Hegseth: Iran scrambling amid US-Israeli operations
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described Tuesday as the “most intense day” of US strikes on Iran, criticising the Iranian regime for engaging in a “race to a nuclear bomb.” Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth said Iran’s missile activity over the last 24 hours was the lowest recorded, with Tehran “desperate, scrambling” in response to the joint US-Israeli operations.
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the strikes had reduced Iranian missile launches against Israel and Gulf countries by 90%, while targeting 5,000 locations within Iran and continuing to degrade the Iranian navy.
Qatar warns of catastrophic escalation
Dr. Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry, said the current trajectory represents a “regional war” with dangerous implications. Qatar, which has faced repeated Iranian strikes, emphasised the value of cooperation between Europe and Gulf countries during the crisis.
“Right now, you can put a map of the region in front of you and you will not be able to find a space where escalation is not happening,” he told Euronews, adding that the situation remains potentially containable but extremely hazardous.
Israel targets Hezbollah in Beirut
On Tuesday, Israeli aircraft struck southern Beirut suburbs, following warnings for civilians to evacuate. State media reported that the air raids focused on Hezbollah infrastructure, with AFP footage showing smoke rising from the area.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait reported intercepting drone barrages from Iran, underscoring the escalating cross-border attacks on Gulf countries.
Trump promises quick end, Iran responds
US President Donald Trump told Republican lawmakers that the “excursion into the Middle East” to “get rid of some evil” would end “very soon,” though no timeline was provided. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard responded that it would “determine the end of the war,” according to state media.
The conflict enters its 11th day, highlighting both the intensity of military operations and the fragility of regional security across the Middle East.
Also read: Ukraine sends drone experts to US bases in Jordan
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
