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Asian and European shares traded mixed on Wednesday as investors awaited the latest US inflation data, while oil prices rose amid uncertainty over when crude supplies disrupted by the war with Iran will return to normal. US stock futures were slightly higher. Futures for the S&P 500 rose 0.2%, while Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were almost unchanged. In early European trading, Germany's DAX gained 0.3% to 26,480.04, while France's CAC 40 fell 0.2% to 8,698.79. Britain's FTSE 100 slipped 0.1%. Asian markets were mixed. Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.8% to 67,524.06, while South Korea's Kospi jumped 3.7% to 6,579.04 as investors bought computer chip stocks. Samsung Electronics rose 6.7% and SK Hynix gained 5.5%. Taiwan's Taiex advanced 0.9%. China's Shanghai Composite rose 0.3% to 3,946.68, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.8% to 25,440.17. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 dropped 0.5% to 9,209.40. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 1% to $89.79 a barrel in early trading. US benchmark crude also gained 1% to $84.07. Oil prices have risen as uncertainty continues over the impact of the war with Iran on global supplies and shipping routes. Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump's remarks that Tehran's demand for compensation in any negotiations to end the war would lead Washington to make a similar demand. The United States and Israel attacked Iran in late February, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and disrupting the movement of a significant amount of oil from the Middle East. Brent crude prices fluctuated between $72 and $102 a barrel last month. Concerns about regional shipping also increased after Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked a vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb strait near Yemen. Ben May, director of global macro research at Oxford Economics, said renewed fighting between the United States and Iran could result in a prolonged reduction in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Oxford Economics expects Brent crude to average around $85 a barrel for the rest of this year before falling gradually to about $65 by late 2027. Higher oil prices can add to inflationary pressure. The average price of regular gasoline in the United States has risen to $4.01 a gallon, according to AAA, up from less than $3.14 a year ago. Investors are now closely watching the US government's latest inflation report, due Wednesday. Economists expect annual inflation to ease slightly to 3.4% in July from 3.5% in June. On Wall Street on Tuesday, the S&P 500 fell 0.3%, extending its second modest decline since reaching a record high on Friday. The Dow dropped 184 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite fell 0.6%. A weaker-than-expected inflation reading could reduce pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates. While higher rates can help control inflation, they also make borrowing more expensive for households and businesses and can weigh on economic growth and investment prices. US Treasury yields have risen since the war with Iran began, driven by higher oil prices and inflation concerns. The increase has pushed long-term mortgage rates to their highest level in a year. In early currency trading, the US dollar slipped to 159.22 Japanese yen from 159.30 yen. The euro was unchanged at $1.1544.

A severe heat wave swept across Europe on Thursday, putting all major Italian cities under the highest heat alert while Austria and Slovakia recorded their highest-ever temperatures. Temperatures climbed above 40°C (104°F) in several countries, raising health concerns for millions and putting pressure on power supplies, transport networks and public services. Scientists and officials said increasingly frequent and intense heat waves are linked to a warming climate and are forcing governments to prepare for more extreme weather. Italy issues red alert across all major citiesItaly's Health Ministry placed all 27 cities covered by its heat monitoring system under a red alert Thursday, marking the first time this year that the entire network has simultaneously reached the highest warning level. The alert covers cities from Trieste in the northeast to Palermo in Sicily and indicates a health risk for everyone, not just older people and those with existing health problems. Authorities advised people to avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, stay indoors when possible and drink plenty of water. The heat wave has also led to changes at major tourist sites. The tourism and culture ministries extended evening opening hours at attractions including Rome's Colosseum and Pantheon. Cooling mist fans were installed at Colosseum entrances, while additional medical stations were set up to help visitors cope with the heat. Rome has also opened a free temporary "urban beach" along the Tiber River in the Marconi area. The Tiberis site offers swimming pools, water fountains and shaded spaces, providing residents and children with a place to escape the heat. Austria, Slovakia record highest-ever temperaturesSlovakia recorded a new national temperature record Thursday, with the mercury reaching 42.2°C (108°F) at Dolne Plachtince in the south, according to the Slovak Meteorological Institute. Low water levels in the Danube have also affected the country's biggest hydroelectric power plant in Gabčíkovo. Seven of its eight turbines were shut down, with the plant producing 15% less electricity this year than during the same period last year. The Academy of Sciences said the Danube recorded its lowest July water flow on record. Austria recorded its highest-ever temperature on Wednesday, reaching 41.2°C (106.2°F) in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg near the Slovak border, according to GeoSphere Austria. The country is also experiencing severe drought. Rainfall during the first six months of the year was 27% below the long-term average nationwide, while some eastern areas received only half their normal rainfall. Climatologist Alexander Orlik said some parts of Austria had not seen such dry conditions since 1885. Hungary cuts power use amid droughtHungary's prolonged drought and record-low Danube levels have affected its only nuclear power plant, which depends on river water to cool its reactors. The plant has cut production to around 10% of normal levels, prompting the government to introduce emergency measures to reduce electricity use. Authorities asked industries and households to limit power consumption, particularly between 5pm and 10pm, when demand is highest. Freight trains have also been banned from operating during those hours, while decorative lighting at Budapest landmarks has been switched off. Major companies, including energy firm Mol, pharmaceutical company Gedeon Richter and automakers Suzuki, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW, have announced plans to reduce electricity consumption. The government also canceled parliamentary sessions this week as part of efforts to save power. Budapest recorded its hottest night on record Wednesday, with the temperature dropping only to 28°C (82°F). Germany concerned over falling river levelsGermany is increasingly concerned about the effects of drought on transport and industry as water levels in the Rhine and other rivers continue to fall. Transport Minister Steffen Bilger met with affected organizations Thursday and said low river levels were creating serious problems for inland shipping, industries and the wider supply chain. Environmental group BUND called for measures to make rivers more resilient to climate change, including retaining more water in the landscape and reducing water withdrawals during droughts. France remains at high wildfire riskFirefighters continued to monitor the Var region in southeastern France after authorities said a major wildfire was no longer spreading but could flare up again. The fire, which started on July 20, has burned more than 60 square kilometers (23 square miles), making it the largest wildfire recorded in the region in recent decades. Authorities warned that strong winds and extremely dry conditions were keeping the wildfire risk very high across southeastern France. In England, temperatures eased, but the effects of the country's driest July on record remained visible. A grass fire temporarily closed the southern runway at London's Heathrow Airport on Thursday. Balkans battle wildfires and droughtThe heat wave peaked across the Balkans on Thursday, with temperatures approaching 40°C (104°F) as countries struggled with drought and wildfires. Firefighters in Serbia battled several blazes after days of dry weather. One major fire spread through pine forests west of Belgrade, while another broke out near Kraljevo in central Serbia, where difficult terrain hampered firefighting efforts. In neighboring Croatia, tourists in Dubrovnik sought shade and avoided the beaches during the hottest hours as temperatures soared along the Adriatic coast.

An unusually early and intense heat wave across Europe this year may have caused more than 10,000 additional deaths, according to early data collected from several countries. Researchers say deaths rose sharply in late June, when many parts of Europe experienced record-breaking temperatures. Scientists measure this using "excess mortality"—the number of deaths above what would normally be expected during a given period. Experts caution that the actual toll may be even higher because many heat-related deaths are never officially recorded as being caused by extreme heat. For example, a heart attack triggered by high temperatures may simply be listed as a heart attack on a death certificate. The figures raise fresh concerns as Europe enters the summer season. The continent has experienced several deadly heat waves in recent years, although the 2003 heat wave remains the worst on record, with around 70,000 deaths. Scientists say climate change, driven largely by the burning of fossil fuels, is making heat waves more frequent and more severe. Sharp rise in deaths during one week EuroMOMO, a European mortality monitoring network that collects data from two dozen countries, estimated 14,260 excess deaths from all causes during the week ending June 28. More than 12,000 of those deaths were among people aged 65 and above. A total of 84,583 deaths were recorded that week, while excess mortality was much lower in the weeks before and after. Lasse Vestergaard of Denmark's Statens Serum Institut, which coordinates EuroMOMO, said the spike was most likely linked to the widespread heat wave because there was no other clear explanation for such a large increase in deaths. He described such a high number of excess deaths in a single week as "highly unusual." According to EuroMOMO, France, Belgium and Germany recorded the highest rates of excess mortality during the period. Individual countries have also released their own estimates, although the methods used vary. Germany Germany's Robert Koch Institute estimated that 6,830 people died from heat-related causes through early July, including 6,470 people aged 65 or older. Late June temperatures reached 41.7 degrees Celsius, the highest ever recorded in the country, according to the German Weather Service. United Kingdom Britain's Met Office estimated that about 2,700 people died from heat-related causes during heat waves in England and Wales in May and June. Around 550 of those deaths occurred during a late-May heat wave, while about 2,200 were linked to the late-June heat wave. The UK also recorded its hottest May and June on record. France France's public health agency reported at least 2,000 more deaths during the week of June 22-28 compared with the previous week. The country experienced its hottest days on record on June 24 and 25, with more than 40% of France recording temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Spain Spain's Carlos III Health Institute estimated that 937 deaths in June were linked to extreme heat. According to the national weather agency AEMET, June was the country's second-hottest on record, with average temperatures 3.2 degrees Celsius above normal. Temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius during a five-day heat wave. Belgium Belgium's public health institute Sciensano estimated 1,747 excess deaths between June 18 and July 1. The institute said higher mortality is expected during heat waves, but described the June 2026 event as exceptional because of its intensity and widespread impact. The country's highest temperature during the heat wave reached 35.5 degrees Celsius on June 26. Netherlands Dutch public health authorities estimated 480 more deaths than expected during the June heat wave. The increase was greatest in the eastern and southern parts of the country, where temperatures were highest. The Netherlands also recorded its hottest June temperature on record at 36.8 degrees Celsius, breaking a record that had stood since 1947.

NATO's deputy supreme allied commander in Europe has expressed hope that next month's summit in Turkey will encourage member states to increase defense spending, reaffirm support for Ukraine and demonstrate the alliance's unity despite growing challenges. Air Chief Marshal John Stringer shared his expectations in an interview with The Associated Press in London, less than two weeks before the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8. The meeting is expected to test the unity of the 77-year-old military alliance at a time of increasing political uncertainty. The alliance has faced fresh questions after US President Donald Trump sent mixed messages about America's military presence in Europe and repeatedly threatened to withdraw from NATO. His calls to annex Greenland and his friendly remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin have also unsettled many European leaders. Adding to the uncertainty, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last week criticized NATO allies for not allowing their military bases to be used in strikes against Iran. He also announced a six-month review of US troop deployments across Europe. In the United Kingdom, which traditionally provides NATO's deputy supreme allied commander, recent resignations of government ministers highlighted concerns over defense spending plans that critics say are not enough to ensure the country's security. Stringer said NATO summits are important political events that showcase the alliance's solidarity. While acknowledging that disagreements are inevitable in an organization that has expanded over several decades, he stressed the importance of maintaining unity. "Are we in one of those moments at the moment? Yes, we are," Stringer said during a military conference in London, where AP also spoke with other senior European military officials about their expectations and concerns ahead of the summit.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday expressed concern over rising tensions in the disputed South China Sea, warning that any major conflict in the region could threaten freedom of navigation and disrupt global trade. Speaking alongside Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a state visit to Manila, Steinmeier said Europe is closely monitoring developments in the South China Sea, particularly ongoing confrontations between the Philippines and China. Referring to the recent disruption in the Strait of Hormuz linked to the Iran conflict, Steinmeier said such incidents show how regional disputes can have global economic consequences. “The situation in the South China Sea remains tense, and that is a cause for concern,” he said through an interpreter. “The Indo-Pacific, especially Southeast Asia, is one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions. Any serious incident there would also affect Europe.” He warned that violations of international maritime law could jeopardize freedom of navigation, similar to the impact caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which led to sharp increases in global fuel and fertilizer prices. The Strait of Hormuz situation was among the topics discussed during a private meeting between Steinmeier and Marcos. Although Steinmeier did not directly name any country, Germany has previously criticized China’s actions in the South China Sea, saying they undermine the rights of coastal states such as the Philippines and threaten free navigation along one of the world’s busiest trade routes. The territorial disputes involve China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. The United States, while not a claimant in the South China Sea, has repeatedly stated that it is committed to defending the Philippines under their mutual defense treaty if Filipino forces, vessels or aircraft come under armed attack. China, meanwhile, has urged Washington not to interfere in the regional disputes. During a visit to Manila in 2024, then German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock voiced concern over China's actions in the disputed waters, including incidents involving Philippine vessels. She said such actions violated the rights of coastal nations and hindered their economic development. Baerbock also said China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea were not supported by international law and called for a peaceful settlement of the disputes.   On Tuesday, Steinmeier reaffirmed Germany’s support for the Philippine Coast Guard, which has played a key role in protecting the country’s maritime interests and has been involved in several confrontations with Chinese vessels. Marcos thanked Germany for consistently backing the Philippines’ efforts to uphold international law in the South China Sea and for supporting compliance with the 2016 international arbitration ruling. The ruling, based on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, rejected China’s broad claims in the South China Sea. China refused to participate in the arbitration process, rejected the decision and continues to oppose it.

Russia has intensified its efforts to obtain Western technology and defense-related information as international sanctions continue to strain its economy and military industries, according to senior European intelligence officials. Officials from Sweden, Finland and Estonia told The Associated Press that Russian intelligence agencies are increasingly using front companies, intermediaries, cyber operations and espionage networks to gain access to advanced technologies restricted by Western sanctions. They said Moscow is seeking equipment, software and research that could help sustain its war effort in Ukraine and strengthen its long-term military capabilities. "Russia knows exactly what it needs and is making major efforts to get it," said Christoffer Wedelin, deputy head of operations at Sweden's Security Service. According to Wedelin, Russia has shown particular interest in advanced manufacturing equipment, industrial machinery and dual-use technologies that can serve both civilian and military purposes. In Sweden, Russian operatives have reportedly targeted the country's defense sector and research linked to sophisticated military systems, including the Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet. Authorities say Russia is also seeking civilian technologies, such as advanced camera and laser systems, that could potentially be adapted for military use. Finnish intelligence chief Juha Martelius said Russia is also trying to acquire technologies that could help it remain competitive with Western countries in the future. These include areas such as space technology, quantum research, Arctic technology and marine technology, he said. Officials noted that Russia continues to face difficulties obtaining computer components, software and updates for industrial equipment due to sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this week, Anne Keast-Butler, head of Britain's signals intelligence agency, accused Russia of continuously targeting the United Kingdom and its European allies through technology theft, sabotage plots and other covert activities. In Sweden, police recently arrested two people suspected of violating sanctions through a company in Turkey that allegedly shipped machine tools to Russia. European intelligence agencies have warned that businesses need to be increasingly cautious, as some companies may unknowingly become part of supply networks helping Russia obtain restricted goods. Officials also said Russia has stepped up cyberattacks against European companies and critical infrastructure. According to Wedelin, Russian-linked actors attempted to disrupt operations at a Swedish power plant last year, although the attack was detected and stopped before causing serious damage. He said the incident marked a shift in Russian tactics, with Moscow appearing less concerned about being identified as the source of cyber operations. "They are taking greater risks to achieve their goals," Wedelin said. At the same time, intelligence officials say Russia's economic situation is becoming more challenging. Kaupo Rosin said a large share of Russia's economy is now devoted to military spending, while sanctions and the prolonged war have contributed to slower growth and persistent inflation. He warned that if Western pressure continues, Russia could face serious financial difficulties later this year despite recent increases in energy revenues. Rosin said intelligence assessments indicate growing concern among Russian officials about the country's economic outlook and the long-term costs of the war. However, Finnish intelligence chief Martelius cautioned against expecting rapid political change in Russia, saying the country's political system operates very differently from those in Western democracies. Russia has not publicly responded to the latest claims made by European intelligence officials.

NATO allies and defense officials have expressed confusion after U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly announced he would send 5,000 American troops to Poland, just weeks after ordering the withdrawal of the same number of troops from Europe. Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said the situation was hard to follow and created uncertainty for allies. Speaking at a NATO meeting in Helsingborg, she said it was “confusing” and not easy to manage, as foreign ministers gathered with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Defense officials also admitted they were unsure about the decision. One U.S. official said they had spent two weeks responding to earlier plans to reduce troop levels and still did not fully understand the latest change. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States would send an additional 5,000 troops to Poland, pointing to his close ties with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, whom he supported during last year’s election. The move marks a sharp reversal from recent signals from the Trump administration, which had suggested cutting the U.S. military presence in Europe rather than increasing it. Officials within NATO said allies had been taken by surprise, even though Washington had earlier promised better coordination on troop movements. NATO military chief U.S. Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich said the alliance would continue working closely with partners to stay aligned on decisions. Some European ministers, including those from the Netherlands and Norway, said they were not alarmed but stressed that any changes should follow a clear and structured process. Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braže said allies were aware that the U.S. was reviewing its troop posture, and that for now there appeared to be no major change. Earlier this month, the Trump administration had announced plans to reduce its presence in Europe by about 5,000 troops. Around 4,000 troops were also reported to have been removed from planned deployment to Poland, while the transfer of some U.S. missile-trained personnel to Germany was paused. Grynkewich said several hundred troops would be reassigned elsewhere but did not provide details. He also met defense chiefs from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland at NATO headquarters to discuss options. The policy shift comes amid tensions following comments by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who criticized U.S. strategy on Iran and suggested Washington was being disrespected by Tehran. Trump responded by saying troop cuts could go “far beyond 5,000” and also announced new tariffs on European cars. About 80,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Europe. Under Pentagon rules, at least 76,000 troops and key equipment must remain unless allies are consulted and it is judged to be in U.S. interest to reduce that level. Trump’s latest remarks suggest troop levels may remain largely unchanged, with forces rotating into Poland from Germany expected to continue. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski welcomed the move, saying it would keep American troop presence in Poland at roughly current levels. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also supported continued coordination. He said Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security but stressed that existing consultation processes were working as normal. The meeting in Helsingborg was held to prepare for a planned summit between Trump and NATO leaders in Turkey in July.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s latest visit to China, his fourth in four years, reflects the steady growth of bilateral relations and highlights a model of cooperation at a time of global uncertainty. The regular high-level exchanges between the two countries underline a relationship built on consistency and mutual trust, offering an example of stable engagement between China and Europe despite a volatile international environment. Experts say such ties are the result of long-term efforts rather than sudden developments. Spanish scholar Jordi Bacaria noted that relations between the two countries have been carefully developed over time through sustained cooperation. Analysts believe reliability and policy consistency have become increasingly important as global tensions and uncertainties affect international partnerships. In this context, China’s focus on long-term cooperation and multilateralism has made it an attractive partner for many countries, including Spain. China and Spain, despite differences in history, culture and political systems, have managed to strengthen ties by focusing on shared interests. During a meeting last year between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Spain’s King Felipe VI, both sides stressed mutual respect, practical cooperation and fairness in global governance as key principles guiding their relationship. Economic cooperation remains a strong pillar of bilateral ties. China is Spain’s largest trading partner outside the European Union, while Spain is an important partner for China within the bloc. Bilateral trade exceeded $55 billion in 2025, marking a nearly 10 percent increase from the previous year, according to official data. Beyond trade, both countries see opportunities for deeper cooperation in areas such as technology and renewable energy. Spain’s focus on sectors like semiconductors and green energy aligns with China’s push for high-quality development, opening the door for further collaboration. The transition to clean energy has emerged as a key area of cooperation. Chinese investments in Spain’s electric vehicle and wind power sectors are supporting industrial growth, while Spain contributes its expertise in renewable energy. Spain’s engagement with China is part of a broader trend, as several European leaders have recently visited Beijing to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties. Observers say this reflects Europe’s efforts to enhance economic resilience and strategic independence. Sanchez’s visit, analysts say, sends a wider message that continued dialogue and cooperation remain essential even in a fragmented global landscape. At a time of growing uncertainty, China-Spain relations are seen as contributing to stability and offering a constructive path for broader China-Europe engagement.

Vast peach orchards in northern Greece have turned bright pink as thousands of visitors gather to witness the region’s annual blossom season, creating a scenic spring attraction. Every year, blooming peach trees spread like a pink blanket across the plains around Veria, drawing tourists mainly from across Greece and increasingly from other European countries. “It’s something people should see at least once in their lives because the area is so large,” said Gianna Pilitsidou, president of the Veria Tourism Club. She noted that the plains, covering about 170 square kilometres, become entirely pink during peak bloom. To celebrate the season, the tourism club has been organising activities such as photography tours, cycling events and exhibitions of local farm products. Over two recent weekends, thousands of visitors walked through the flowering orchards near Veria, located about 72 kilometres west of Thessaloniki. Visitors from abroad also joined the celebrations. Dutch travel blogger Wesley van Eijk said he wanted more people to discover lesser-known destinations like Veria, while German tourist Andrea Lachnit described the blossoms as “stunning and heavenly.” Local farmers say the event helps promote their produce and supports the region’s economy. Hotel operators also reported a noticeable rise in visitor numbers. Peach blossoms in the Veria region typically appear between mid-March and mid-April, marking one of Greece’s most colourful spring attractions.

The United States has stepped up the movement of military aircraft and naval assets across Europe and towards the Middle East amid reports that President Donald Trump is weighing possible military action against Iran, while new satellite images indicate Tehran is reinforcing a sensitive military facility. Flight-tracking data reviewed by BBC Verify show a surge in US military aircraft activity, including refuelling tankers, surveillance planes and transport aircraft operating from bases in Spain, Greece and Italy and heading towards the eastern Mediterranean and Gulf region. Analysts say the scale and pace of these movements are unusually high and suggest preparations for large-scale air operations. Among the aircraft observed were KC-135 aerial refuelling tankers, E-3 surveillance jets and C-17 transport planes operated by the US Air Force. Data from Flightradar24 also indicated that HC-130J aircraft were flying from Europe to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a key hub for US operations in the region. At the same time, satellite imagery analysed by the Institute for Science and International Security shows Iran has added new layers of protection to a facility at the Parchin military site near Tehran. Images reveal that a concrete shell covering a newly built structure has been sealed with earth, with nearby soil piles suggesting the site could be further buried and transformed into a hardened bunker. The Washington-based think tank assessed that the arched building may house a high-explosives test chamber and said the additional fortifications point to strategic importance. Parchin has previously been linked by Western analysts to explosives manufacturing and, historically, to nuclear-related testing. Separately, Iranian state television broadcast footage of naval drills conducted jointly with Russia, including a simulated ship rescue operation. Satellite images showed a Russian navy warship docked at the Bandar Abbas military port. However, experts said the exercises were likely scheduled well in advance and were not necessarily connected to current tensions with Washington. US military movements have also included the reported presence of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford near Morocco, reinforcing assessments that Washington is positioning forces across multiple theatres. Defence analysts cautioned that the highly visible nature of the deployments means the US has lost the element of surprise, potentially requiring a broader or more sustained campaign if military action were to be launched. Meanwhile, Trump has again criticised the United Kingdom’s plan to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the Diego Garcia military base, marking his third change of position on the deal within a year. US officials have not confirmed any imminent strike, but the combination of intensified military movements and Iran’s fortification work has heightened regional and international concern over a possible escalation.   With inputs from BBC