By Desmond Nleya
The war involving the United States, Israel and Iran has entered its second week with tensions continuing to intensify across the Middle East.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has firmly rejected demands for “unconditional surrender” issued by US President Donald Trump, declaring that Iran will never capitulate under pressure. Pezeshkian insisted that Iranian forces will continue defending the country against what Tehran describes as an aggressive military campaign by the United States and Israel.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, the Iranian leader stated that Tehran does not intend to target neighbouring countries unless attacks against Iran originate from their territories. His remarks came amid rising fears that the conflict could spread across the wider Gulf region.
However, Iran’s powerful military arm, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), issued a stark warning that all US and Israeli military bases and strategic interests across the region will be considered “primary targets” if attacks on Iran continue.
Meanwhile, President Trump has threatened Iran with what he described as “very hard strikes,” while also claiming that Iran had already “surrendered” politically to its regional neighbours following recent statements from Tehran.
The conflict has also spilled into neighbouring countries. In Lebanon, at least 41 people were killed after Israeli air and ground raids struck the town of Nabi Chit in the eastern Bekaa Valley, further intensifying the regional crisis.
Saudi Arabia has also reported direct threats linked to the ongoing conflict. Authorities confirmed that air defence systems intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles that were launched toward the Prince Sultan Air Base, along with several drones headed for the strategic Shaybah oilfield.
With missiles, drones and retaliatory strikes now crossing multiple borders, the confrontation between the United States, Israel and Iran is increasingly drawing other countries in the region into the growing conflict, raising global concerns that the war could expand further across the Middle East.
