Explosions rock Tehran as Middle East War escalates, Trump seeks help

Loud explosions shook Tehran on Tuesday following a night of heavy bombardment, as US President Donald Trump pressed allies to assist in the escalating Middle East conflict, which has triggered global economic turmoil.

Oil prices jumped more than five percent after several countries resisted US calls to help protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway critical for the transit of crude oil and liquefied natural gas.

The war, now in its third week, has killed hundreds and seen Iran launch retaliatory strikes against Israel and Gulf nations. A new front has also opened in Lebanon, where Israel is engaging Tehran-backed Hezbollah forces.

Iraq has been drawn into the conflict as well, with a drone and rocket attack targeting the US embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday.

AFP journalists reported blasts across Tehran, mixing with thunder and rain. Israel’s army earlier confirmed it had conducted a wave of strikes “against Iranian terror regime infrastructure across Tehran,” alongside attacks in Lebanon.

In Beirut’s southern suburbs, Israeli strikes hit a residential building in a Hezbollah stronghold. Firefighters were seen tackling the blaze, with rubble strewn across nearby streets.

The war has displaced millions in Iran and Lebanon while disrupting the global economy. Tehran has targeted energy facilities in neighboring Gulf states and threatened tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s crude oil passes. Trump has urged world powers, including US allies, to deploy warships to escort tankers, but so far, most have refused.

Global Pushback

Trump called for allies to join an armada to protect shipping in the strait, warning that refusal could undermine NATO. However, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Australia, Poland, Spain, Greece, and Sweden have all declined to engage militarily. EU officials discussed the crisis in Brussels but showed “no appetite” for extending naval operations to Hormuz.

Analysts say Washington’s unilateral approach has frustrated partners. “The United States launched a war without consulting allies, expecting them to mop up the mess, and that’s not going fly,” said Erwan Lagadec of George Washington University.

Defiant Tehran

Trump admitted he was “shocked” by Iran’s responses, which have targeted Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait. A missile intercept in Abu Dhabi killed one person on Tuesday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi struck a defiant tone, stating Tehran “does not hesitate to defend itself and is ready to continue the war wherever it may lead, and take it as far as necessary.”

Iraq and Lebanon Drawn In

Western allies urged Israel to exercise restraint in Lebanon, where over one million people have been displaced since March 2, including more than 130,000 in collective shelters. Hezbollah militants entered the conflict after the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iraq has also been drawn further into the conflict. A drone and rocket attack struck the US embassy in Baghdad, while another strike killed four people at a residence reportedly hosting Iranian advisors. AFP journalists observed black smoke rising from the embassy complex alongside air defence interceptions.

As the conflict continues, analysts warn of worsening humanitarian and economic consequences across the region, with the global energy market particularly affected by the instability in the Gulf.