US President Donald Trump said the conflict with Iran could end in “two or three weeks” and will deliver a national address Wednesday night, as fighting intensified across the Middle East and the wider Gulf.
Israel said it carried out a “wide-scale wave of strikes” on infrastructure sites in Tehran. Iran reported explosions in the north, east and center of the capital. In turn, Iranian missiles struck near Tel Aviv, with Israeli emergency services reporting 14 wounded, including an 11-year-old girl with serious shrapnel injuries. Israeli media said cluster munitions were used in the attack; both Iran and Israel have accused each other of such strikes in the conflict, though neither is party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
In Lebanon, two Israeli strikes around Beirut killed at least seven people and wounded others, with authorities saying one of those killed was a Hezbollah commander. Lebanese officials say the war has so far claimed more than 1,200 lives and displaced over a million people.
Across the Gulf, tensions and attacks have disrupted commerce and transport. Kuwait’s civil aviation authority reported a “large” fire at Kuwait International Airport after drones targeted fuel tanks; no casualties were reported. A tanker off Qatar’s coast was struck by two projectiles, triggering a fire and leaving an unexploded device in the engine room; all crew were reported safe. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations is probing the incident. Iran has regularly fired missiles and drones at Gulf states in retaliation for the US-Israeli campaign.
The United Arab Emirates has barred entry and transit for Iranian nationals, with major carriers Emirates, Etihad and FlyDubai reflecting the ban on their sites. UAE authorities offered no official comment. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has choked a fifth of the world’s oil and LNG flows, contributing to global fuel shortages and rising prices.
Domestic leaders in affected countries warned of economic fallout. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made an emergency address urging fuel conservation and public transport use amid record petrol and diesel price spikes. He highlighted localized shortages and measures such as a fuel tax cut to ease pressure on households and critical sectors like agriculture.
Diplomatically, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera there are “no negotiations” ongoing with the United States and denied responding to a reported 15-point US ceasefire proposal. Washington delivered that plan to Tehran via Pakistan last week; Iran reportedly offered a five-point counterproposal to end what it calls US-Israeli “aggression,” but Araghchi said Tehran had not submitted proposals or conditions. Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt have been involved in mediation efforts, with Pakistan positioning itself as a potential broker.
The United Kingdom announced plans for a multi-nation meeting to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz, led by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and attended by about 35 countries, including recent signatories of a joint statement pledging to help ensure safe passage through the strait. Security analysts warn that forcing the waterway open by military means would be highly dangerous.
In US politics, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington may have to “reexamine” its relationship with NATO after the conflict, criticizing some European allies’ reluctance to join offensive or security efforts. Senior US officials have also publicly expressed frustration with allied hesitancy to secure the Strait of Hormuz or join strikes against Iran.
The White House said Trump may withdraw US forces even without a formal peace deal, a stance reflecting concern about mounting economic and political costs. Analysts note the real test for the global economy will be how quickly energy, fertilizer and other supply chains recover once hostilities ease.
Key developments summarized:
– Trump said the war could end in weeks and will address the nation; White House previewed an “important update on Iran.”
– Israel struck Tehran; explosions were reported across the Iranian capital.
– Iran-launched missiles hit near Tel Aviv, wounding 14.
– Israeli strikes around Beirut killed at least seven, including a reported Hezbollah commander.
– Kuwait airport fuel tanks were struck by drones, sparking a large fire.
– A tanker near Qatar was hit by projectiles; crew are safe.
– UAE has banned entry and transit for Iranian nationals.
– Iran denies negotiations with the US; the US reportedly sent a 15-point ceasefire plan via Pakistan.
– The UK will convene multi-nation talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
– Allies and US officials debate NATO’s role and future cooperation following the conflict.
Uncertainty surrounds any imminent ceasefire. Tehran says it is not in talks with Washington, while the White House signals both a push for an end to the fighting and a willingness to reduce US involvement even without a negotiated settlement.