Strategic Distance
The renewed war between the United States and Iran has again placed American and Israeli military interests on apparently common ground.
The renewed war between the United States and Iran has again placed American and Israeli military interests on apparently common ground.
Fresh statements from Tehran and Washington point to deepening confrontation, with both sides hardening their public positions even as the US says it remains open to diplomacy.
The Pentagon told lawmakers the conflict has already cost $37.5 billion and warned of readiness shortfalls without additional funding, while also alleging Russia and China are enabling Iran's military operations.
Explosions were reported across southern and central Iran after the US announced a new military offensive, while Kuwait activated air defences and regional tensions continued to spread.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed it received intelligence from individuals in Jordan to strike US military targets, as Washington continued air strikes and regional tensions spread across the Gulf.
Fresh exchanges between Israel and Iran have exposed differences between Washington and Jerusalem, with Trump backing diplomacy while Netanyahu defends continued military pressure.
Missile attacks, retaliatory airstrikes and diplomatic interventions dominated a tense day in West Asia as regional powers and global leaders scrambled to contain the fallout.
Following the rise in tensions in West Asia and the Gulf region, India, calling the developments a matter of utmost concern to the international community on Monday, reiterated its call for immediate de-escalation of the conflict.
The Indian Embassy has reiterated its advisory for Iran, asking citizens to avoid travel and urging those already in the country to leave through available transport routes.
Israel activated its air defence systems after detecting a projectile from Yemen, while fresh strikes in Iran and diplomatic efforts added to regional uncertainty.