Iran Claims Full Control of Strait of Hormuz as Middle East Conflict Escalates; Israel Launches New Attacks

As the war in the Middle East enters its fifth day, Iran has claimed to have 'full control' over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy supply route. Meanwhile, Israel has announced new attacks in Iran and Lebanon, signaling a further escalation of regional tensions.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned that any vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz could be at risk of missile or drone strikes. The Strait of Hormuz is considered an extremely sensitive maritime route for global oil and gas supply.

US President Donald Trump stated that the US Navy is prepared to escort oil tankers. The Guards also claimed to have launched more than 40 missiles at US and Israeli targets.

Against the backdrop of the war, Iran announced that the three-day state funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will begin Wednesday evening. Iran claims Khamenei was killed in a US-Israel attack on Saturday, after which the conflict intensified. Israel's Defense Minister warned that potential successors could also become 'assassination targets.'

On Wednesday morning, sirens sounded for air raids across various parts of Israel, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, from missiles launched from Iran. The Israeli military stated it was working to neutralize the threat. Reports of a fire near Jerusalem have emerged, but details on casualties were not immediately available.

Separately, Sri Lanka reported that an Iranian frigate with 180 crew members sank outside its territorial waters. The cause remains undetermined. Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister announced that ships and aircraft have been dispatched to rescue 30 Iranian sailors aboard the Iris Dana.

Admiral Brad Cooper, leading US military forces in the Middle East, stated that approximately two thousand targets in Iran have been struck so far. According to him, Iran's air defense structure has been severely damaged, and hundreds of ballistic missiles, launchers, and drones have been destroyed.

AFP correspondents reported hearing explosions in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, due to an exchange of attacks and rocket fire between Israel and Hezbollah. According to Lebanon's Ministry of Health, at least six people were killed and eight injured in Israeli attacks on two cities in the southern region of Beirut. State media reported five additional deaths from attacks in the Beirut suburb of Hazmieh and the eastern city of Baalbek.

Saudi Arabia reported intercepting two cruise missiles and nine drones in the southern region of the capital, Riyadh. Security sources indicated that a drone was shot down near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq. Qatar announced the destruction of two spy cells linked to the Revolutionary Guards and the arrest of 10 suspects.

The Israeli military announced the start of a 'widespread attack' on Iran, claiming strikes on dozens of targets, including Tehran's security command center. Witnesses reported a fire at the US Consulate in Dubai following a drone attack.

The US State Department authorized non-emergency personnel and their families in Saudi Arabia and Oman to depart for security reasons. It also announced arrangements for charter flights to evacuate US citizens from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The impact of the war is also visible in global markets. Asian stock markets experienced sharp declines, with the Seoul stock index falling by more than 12 percent. Meanwhile, crude oil prices have surged.