Pentagon to Brief on Expanding Military Campaign
The Pentagon announced that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth will hold a press conference on Monday at 1300 GMT to address the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. It will mark the first formal briefing by a senior US official since strikes began on Saturday.
General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is also expected to participate in the briefing, as Washington faces mounting domestic and international scrutiny over the scope and objectives of the operation.
Gulf States on Alert
In Kuwait, air defence forces intercepted several “aerial targets” within central operational zones, according to local media. Authorities said no injuries were reported and described the interceptions as highly efficient, underscoring heightened readiness across the Gulf.
Meanwhile, in Bahrain, one Asian worker was killed and two others seriously injured after debris from an intercepted missile sparked a fire aboard a foreign vessel in Salman Industrial City. The blaze was later extinguished, the interior ministry said.
British Base in Cyprus Targeted
Britain’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that its forces were responding to a suspected drone strike at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The incident occurred around midnight, with no casualties reported.
The base, located near Limassol, has recently been reinforced with additional air and drone defence systems, radars and F-35 aircraft. Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated that Britain was not involved in the initial strikes on Iran but would support “collective self-defence” efforts by allies if required.
Civilian Toll Mounts
Regional media reported that the death toll from an Israeli strike on a school in Iran has risen to around 180, raising fresh concerns over civilian casualties as fighting intensifies.
Markets React to Escalation
Financial markets across Asia opened sharply lower on Monday, reflecting investor anxiety over widening conflict. Emerging Asian equities fell more than one percent, while ASEAN markets recorded their steepest drop in weeks. Investors sought refuge in traditional safe-haven assets including the US dollar, gold and government bonds.
Trump Floats Leadership Alternatives
US President Donald Trump said he has identified three potential candidates who could lead Iran but declined to reveal their names.
“I have three very good choices,” Trump told The New York Times, adding that he would not disclose them at this stage. His remarks are likely to fuel speculation about Washington’s long-term objectives and whether regime change forms part of the broader strategy.
As missile interceptions, drone incidents and retaliatory threats continue across the region, the conflict shows few signs of immediate de-escalation. With civilian casualties rising and global markets rattled, diplomatic efforts face mounting pressure to prevent a broader and more protracted regional war.
