Washington / Middle East – The escalating Iran–Israel conflict has taken a dramatic turn after the US Senate backed President Donald Trump’s military strikes on Iran, rejecting a resolution that sought to limit the administration’s war powers.
The development comes as Israel intensified air strikes on Lebanon, targeting positions linked to Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters, raising fears that the crisis could spiral into a wider Middle East war.
US Senate Blocks Measure to Halt Iran Attacks
In a closely watched vote in Washington, the US Senate rejected a resolution that would have forced the White House to obtain congressional approval before continuing military operations against Iran.
The vote effectively gives the Trump administration political backing to continue US air strikes on Iranian targets, as tensions between Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv continue to escalate.
Supporters of the resolution argued that the US Constitution grants Congress the authority to declare war and warned that the military campaign could drag the United States into a prolonged regional conflict.
However, most Republican senators voted against the measure, insisting the president has the authority to act swiftly to counter security threats and support allies such as Israel.
Israel Intensifies Attacks in Lebanon
Meanwhile, Israeli forces launched a fresh wave of air strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, targeting suspected weapons depots and command facilities.
Explosions were reported in parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs, an area known to host Hezbollah infrastructure. Israeli military officials said the operations were aimed at weakening Iran’s regional influence and preventing further attacks on Israeli territory.
The strikes mark one of the most significant escalations in cross-border fighting in recent months, further widening the scope of the Iran-Israel war.
Iran Launches Retaliatory Missile and Drone Attacks
Iran responded by launching missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli cities and US military installations in the region, intensifying fears of a broader confrontation. These sets the tone for further hostilities in the region.
Air defence systems in Israel were activated as sirens sounded across multiple cities. Iranian officials also warned that Washington would face serious consequences for supporting Israeli operations.
The retaliatory attacks have heightened security alerts across several Gulf countries, as regional governments fear the conflict could spill beyond its current boundaries.
Global Concerns Over Oil Supply and Security
Security analysts say the ongoing crisis could have far-reaching global implications, particularly for oil markets and global energy supply.
Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz—a vital shipping route for global oil exports—have already caused volatility in international crude prices.
Experts warn that any disruption to shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf could trigger sharp increases in global energy costs and affect economies around the world.
Rising Fears of a Wider Middle East War
With military actions expanding across Iran, Israel and Lebanon, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis remain limited.
International observers fear that continued escalation could draw more regional actors into the conflict, potentially transforming the confrontation into a full-scale Middle East regional war.
For now, global attention remains focused on whether diplomatic channels can reopen before the crisis deepens further.
Source: Al Jazeera Live Updates
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