United News of Bangladesh

Israel launched a new wave of air strikes on Iran on Friday, targeting what it called key regime infrastructure in Tehran as the war entered its seventh day. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the latest operation was the 15th round of strikes since the conflict began. It said about 50 fighter jets were involved in attacks that destroyed a military command bunker in Tehran which Iranian leaders had planned to use during the war. Residents in Tehran told BBC Persian that the latest attacks were the most intense so far. Several people said they experienced constant explosions overnight and described it as the “worst night” since the conflict started. At the same time, Iran launched further attacks on Israel and other parts of the region, according to the Israeli military. Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain said their air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones overnight. The United Arab Emirates said its forces intercepted nine ballistic missiles and 109 drones on Friday. Authorities reported that three drones fell inside the country. Since the conflict began, three people have been killed and more than 100 injured in attacks there. The war has also affected daily life across the region. Qatar said it intercepted a drone targeting the Al-Udeid air base, the largest US military base in the Middle East. Authorities advised residents to avoid large outdoor gatherings, while the country’s airspace remains closed. In Lebanon, Israel carried out fresh strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, saying it was targeting Hezbollah positions. Thousands of residents had earlier been warned to leave the area. Air travel and shipping across the region have also been disrupted. Nearly 20,000 flights have been cancelled since the conflict began, while some shipping companies are avoiding the Suez Canal due to security risks. Evacuation efforts are underway for foreign nationals. The United Kingdom said it would send more charter flights from Oman to bring back its citizens. More than 160,000 Britons have registered their presence in the region with the Foreign Office. The conflict began last week after joint US and Israeli strikes on Iranian military and missile facilities. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and several US allies in the Gulf, widening tensions across the Middle East.   With inputs from BBC