The threat of war in the Middle East worsened on Wednesday as thousands of residents fled Iran’s capital, Tehran, following intense cross-border missile attacks between Iran and Israel. U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Americans to leave Iran, further fuelling speculation that the U.S. may join Israel in military action.
According to a Reuters report, Iran has launched approximately 400 missiles toward Israel since Friday, with around 40 managing to bypass Israeli air defences. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 24 Israeli civilians. In retaliation, Israeli fighter jets reportedly bombed multiple sites in and around Tehran overnight, targeting military infrastructure and facilities tied to Iran’s missile programs.
Iranian authorities have confirmed 224 deaths so far, mostly civilians. There are also reports of ongoing clashes near the city of Rey, south of Tehran, between security forces and unidentified armed groups allegedly linked to Israel.
Amid the growing violence, fuel rationing has been introduced in Iran, with Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad assuring citizens there would be no widespread shortages despite increased demand.
In an escalating show of force, President Trump hinted at possible direct U.S. involvement, stating that “all options are on the table,” including airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities—some of which, such as the heavily fortified Fordow plant, are believed to be reachable only with U.S. munitions.
Israel has begun repatriating its citizens stranded abroad after its unexpected strikes sparked global travel disruptions. Meanwhile, the U.S. is increasing its military presence in the region, deploying additional aircraft and extending air force missions already in the Middle East.
International leaders are calling for restraint, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarking from the G7 summit in Canada that there is, so far, no clear sign of imminent U.S. engagement in the conflict.
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