Tensions rise in the Middle East ahead of US deadline announcement

US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Iran, stating that he will take action if the country does not comply with his demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The US is conducting military operations in Iran alongside Israel, and Trump has threatened to escalate the conflict by targeting Iran’s infrastructure.

Iran has responded by issuing threats against its neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Tehran has stated that it will add energy facilities in these countries to its list of potential targets if Iran’s infrastructure is attacked.

The US State Department has issued a shelter-in-place order for all US citizens in Bahrain until further notice, while Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has asked people to stay at home between 12am and 6am due to a precautionary measure. The King Fahd Causeway, which links Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, was closed to traffic twice on Tuesday due to alerts in Saudi Arabia.

Israel has warned citizens to be cautious, citing an anticipated rise in attacks as the deadline approaches. Explosions were heard across the region, with rockets fired towards a US diplomatic facility near Baghdad airport and blasts reported over Bahrain and the UAE. The UAE’s air defences are currently dealing with missile and drone attacks coming from Iran.

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated that his country is prepared for all possibilities, citing national security and infrastructure sustainability as key considerations. The situation remains tense, with ongoing military operations and escalating tensions between the US and Iran.

Source: Al Jazeera