US–Iran war LIVE updates: Missile debris sparks fire in Qatar after loud blasts heard over Doha

A wave of drone and rocket attacks targeted the US Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, with Reuters describing it as the most intense assault since the attacks began, involving at least five drones.

The escalation came as the war in West Asia intensified on multiple fronts. The United States and Israel struck military targets in Tehran, while Israel expanded operations against Iran-backed militants in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Iran retaliated with a drone strike that briefly shut down Dubai International Airport, a major global travel hub.

Oil and gas fears deepen

Concerns over a global energy crisis continued to mount, even as a limited number of vessels navigated the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil supply typically passes.

Iranian attacks — and the threat of further strikes — on commercial shipping in and around the strait have slowed maritime traffic to a trickle, pushing oil prices sharply higher and increasing pressure on Washington to stabilise global markets.

Brent crude remained above $100 per barrel. Donald Trump said he had asked several countries to deploy warships to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open, though no firm commitments have been announced.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait remained open “from our perspective,” but not for the United States, Israel and their allies. He also dismissed suggestions of negotiations, calling claims that Iran seeks a truce “delusional” and insisting Tehran is pursuing neither talks nor a ceasefire.

Since US-Israeli strikes on Iran began more than two weeks ago, Tehran has repeatedly launched drones and missiles targeting Israel, American bases in the region and Gulf Arab energy infrastructure.

Early Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces reported a fresh barrage of Iranian missiles, with sirens sounding south of the Sea of Galilee. No injuries were reported.

Israel strikes Beirut, targets Hezbollah

Loud explosions were reported in Beirut on Monday as Israel carried out new strikes on the Lebanese capital, targeting infrastructure linked to the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel after US-Israeli operations against Iran started on February 28, further widening the regional conflict.