TEHRAN, Mar 31: Iran fired missiles across the Middle East on Tuesday as fresh explosions struck Tehran and Israeli air defences intercepted incoming projectiles over Jerusalem, in a sharp escalation of a month-long war that has spread across the region and rattled global markets.
The Israeli military said it had identified missiles launched from Iran toward its territory, triggering sirens nationwide. Loud blasts were heard over Jerusalem as air defence systems engaged the incoming threats. Shortly afterwards, authorities said civilians could leave protected areas, suggesting the immediate danger had passed.
The latest exchange came hours after US President Donald Trump issued stark warnings to Tehran, threatening to target critical infrastructure - including oil wells, electricity plants and desalination facilities - if Iran refused to strike a deal to end the war and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian media reported that a wave of strikes had hit military installations as well as civilian-linked sites, including a pharmaceutical plant producing cancer drugs and anaesthetics. A desalination facility on Qeshm Island was also reported to be "completely out of service," raising fears of a humanitarian impact if water supplies are disrupted.
Explosions and power outages were reported in parts of Tehran, where residents described a tense atmosphere under continued bombardment. Despite the situation, some said daily life continued in fragments.
"When I make it to a cafe table, even for a few minutes, I can almost believe the world hasn't ended," said Fatemeh, a 27-year-old dental assistant. "And then I go back home, back to the reality of living through war."
Iran launched missiles not only toward Israel but also toward Gulf states it accuses of supporting US military operations. In Dubai, falling debris from intercepted missiles wounded civilians and ignited a fire on a Kuwaiti oil tanker in the port. Authorities in Saudi Arabia said they intercepted multiple ballistic missiles, while air defence systems were also activated near Riyadh.
The Gulf region, a critical hub for global energy supplies, has become increasingly exposed as the war intensifies. The Strait of Hormuz - a narrow waterway through which around one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes - has effectively been brought under Iranian control during the conflict.
Despite rising tensions, Gulf countries have publicly called for de-escalation. Qatar said there was a "very unified" position among regional states in favour of ending the war, even as differences remain over how to confront Iran's broader military posture.
The United Arab Emirates has taken a firmer stance, with its ambassador to Washington arguing that a simple ceasefire would not be sufficient and that a lasting resolution must address Iran's missile programme, regional proxies and maritime activities. �"AFP
