Israeli military hits Hezbollah targets in Beirut

Israel attacked targets in Iran and in Beirut on Saturday, further expanding its military operations in the region. The conflict, now nearing its fourth week, has claimed more than 2,000 lives and is fuelling fears of further escalation.

The Israeli military struck sites in Tehran as well as Hezbollah positions in Beirut. The conflict is increasingly affecting the wider region, including the Gulf states. In Lebanon, the attacks have caused more than 1,000 casualties and forced more than 700,000 people to flee their homes.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of global oil and gas supplies pass, is further complicating the situation. Oil prices have risen by 50 per cent since the start of the war, heightening concerns about a global economic shock. President Donald Trump has criticised NATO allies for their reluctance to help reopen the route.

At the same time, Washington is seeking to ease pressure on oil prices by temporarily allowing Iranian crude already at sea to enter the market. Around 2,500 US Marines are also being deployed to the region, although it remains unclear whether ground forces will be committed.

(reuters, lud)