New Delhi: The conflict in West Asia has entered a dangerous new phase, with the military confrontation between the United States and Iran intensifying across multiple fronts.
U.S. operations against Iran have now entered their 14th day, with President Donald Trump warning that American strikes will become "bigger than ever."
In response, Iran has expanded its retaliation, targeting U.S. military installations across the region and raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
The U.S. Central Command has released footage of what it described as one of its most extensive operations to date. The strikes, which lasted more than two hours, targeted key Iranian military infrastructure across the country. Iranian state media reported casualties in the southwestern province of Khuzestan, where at least four people were killed. Power outages were also reported in Bandar Abbas, while residents on Qeshm Island reported hearing multiple explosions.
According to reports, at least 12 targets across seven Iranian provinces—including Khuzestan, Hormozgan, Markazi and Gilan—were struck in what is being described as one of the most devastating waves of attacks since the campaign began. The scale of the operation has fueled speculation that strategic bombers were used.
The latest escalation follows President Trump's warning of a major military response and the deployment of U.S. B-1 long-range bombers from bases in the United Kingdom. The aircraft have been used previously during Operation Epic Fury, with several missions conducted between February and April.
The deteriorating security situation has also rattled global energy markets. Oil prices climbed above $100 per barrel for the first time since May after renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. The Houthis earlier announced what they called a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia, prompting the Saudi-led coalition to warn of a firm response.
As tensions continue to mount, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has urged civilians to stay at least 500 meters away from U.S. military positions across the region, warning that American bases remain potential targets.
Further signs of instability emerged in northern Iraq, where at least seven explosions were reported near a military installation hosting U.S. forces in Erbil. There was no immediate word on casualties or the cause of the blasts.
Iran has also widened its military response, launching drone strikes against U.S. military bases in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait. The IRGC claimed the operation included a strike on an Amazon data center in Bahrain. Jordan's military said it intercepted seven missiles and six drones launched by Iran before they reached their targets.
Meanwhile, President Trump announced that the United States would begin using frozen Iranian assets to compensate ships and cargo damaged by attacks in and around the Gulf. Tehran strongly condemned the move, calling it an "incendiary precedent" and accusing Washington of further escalating the conflict.
In a separate development, Trump said on Truth Social that Chinese President Xi Jinping had assured him that no Chinese companies would supply weapons to the IRGC.
Diplomatic efforts also appear to have stalled. Iran has rejected a ceasefire proposal put forward by President Trump. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would not consider a ceasefire until its demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz are met. Iran also warned that any country assisting the United States in its military campaign—including Iraq—would be held accountable.
With military operations expanding, diplomatic channels under strain and energy markets increasingly volatile, the conflict continues to pose significant risks to regional stability and global trade.
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