Explosions rocked the Iranian capital Tehran on Monday as Israel announced it had begun “limited ground operations” against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict now in its third week.
The blasts were heard in central Tehran as air defence systems were activated, an AFP journalist reported. The explosions occurred hours after Israel said it conducted large-scale overnight strikes on the Iranian capital. It was not immediately clear what was targeted.
The Israeli military said troops from the 91st division had begun “limited and targeted ground operations” against key Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon aimed at enhancing the forward defence area.
Dubai airport gradually resumed flights on Monday after a “drone-related incident” sparked a fuel tank fire nearby. The airport, usually the world’s busiest for international travel, has faced major disruptions since the war erupted on 28 February. The Emirati defence ministry later said its air defence systems were intercepting a wave of Iranian drones and missiles, without specifying where in the Gulf nation.
A drone attack on oil infrastructure in the Fujairah oil industry zone on the UAE’s east coast sparked a large fire, authorities said. A Palestinian civilian was killed on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi when a missile hit their car, authorities said.
Saudi Arabia intercepted 61 drones in the east of the country since midnight, according to defence ministry figures posted on X.
Oil prices continued to rise, with Brent North Sea Crude up 3% to $106.50 per barrel in Monday trading.
US President Donald Trump said the United States was in discussions with Iran but that Tehran was not ready for a deal to end the war. “But I don’t think they’re ready. But they are getting pretty close,” Trump said. Iran’s foreign minister had denied earlier that any talks with the United States were taking place.
Trump warned NATO faces a “very bad” future if US allies fail to help open the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively shut by Iran. EU foreign ministers were meeting on Monday to discuss extending the bloc’s Red Sea naval mission to help reopen the vital oil transport conduit.
“It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the Strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there,” Trump said. He added that an upcoming summit in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping could be delayed as he presses for China’s help to open the strait.
Japan said it was not considering launching maritime security operations and Australia ruled out sending a navy ship to the Strait of Hormuz following Trump’s comments.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Israeli strikes on Tehran fuel depots constituted “ecocide” due to the long-term risks to residents’ health.
The Iranian men’s football team is still planning to play in the upcoming World Cup in North America, an Asian football official said, despite Trump warning their “life and safety” could be at risk. “As far as we know, Iran is playing,” Windsor Paul John, the Asian Football Confederation’s general secretary, told a press conference.
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