Washington/Tehran: Tensions in the Middle East climbed to a new level after the United States carried out fresh air and missile strikes on five Iranian cities early Wednesday, while President Donald Trump warned that a suspected underground nuclear facility could be the next target. The exchange of threats has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict with potential nuclear implications.
According to Iranian officials, the latest wave of attacks hit Chabahar, Konarak, Tabriz, Behbahan and Omidiyeh. The bombardment marked the 11th consecutive night of American military action since the collapse of the ceasefire, signalling that the conflict has entered a prolonged and increasingly dangerous phase.
President Trump stated that the US may launch a “very soon and very heavy” strike on Iran’s alleged nuclear complex at Pickaxe Mountain, claiming it is a key component of Tehran’s nuclear programme. The warning prompted a sharp response from Iran, which cautioned that any further escalation could expand the war across the region.
The financial cost of the conflict has also continued to rise. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington has spent nearly 37.5 billion US dollars—equivalent to around ₹3.2 lakh crore—on military operations linked to the war so far.
Key developments over the past 24 hours
The crisis has begun affecting global energy routes. Two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude to India and China reportedly altered their course in the Red Sea after threats from Yemen’s Houthi rebels, choosing a safer route through the Suez Canal instead.
The Pentagon also acknowledged that approximately 100 American troops have been injured in Iranian attacks since early July. Officials said the vast majority of the wounded have recovered and returned to active duty.
Qatar has formally approached the United Nations and the Security Council, holding Iran responsible for recent attacks on its territory and demanding compensation for damages.
President Trump also confirmed that one Iranian strike in Jordan had succeeded, resulting in the deaths of two US soldiers—an incident that has further intensified Washington’s military response.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue alongside the fighting. Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni travelled to Pakistan, where he held discussions with Army Chief General Asim Munir and later met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as Islamabad continues attempts to encourage dialogue between the warring sides.
Despite these diplomatic engagements, the military confrontation shows little sign of easing. With repeated airstrikes, mounting casualties, disruptions to international shipping routes and increasingly direct references to nuclear facilities, analysts warn that the conflict is entering a more volatile and unpredictable phase, raising concerns about its impact on regional stability and global energy security.
