US embassy in Riyadh hit; Israel seizes land in Lebanon

Escalation of Conflict

• Israel and U.S. forces have intensified their military campaign against Iran, conducting coordinated air strikes on multiple targets, including what Israel says are regime command centers and infrastructure in Tehran.
• Among those targets, the Iranian state broadcaster’s headquarters in Tehran was reportedly struck in an overnight air raid, drawing sharp condemnation from Iranian authorities.
• The conflict has significantly widened, with clashes also reported on the Lebanon–Israel border between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants.

Casualties and Fighting

• The death toll across Iran, Israel, Lebanon, and other theatres of conflict has continued to climb, with reports indicating at least 787 fatalities since the campaign intensified.
• Missile attacks from Iran and Iranian-aligned groups have targeted locations across Israel, prompting air-defense responses in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Eilat.

Regional Spread — Gulf Tensions

• Saudi authorities confirmed that two drones struck the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, causing a limited fire and minor damage to embassy property. No injuries were reported, and the embassy issued safety guidance for U.S. citizens.
• Iranian counter-attacks have also hit energy infrastructure in Gulf states, prompting sharp rises in global oil and gas prices and creating economic ripple effects.

Strait of Hormuz & Oil Markets

• Iranian forces have threatened or claimed control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil shipments (about 20% of global crude flows), raising fears of broader disruption to energy supplies.
• Markets have responded with significant price increases for crude oil and natural gas amid the uncertainty.

Statements from Leadership

U.S. President Donald Trump has said the campaign against Iran could last several weeks and indicated Washington’s intent to degrade Tehran’s missile and nuclear capabilities.