Iran intensified military operations across the region after President Donald Trump demanded Tehran reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Early Monday, Israel, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates reported missile and drone strikes targeting key sites. Tehran’s central military command warned of “much more devastating” retaliation if civilian areas were attacked.

Trump had threatened to destroy Iranian civilian infrastructure, issuing a deadline of “Tuesday, 8:00 PM” (0000 GMT Wednesday). Iranian media reported gas outages and attacks on residential areas in Tehran following strikes, while Israel and Gulf nations continued defensive measures against incoming missiles and drones.

The conflict escalated after a US airman’s rescue operation inside Iran. US forces extracted a weapons systems officer using multiple aircraft, destroying two planes to prevent their capture. Iran claimed to have destroyed four of the US aircraft, while US media reported only the fighter jet was downed. Iranian footage showed wreckage in a desert area, and reports indicated five deaths during the operation.

Oil prices surged as the crisis disrupted regional energy infrastructure, with West Texas Intermediate rising 1.86% to $113.62 per barrel and Brent exceeding $110. Security analysts noted that the prospects for negotiation were low under the current tension.

Lebanon has also been drawn into the conflict as Iran-backed Hezbollah resumed attacks on Israel, prompting Israeli retaliation in southern Lebanon. UN peacekeepers warned of potential escalation near their positions. Israel reported missile strikes hitting residential areas, including a building in Haifa that wounded four.

While Tehran’s residents appeared largely indifferent, engaging in daily activities, international calls for calm intensified. The Pope Leo XIV used his Easter blessing to urge leaders to “choose peace,” highlighting the humanitarian stakes amid escalating regional tensions.