Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles at Israel early on Thursday, escalating the ongoing Israel Iran strikes as the conflict entered its sixth day. Air raid sirens sounded across multiple Israeli cities, forcing millions of residents into bomb shelters overnight.
The missile barrage came just hours after Republican senators in Washington blocked a measure aimed at halting the United States’ ongoing air campaign against Iran, leaving President Donald Trump with broad authority to continue military operations.
The fast-moving conflict is widening beyond the two countries, drawing in US forces, affecting NATO security dynamics, and disrupting global oil supply routes, developments that could have knock-on effects for energy prices and international markets, including in the UK.
What triggered the latest Israel Iran strikes?
Iran’s missile attack early Thursday represents one of the most significant escalations since hostilities began earlier this week.
Israeli air defence systems intercepted many of the incoming projectiles, while emergency sirens warned residents to take shelter.
Officials have not yet released full casualty or damage figures, but the attack caused widespread disruption across parts of Israel overnight.
🚨BREAKING New wave of Iranian ballistic missiles hitting Tel Aviv in Israel#Iran #IsraelIranWar #TelAviv pic.twitter.com/DMG6K0khqB
— azizsheikh (@azizsheikh16344) March 5, 2026
The latest strikes follow Israeli air attacks inside Iran that killed hundreds and included the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, over the weekend.
The killing marked a dramatic turning point in the conflict and intensified Tehran’s vow to retaliate.
Military analysts say Iran’s latest missile launch indicates that its leadership intends to maintain pressure rather than step back from the confrontation.
Why did the US Senate block the motion to halt the air campaign?
In Washington, lawmakers debated a resolution designed to limit the president’s authority to conduct military action without explicit approval from Congress.
The measure would have required the White House to seek congressional authorisation before continuing the US air campaign against Iran. However, the Senate voted 53 to 47 against advancing the resolution.
The vote split largely along party lines:
| Political Position | Vote Outcome |
|---|---|
| Republicans | The majority opposed the resolution |
| Democrats | The majority supported the resolution |
Only one Republican supported the measure, while only one Democrat voted against it.
Because the motion failed, the current military campaign can continue without additional congressional approval. Critics argue the vote weakens congressional oversight during wartime, while supporters say the president needs flexibility during an active conflict.
How is the conflict spreading across the region?
The Israel Iran strikes have already expanded well beyond direct exchanges between the two countries.
Several major military incidents reported this week highlight how quickly the situation is escalating:
- A US submarine sank an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka, reportedly killing at least 80 people.
- NATO air defences intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile fired towards Turkey.
- Military activity has increased across several parts of the Middle East as allies and adversaries position forces.
The missile incident involving Turkey raised particular concern because Turkey is a NATO member with the alliance’s second-largest military force.
However, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said there was no indication the event would trigger NATO’s collective defence clause, which obligates alliance members to respond if one member is attacked.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz becoming a major concern?
The conflict has also begun to affect one of the world’s most critical energy routes: the Strait of Hormuz.
This narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman carries a significant portion of global oil and gas shipments. As fighting intensifies, commercial shipping through the strait has slowed sharply.
Industry estimates suggest around 200 vessels remain anchored offshore, waiting for safe passage.
Oil prices climbed on Thursday as markets reacted to the uncertainty. The United States has signalled it may deploy naval escorts to help protect commercial tankers moving through the area.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said military priorities currently focus on the conflict itself, but confirmed that escort missions could begin once conditions stabilise.
What political turmoil is unfolding inside Iran?
Iran’s leadership structure faces major uncertainty after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, aged 86, who was killed in an Israeli strike last weekend.
Authorities had planned three days of public mourning and a large funeral ceremony in Tehran. However, the government has postponed the events indefinitely, and officials have not announced a new date.
The Assembly of Experts, the clerical body responsible for appointing Iran’s Supreme Leader, is expected to select a successor soon.
The decision will mark only the second leadership transition since the Islamic Republic was founded in 1979.
Reports suggest several potential candidates, including:
- Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son
- Hassan Khomeini, grandson of the Islamic Republic’s founder
Israeli officials have stated they would pursue any future Iranian leader responsible for continuing hostilities.
How are global markets responding to the crisis?
Financial markets have reacted cautiously to the widening conflict.
Asian stock markets rebounded slightly on Thursday after several days of sharp losses, while US stocks closed higher on Wednesday as investors speculated that diplomatic efforts might eventually emerge.
However, global financial institutions remain concerned about the longer-term economic consequences.
International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned the conflict could place significant strain on the global economy.
She said: “This conflict, if proven to be prolonged, has obvious potential to affect global energy prices, market sentiments, growth and inflation.”
Any sustained disruption to oil flows from the Middle East could raise energy costs worldwide and increase pressure on already fragile economies.
What is happening to civilians and international travel?
The conflict is also affecting civilians and international travel across the region.
Several governments have begun organising repatriation flights to bring citizens home from Middle Eastern countries affected by airspace closures and security concerns.
A planned flight to evacuate British nationals from Oman did not depart as scheduled on Wednesday and was rescheduled for Thursday, according to reports from UK broadcasters.
Commercial aviation across much of the region remains severely disrupted, including operations at major hubs such as Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international passengers.
