The conflict across West Asia has widened in the past few hours as Israel confirmed an expansion of its ground operations in southern Lebanon while missile exchanges with Iran continued.
Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, said Israeli forces had advanced westward toward the Litani River, aimed at dismantling infrastructure linked to Hezbollah. Israeli officials also said displaced residents of southern Lebanon would not be allowed to return until the security of northern Israel is guaranteed.
On the ground in Lebanon, the humanitarian situation is worsening. Local sources say Israeli forces have encircled the town of Khiyam as fighting intensifies in the region.
Aid agencies estimate that more than eight hundred and fifty thousand people have now been displaced. The United Kingdom has announced an additional five million pounds in emergency assistance to support food and shelter for civilians affected by the fighting.
In Iran, officials signalled continued defiance, with the foreign ministry stating that Tehran is not seeking a ceasefire and will continue its response following Israeli strikes. Iranian forces reportedly launched several missile salvos toward central Israel earlier in the day, while air defence systems remained active around the capital, Tehran, amid fears of further attacks.
At the diplomatic level, European governments have so far resisted calls from US President Donald Trump to deploy naval forces to help secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has said the strait remains open to global trade but closed to vessels from the United States, Israel and their allies. Countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council have issued a joint statement with the United Kingdom condemning attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted several drones over its Eastern Province earlier today. In the United Arab Emirates, a drone struck a building in the emirate of Umm Al Quwain, causing a fire, but no injuries were reported. In a separate incident, authorities in Abu Dhabi confirmed that a missile struck a civilian vehicle in the Al Bahyah area, killing one Palestinian national.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates say air defence systems intercepted six ballistic missiles and twenty-one drones launched from Iran today. The incidents come as the UAE continues to manage disruptions following a drone strike near Dubai International Airport that sparked a fire close to airport facilities.
The country remains on heightened alert but is maintaining a restrained and measured response. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates is coordinating with international partners while tightening security around key infrastructure, including the Port of Fujairah, where a fire was reported today due to a drone strike.
Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani has also praised the UAE’s approach, urging dialogue to prevent further escalation across West Asia. Meanwhile, Iran told the United Nations that it would not submit to unlawful aggression and warned that its population faces serious risks from ongoing strikes.