The conflict entered its fourth day with significant new developments across the region. Here are the key headlines:
· U.S. Embassy Closures: The U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, has been closed "until further notice" amid intense Israeli attacks on the capital. Meanwhile, Kuwait's Foreign Ministry reported that its U.S. Embassy was officially "targeted" by Iran .
· Drone Strike in Dubai: A fire broke out near the U.S. Consulate in Dubai after a suspected drone strike. UAE authorities confirmed the fire was extinguished and there were no injuries, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating a drone hit a parking lot adjacent to the consulate .
· Aviation Chaos: The conflict has led to the cancellation of 19,000 flights to and from the Middle East since Saturday. Airspaces remain closed in several countries, including Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Qatar, stranding tens of thousands of passengers .
· Global Impact: The widening conflict is rattling global markets and has sent oil prices sharply higher. Japanese lawmakers are also questioning the potential diversion of U.S. defense resources away from Asia .
🌍 Other Headlines from Around the World
· Epstein Settlement (U.S.): A U.S. judge granted preliminary approval for a $35 million settlement from Jeffrey Epstein's estate to resolve a class-action lawsuit brought by victims .
· Grenfell Tower (U.K.): The British government has paused the demolition of Grenfell Tower following protests from bereaved families who want to preserve walls bearing victims' handprints .
· Sports (U.K.): In a major upset, bottom-side Wolverhampton Wanderers defeated Liverpool 2-1, dealing a blow to Liverpool's Champions League qualification hopes .