

Military analysts warn that the situation could worsen if the conflict expands further or if a ground invasion is launched. Reports from US media suggest that additional American forces have been deployed to the region, including a large amphibious assault ship carrying thousands of Marines.

As the war enters its third week, global leaders are increasingly concerned about the possibility of a prolonged conflict that could further destabilise the Middle East and disrupt the global economy.