The war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States continued to widen Thursday as airstrikes and missile attacks entered their sixth day and thousands of civilians rushed to leave the region amid escalating violence.
Israel said it carried out new strikes on Iranian missile sites, while Iran launched retaliatory drone and missile attacks across several countries in the Middle East. Some of the latest strikes injured six foreign nationals in Abu Dhabi, according to local officials, as the conflict continued to ripple beyond its original battle zones.
Air defense systems in Qatar intercepted Iranian missiles over the capital of Doha, with explosions from the interceptions rattling buildings across the city. Iran also fired projectiles toward Israel, including a missile that landed near Bareket, east of Tel Aviv. Iranian forces said they had also targeted Ben Gurion Airport.
The fighting has raised concerns that the conflict could spread further across the region and beyond.
In Azerbaijan, authorities reported that drones struck an airport terminal building, injuring two people. Officials blamed Iran for the attack, though Iran denied responsibility and suggested the strike could have been a false-flag operation carried out by Israel.
Meanwhile, Tehran condemned what it described as the U.S. torpedoing of an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka, calling the incident an atrocity as tensions between the two countries intensified.
With the conflict expanding, evacuation efforts are accelerating as governments and airlines attempt to help thousands of stranded travelers leave the region. New commercial flights and government-chartered evacuations are being arranged, though many people remain unable to find transportation as airspace disruptions and security concerns limit travel options.
The situation on the ground remains volatile. A CNN reporting team recently entered Iran, becoming the first U.S. television network to cross into the country since the conflict began.
Iran also announced that it had targeted what it described as “separatist terrorist groups” near its western border. The statement followed reports that the CIA may have been attempting to arm Kurdish forces as part of an effort to encourage internal opposition within Iran.
The war is also drawing in international powers facing difficult decisions about how far to become involved.
France confirmed Thursday that it has allowed U.S. non-combat aircraft to use an air base on the French mainland for logistical support, provided the aircraft do not take part directly in combat operations in Iran. French officials described the move as a routine NATO arrangement.
At the same time, European governments are strengthening defenses in Cyprus after the island was struck by a drone attack earlier in the conflict. France has also repositioned military resources and aircraft to assist in defending Gulf allies against further drone strikes.
The rapidly evolving conflict has raised fears that the fighting could expand into a broader regional war as both sides continue to exchange attacks and international allies weigh their responses.
Source: CNBC