The United States has issued an urgent warning of an “imminent” attack on the critical Saudi oil hub of Dhahran, as the conflict between a US-Israeli coalition and Iran escalates into what observers fear is an all-out regional war.
The warning, issued by the US Embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday, cautioned of “imminent missile and UAV attacks” over the city, which serves as the heart of the kingdom’s energy industry. Residents were advised to take immediate cover as tensions reach a breaking point following the weekend assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
“Too Late to Talk”
In a defiant statement on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump dismissed the possibility of a diplomatic off-ramp.
“Their air defense, air force, navy, and leadership is gone,” Trump posted on Truth Social, claiming the Iranian government had reached out to negotiate. “I said ‘Too Late!'”
The President’s remarks come as the joint military operation enters its fourth day. US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that over 1,250 targets across Iran have been struck since Saturday, including ballistic missile sites and command centers.
Strikes on Tehran’s “Leadership Compound”
Israel confirmed it carried out a fresh wave of precision strikes on Tuesday, targeting the “leadership compound” in the heart of Tehran. The Israeli military stated that the strikes “dismantled” facilities including the presidential office and the National Security Council building.
Further strikes on the Iranian capital were announced for Tuesday evening, with Israel’s military spokesman Effie Defrin describing the targets as the “senior security decision-making forum” of the regime.
The Human and Economic Toll
The humanitarian situation in Iran is deteriorating rapidly. The Iranian Red Crescent reported Tuesday that the death toll has reached 787 since the conflict began on Saturday, with 153 cities now directly embroiled in the fighting.
The conflict has sent shockwaves through the global economy:
- Energy: Oil and gas prices surged as markets reacted to the threat against Saudi installations.
- Finance: Global share prices have plummeted amid the uncertainty.
- Shipping: Major disruptions are reported in the Gulf as insurance costs for tankers skyrocket.
UK Response and Evacuations
The British government has begun mobilizing to protect its interests and citizens. The Foreign Office announced the first state-chartered evacuation flight will depart from Muscat, Oman, in the coming days to bring British nationals home.
In a move to bolster regional defenses, the UK is sending “a significant level of defensive capability” to Cyprus. This follows drone attacks on a British base at RAF Akrotiri. Defense Secretary John Healey is reportedly considering the deployment of a Royal Navy destroyer—likely the HMS Duncan—to the island to provide advanced air defense.
A Region on the Edge
The current crisis was sparked on Saturday when a joint US-Israeli strike killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran responded with a massive wave of retaliatory strikes involving hundreds of drones and missiles launched at Israel and US military assets across the Middle East.
With the “head of the octopus” cut off—as described by Israeli officials—and the US refusing to halt its campaign, the Middle East faces its most volatile moment in decades.
