Threat from Iran conflict spreads across Middle East in 72 hours

"The regional spillover is already happening. This started as a semi-surgical campaign targeting leadership and military assets. Already it's spinning almost out of control. The cascade began shortly after dawn Saturday, when Israeli aircraft - backed by U.S. intelligence, aerial refueling and naval support - struck what officials described as Iranian command-and-control facilities and missile infrastructure."

"By Monday, less than 72 hours after the first strikes, the conflict had ricocheted well beyond the original targets in Iran, Israel and Iraq. Missiles and drones streaked toward capitals around the Persian Gulf. Hotels and apartment buildings in the United Arab Emirates were hit. Israel bombed Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Militias aligned with Tehran claimed strikes from the Mediterranean to the Red seas."

Following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military facilities and leadership, the conflict rapidly expanded across the Middle East and beyond. Within three days, missiles and drones targeted capitals throughout the Persian Gulf region, with strikes reaching the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Cyprus, and areas spanning from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea. The escalation affected civilians across more than a dozen countries, representing approximately 300 million people. What officials had not anticipated was the speed and geographic scope of the retaliation. Iranian-aligned militias claimed responsibility for strikes across multiple regions, while Israel conducted bombing campaigns against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Cyprus became the first European nation impacted when explosions occurred at a British military base. Security analysts noted the campaign had transformed from a targeted operation into an increasingly uncontrolled regional conflict.

Read at The Washington Post