For the first time, the conflict has directly affected a member state of the European Union. A suicide drone crashed into a British base in Cyprus, forcing the evacuation of the area. Larnaca and Paphos airports were temporarily closed, while Greece sent military reinforcements to the island.
The conflict in the Middle East has entered a new and dangerous phase of escalation, extending beyond the region and directly affecting European territory for the first time. Recent developments show an increasingly broad involvement of regional and international actors, while the situation appears unstable and with serious consequences for global security and the economy.
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are aiming for a final blow to the regime in Tehran and its allies, including the so-called “Axis of Resistance” militias. Meanwhile, the front with the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah has reopened with high intensity.
BOMBING IN LEBANON AND THREATS OF INVASION
Israel has launched airstrikes on Beirut, the Bekaa Valley and southern Lebanon, hitting dozens of targets considered strategic. According to reports, there are dozens of casualties, including senior Hezbollah leaders. Israeli authorities have warned that the operation could last for a long time and the possibility of a ground intervention is not ruled out.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem ordered the launch of missiles and drones into northern Israel, describing the attack as a response in support of Iran. On the other hand, the Lebanese government has expressed dissatisfaction and announced measures to limit the activity of the militias on its territory. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had warned of revenge after the assassination of the Supreme Leader, describing the event as a “declaration of war on Muslims.”
STRAIT OF HORMUZ
The situation has deteriorated significantly in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important arteries of the global oil trade. There are reports of naval clashes and tankers caught on fire, while Iranian forces have threatened to hit any ship that tries to pass through. In the Gulf of Oman, US sources say that several Iranian warships have been destroyed, while Tehran claims to have hit commercial and military ships in the area. Hundreds of ships are reported to be blocked, significantly increasing tension in international energy markets.
DRONE OVER CYPRUS, EUROPEAN TERRITORY INCLUDED
For the first time, the conflict has directly affected a member state of the European Union. A suicide drone has crashed into a British base in Cyprus, forcing the evacuation of the area. Larnaca and Paphos airports have been temporarily closed, while Greece has sent military reinforcements to the island. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared that the United Kingdom “is not at war”, stressing that British bases will be used only for defensive purposes.
Qatar has temporarily halted its liquefied natural gas production after drone attacks on energy facilities, while Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have reported damage to refineries and power plants. Analysts warn that the attack on energy infrastructure is aimed at spreading insecurity and increasing economic pressure in the region and beyond.
Energy prices have started to rise, and the consequences are expected to be felt in Europe, including Italy, which has Qatar as one of its main suppliers of liquefied gas. Fighting continues in the air and at sea, with reports of friendly fire incidents. The number of victims is increasing, while international diplomacy has not yet managed to stop the escalation. With more and more countries involved and strategic objectives being hit, the conflict in the Middle East risks turning into a wide-ranging international crisis, with unpredictable consequences for global security. (Al Jazeera)