US Hits 2,000 Iranian Targets Amid Widening Gulf Retaliation

TEHRAN: (Web Desk) – The conflict between Israel, the United States and Iran intensified early Wednesday as fresh Israeli strikes hit targets inside Iran, while Washington confirmed it has attacked nearly 2,000 sites since the weekend.

The Israeli military said it carried out a “broad wave of strikes” shortly after midnight, following multiple Iranian missile barrages aimed at Israel. Air raid sirens sounded across Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, sending residents rushing into shelters. Emergency services reported no immediate fatalities, though minor injuries and isolated fires were recorded.

US Central Command, led by Admiral Brad Cooper, said American forces had targeted ballistic missile systems and military infrastructure capable of threatening US and allied forces. He described the operation as the largest American military buildup in the Middle East in decades, comparing the intensity of the first wave to the 2003 Iraq campaign.

According to the Iranian Red Crescent, hundreds have been killed in Iran since the strikes began, though independent verification remains difficult. Tehran vowed retaliation, expanding missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region.

Drone strikes were reported near US diplomatic facilities, including a blaze near the American consulate in Dubai. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted cruise missiles and multiple drones over its territory, while Qatar reported downing missiles targeting Doha. The US Embassy in Riyadh temporarily suspended services following security threats.

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Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed control over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that vessels passing through the critical oil route could face missile or drone attacks. In response, US President Donald Trump said the US Navy was prepared to escort oil tankers to ensure energy supplies remain uninterrupted.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah launched rockets and drones toward northern Israel, prompting Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. Casualties and displacement figures continued to rise as violence spread beyond the initial conflict zone.

Meanwhile, reports from Tehran described a tense and near-deserted capital, with many residents fleeing amid ongoing bombardment. Damage was also reported at Mehrabad airport and other infrastructure sites.

Global markets reacted sharply to the escalating crisis. Oil prices climbed and US gasoline recorded its steepest single-day rise in two decades amid fears of shipping disruptions in the Gulf. Several countries began evacuating citizens as diplomatic missions reduced staff across the region.

Western allies urged restraint, with calls for rapid de-escalation growing louder as the conflict threatened to engulf much of the Middle East.