US-Iran War Escalates, Embassies Close
As the US-Iran war enters its fourth day, the US is shutting down some embassies in the Middle East over security fears. The UN's nuclear watchdog now warns of a potential radiological release from the strikes, while Senator Marco Rubio promises the "hardest hits are yet to come."
The current conflict began Saturday with a joint U.S.-Israeli operation that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The strikes targeted Iran's leadership, security forces, and its nuclear and missile sites, with the stated U.S. objective of destroying the country's ballistic missile and naval capabilities. In response, Iran has launched hundreds of retaliatory missile and drone attacks, targeting Israel and U.S. military bases across the region. Countries housing U.S. forces, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, have been hit. The Iranian Red Crescent reports the death toll within Iran has climbed to 787. The U.S. has ordered non-emergency government personnel and their families to leave at least six nations: Kuwait, Iraq, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan. The embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was closed after being struck by two drones, and the embassy in Kuwait has also suspended operations. While the IAEA has not detected elevated radiation levels in neighboring countries, Iran's ambassador to the agency claimed the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility was struck. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated there is "no indication" that any nuclear installations have been hit, but warned a radiological release could necessitate evacuations of areas "as large or larger than major cities." This escalation follows a 12-day war in June 2025, during which the U.S. and Israel also conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities. President Trump has stated the current military campaign is projected to last "four to five weeks," but could continue for much longer.
