07 March,2026 01:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Smoke and fire rise from the site of airstrikes at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran. Pic/AFP
The conflict in the Middle East escalated early Saturday after Israeli airstrikes hit the Iranian capital, Tehran. State media reported explosions and smoke in several parts of the city.
Videos circulating online and verified by international media showed fires and thick smoke rising from Mehrabad Airport, one of Tehran's main aviation hubs. The Israeli military later confirmed it had launched a new wave of attacks targeting government and regime infrastructure in the city, reported AFP.
In response, Iran fired missiles and drones towards Israel and several Gulf countries. Explosions were heard in Tel Aviv as Israeli air defence systems intercepted incoming projectiles.
Air raid alerts were also reported in Jerusalem, while Gulf cities including Dubai, Manama, and areas near Riyadh witnessed heightened military activity as regional defence systems attempted to intercept aerial threats.
Saudi Arabia's air defence forces successfully intercepted several incoming threats. According to defence officials, 16 drones launched in multiple waves were destroyed over the Empty Quarter while heading toward the strategic Shaybah oil field.
In addition, Saudi forces intercepted a ballistic missile and a cruise missile aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base near Al-Kharj. Another drone was shot down east of Riyadh. The United Arab Emirates also reported intercepting more than 125 drones and six ballistic missiles within the last 24 hours.
The Shaybah oil field, located deep inside the Rub' al-Khali desert, is one of Saudi Arabia's largest energy assets. The field plays a key role in supplying natural gas liquids to the petrochemical industry. The attempt to target the facility is the first major strike since the US-Israeli air campaign against Iran began on February 28.
As per AFP, the war has spread beyond Iran and Israel, affecting several countries in the wider region. Military activity has been reported in Lebanon, Cyprus, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iraq, and other nearby areas.
Israeli airstrikes also targeted parts of Beirut and Baalbeck in Lebanon, where the Iran-backed group Hezbollah has a strong presence. Lebanon's health ministry reported at least 217 deaths from Israeli airstrikes, while hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced.
According to Iran's health ministry, the ongoing US-Israeli bombing campaign has killed over 900 people in Iran, though independent verification remains difficult.
Missile and drone strikes from Iran have also caused casualties in Israel and several Gulf countries. Humanitarian organisations warn that the situation could worsen as the conflict continues.
The conflict has triggered global economic concerns, especially around energy supply. Oil prices surged sharply amid fears that tensions could disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy routes.
Nearly 20 percent of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass through this narrow waterway. The US benchmark crude price West Texas Intermediate rose more than 12 percent, crossing USD 90 per barrel during the week.
World leaders have begun reacting to the rapidly escalating situation. Russian President Vladimir Putin called for an immediate ceasefire during a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump stated that the conflict would only end if Iran agreed to "unconditional surrender." The White House also said the war could continue for several more weeks.
(With ANI and AFP Inputs)
