DOHA/RIYADH/TEHRAN: The Middle East conflict intensified sharply on Thursday as missile strikes, retaliatory threats, diplomatic expulsions, and disruptions to global energy infrastructure signaled a widening regional crisis, with Gulf nations, Iran, Israel, and world powers increasingly drawn into the escalating confrontation.
Here are the latest developments:
Iran executions
Iran executed three individuals convicted of killing police officers and conducting operations in favour of the United States and Israel during unrest earlier this year, according to the judiciary.
Qatar contains gas hub fires
Qatari civil defence teams brought fires under control at the Ras Laffan Industrial Area after an Iranian missile strike hit major liquefied natural gas facilities. Authorities confirmed no injuries, though cooling and site-securing operations remain ongoing. State energy officials reported “extensive” damage to multiple facilities.
Saudi Arabia not ruling out military action
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the Kingdom “reserves the right” to take military action in response to continued Iranian attacks, warning that Riyadh would not succumb to pressure and that escalation would “backfire.”
Cathay suspends Dubai, Riyadh flights
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific suspended flights to Dubai and Riyadh until the end of April due to security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict.
Trump threatens Iran gas field
US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could destroy Iran’s South Pars gas field if further attacks target Qatar’s energy infrastructure, while stating the United States had no prior knowledge of Israel’s strike on the site.
UAE closes gas facility
Abu Dhabi halted operations at a gas facility after debris from intercepted missiles caused damage, though authorities reported no casualties.
Projectile hits vessel near Hormuz Strait
A vessel off the UAE coast near the Strait of Hormuz was struck by a projectile, sparking a fire, according to a British maritime security agency, raising concerns over shipping safety.
Macron urges moratorium
French President Emmanuel Macron called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilian infrastructure, particularly energy and water facilities, following talks with US and Qatari leaders.
Iraqi group halts attacks
Iraq’s Kataeb Hezbollah announced a five-day suspension of attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad, conditional on a halt to Israeli strikes in Beirut and operations in Iraq.
Casualties in Israel and West Bank
An Iranian missile strike killed a foreign worker near Tel Aviv, raising Israel’s death toll to 15. In the occupied West Bank, three Palestinian women were killed by missile debris, marking the first reported Palestinian fatalities in the current conflict.
Kuwait arrests militants
Kuwait arrested 10 individuals linked to Hezbollah on suspicion of planning attacks on vital infrastructure, the interior ministry said.
Iran threatens Gulf energy retaliation
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned Gulf nations that their oil and gas infrastructure would be “completely destroyed” if further strikes hit Iranian energy sites, following attacks on both Qatar’s Ras Laffan and Iran’s South Pars fields.
Qatar expels Iranian diplomats
Qatar ordered Iranian military and security attaches and their staff to leave within 24 hours after the attack on its gas facility.
US economic warning
The US Federal Reserve raised its inflation outlook, citing economic uncertainty driven by the war and disruptions in global energy markets.
Israel vows continued strikes
Israel’s military pledged to continue targeting senior Iranian officials after announcing the killing of intelligence minister Esmail Khatib.
Saudi capital hit again
Explosions were reported over Riyadh as air defenses intercepted incoming missiles and drones targeting the Saudi capital and energy facilities.
Khamenei vows revenge
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed retaliation for the killing of senior officials, warning that those responsible “will have to pay.”
