The US and Israel's relentless attacks on Iran have entered their fourth day, with Tehran retaliating against Washington's allies and US bases across the Gulf. The conflict has escalated, with Israeli soldiers now operating in southern Lebanon, targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah. Donald Trump predicts the attacks will last four to five weeks, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns that the 'hardest hits' are yet to come. The US embassy in Riyadh was attacked by drones overnight, resulting in a minor fire, and Trump hinted at a strong US response. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route, was closed by Iran, causing a surge in gas prices in the UK and a 13-month high in oil prices. The Iranian flag was defiantly placed in the ruins of a police station struck by US-Israeli forces in Tehran. Despite the death of Iran's supreme leader, the country's command structure has remained decentralized, ensuring a swift and effective response to the aggression. The RAF base in Cyprus, a key British military outpost, has been quiet after two Iranian drone attacks, with limited damage and a significant military police presence. The Israeli military claims to have struck Hezbollah targets in Beirut, including communication sites, and the Lebanese army has withdrawn from border positions as Israeli forces advance. The conflict has raised concerns about the potential destruction of Hezbollah in Lebanon. Explosions were reported in the Iranian cities of Isfahan and Shiraz, both targeted by strikes in the past four days. The conflict has also impacted markets, with gas prices in the UK soaring and oil prices reaching a 13-month high. A former British ambassador to Iran suggests that regime change is possible but not likely, given the regime's resilience and the absence of widespread popular demonstrations or defections. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation and a prolonged conflict.
