The Middle East conflict continues to escalate with threats of ground operations, fresh strikes across the region and growing risks to global shipping and infrastructure.
Here are 7 key developments:
1. Iran warns US against ground invasion
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iranian forces are “waiting for American soldiers to enter on the ground so they can rain fire upon them.”
2. US deploys additional forces
The United States has deployed about 3,500 personnel to the region along with the amphibious warship USS Tripoli, raising fears of further escalation.
3. Pentagon preparing ground operations
The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon is preparing for weeks of possible ground operations in Iran, though it remains unclear whether President Donald Trump will approve them.
4. US says goals possible without ground troops
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington could achieve its objectives in Iran “without any ground troops.”
5. Israel targets Tehran command centres
Israel said it has carried out strikes on temporary command centres in Tehran as attacks continue across the region.
6. Gulf infrastructure hit
Emirates Global Aluminium reported that its main plant in Abu Dhabi has been significantly damaged following recent attacks.
7. Shipping warning as Houthis escalate
The EU maritime security body warned ships to avoid Yemeni territorial waters amid threats from Iran-backed Houthis, who also fired missiles toward Israel on Saturday.