Latest Developments in the Middle East – Key Updates

Tehran Airport Targeted – Mehrabad Airport in Tehran was struck by US-Israeli airstrikes. The airport is reportedly used by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for military operations. Iran’s President and Foreign Minister also use the airport for official flights.

US Navy on High Alert – Guided-missile destroyers of the U.S. Navy are maintaining continuous operations in regional waters, delivering day-and-night firepower.

Explosions in Gulf Cities – Loud blasts were reported across Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, according to AFP and local residents, amid an intensifying Iranian missile campaign.

Trump Praises Strikes – US President Donald Trump claimed significant damage had been inflicted on Iran during the US-Israeli attacks, while denying any Israeli coercion in the decision-making.

Iran Confirms No Nuclear Leak – The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran reported no radioactive contamination following US-Israeli strikes on its Natanz underground enrichment facility, attributing this to effective preventative measures.

Russia Calls for De-Escalation – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged restraint in a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, emphasizing a rejection of the use of force.

Israel Prepares Strikes in Lebanon – The Israeli army announced plans to target buildings in southern Lebanon’s Tyre.

Germany Voices Support but Concerned – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz backed the US-Israeli operations but expressed concern over the economic impact, including rising oil and gas prices.

Ukraine Offers Air Defense Swap – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed exchanging Kyiv’s drone interceptors with US allies in the Middle East to strengthen protection against Iranian drone attacks.

Targeted Killings Confirmed – Trump stated that the US-Israeli attacks had eliminated several figures identified as potential new leaders in Iran.

UK Sends Reinforcements – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced deployment of helicopters with counter-drone capabilities and the warship HMS Dragon to Cyprus. The RAF Akrotiri base had been struck by an Iranian-made drone earlier in the week.

US Threatens Spain – President Trump threatened trade action against Spain after its government refused to allow US planes to use Spanish bases for operations against Iran and opposed increased NATO defense funding.