tes, including ballistic missile facilities and government installations. The operations have extended to Tehran and western provinces as the allies aim to degrade Iran’s capability to retaliate against U.S. and allied forces in the Gulf region. Iranian state media reported explosions and air raid sirens in urban areas with Tehran and other cities frequently cited in official bulletins. Tehran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting U.S. bases and Israeli positions prompting heightened alert levels among Gulf states. The escalation follows an initial offensive targeting Iranian nuclear and missile infrastructure. Senior Iranian officials have described the campaign as a direct assault on national sovereignty and vowed severe countermeasures. In response, the U.S. State Department advised American citizens to leave several Middle Eastern countries due to deteriorating security conditions. Regional governments have strengthened defensive measures including expanded air defence readiness. The conflict has disrupted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor raising concerns about broader economic impacts. Global diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis have so far failed with world leaders urging restraint even as military operations continue. Casualty figures remain difficult to verify independently. Iranian authorities report significant losses and both U.S. and Israeli officials have acknowledged military casualties among their forces. Analysts warn that if the conflict continues, it could further destabilize the region. Source: Al Jazeera