Iran, the United States, and Israel remain embroiled in escalating conflict in the Middle East, as regional air defenses and international economic concerns mount. Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar reported intercepting Iranian missiles, while Israel confirmed additional attacks originating from Iran and southern Lebanon. Explosions in Iran’s Qom and Tehran followed earlier strikes on the country’s oil infrastructure, producing toxic smoke over major urban centers.
Air travel across parts of the Middle East remains disrupted as the conflict continues to affect regional airspace. Several airlines have cancelled or rerouted flights after missile and drone attacks prompted temporary airspace closures across parts of the Gulf and neighboring countries. Some major hubs, including Dubai and Doha, have begun restoring operations on a limited basis, with airlines gradually resuming selected routes and organizing special or repatriation flights for stranded passengers. However, flight schedules remain restricted as security concerns continue to influence aviation operations across the region.
Iran’s political leadership has formally appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the nation’s new supreme leader, following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, nine days ago during US-Israeli strikes. President Masoud Pezeshkian praised the appointment on X, describing it as “a manifestation of the people’s will in governance” and suggesting that the country’s challenges could be addressed under Mojtaba Khamenei’s leadership by fostering public trust and participation. Meanwhile, footage verified by BBC Persian captured the aftermath of a strike near a pro-government rally in Isfahan, with smoke rising approximately 500 meters from the local governor’s office.
The war has also triggered global economic concerns. UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves noted that inflation is likely to rise, while emphasizing that the government “stands ready to support a coordinated release of collective international energy reserves.” Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride cautioned that releasing the UK’s strategic oil stockpile “will only go so far” to stabilize prices if the conflict continues.
