By Desmond Nleya
United States President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to Iran, saying “the clock is ticking” for Tehran to reach a peace agreement with Washington, amid escalating tensions across the Middle East.
The warning came as both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reported separate drone attacks, heightening fears of a broader regional conflict.
Saudi authorities said air defence systems intercepted three drones targeting sensitive areas in the kingdom. In the UAE, officials confirmed a drone strike near the Barakah nuclear power plant, which triggered a fire close to the facility. Authorities said emergency teams quickly contained the blaze and no casualties were immediately reported.
The developments unfolded as Israel intensified military operations in both Lebanon and Gaza.
In eastern Lebanon, Israeli air strikes killed a commander from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement along with his 17-year-old daughter in the Baalbek area, according to regional security sources. Israeli warplanes continued bombardments across several parts of southern and eastern Lebanon overnight.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli forces killed at least eight Palestinians, according to local medical officials. Among the dead were three aid workers operating a charity kitchen in central Deir el-Balah, further worsening the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
The latest violence comes amid growing international concern that the conflict could spread beyond Gaza and Lebanon, drawing more regional powers into direct confrontation. Diplomatic efforts led by the United States and Gulf states to ease tensions have so far shown little progress.
