Iran war expands to civilian infrastructure as Saudi Arabia reports first fatalities
The Iran war widened its impact on Sunday as attacks extended to civilian infrastructure across the Gulf, while Saudi Arabia reported its first fatalities from the conflict. Bahrain accused Iran of striking a desalination plant critical for the region’s water supply, though officials said essential services remained operational. The expansion of targets raised fears over water security in the parched Gulf nations.
In Saudi Arabia, a military projectile hit a residential area, killing two foreign workers and injuring 12 others. Most casualties in Gulf nations have involved foreign residents and laborers. The attacks have sparked regional outrage, with Arab League chief Ahmed Abouel Gheit condemning Iran’s “reckless policy” of striking Arab countries. U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have vowed to continue the coordinated campaign against Iran, even as war aims remain fluid.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian toughened his rhetoric after earlier conciliatory remarks, pledging stronger responses to foreign pressure and urging neighboring countries not to participate in U.S. or Israeli strikes. Iranian leaders emphasized that ongoing attacks would continue against what they called strategic threats in the region.
Meanwhile, Israel reported its first soldier deaths since the war began, with two killed in southern Lebanon while targeting Hezbollah positions. Three civilians were injured in Israel during an afternoon strike. The conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Feb. 28 that killed Iran’s supreme leader, has left at least 1,230 dead in Iran, 397 in Lebanon, and 11 in Israel, along with six U.S. troop fatalities.
Infrastructure damage continues to mount. Iranian authorities reported Israeli strikes on oil storage tanks and a transfer terminal in Tehran killed four people, sending thick smoke across the city. The Red Crescent said about 10,000 civilian structures were damaged, including schools, health facilities, and homes, while residents were warned about toxic air and acid rain risks.
Lebanon is grappling with mass displacement, with over 500,000 people fleeing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Many families are sheltering in schools, cars, or open areas along the Mediterranean, while some local stadiums are being converted into temporary shelters. Israel’s renewed offensive follows Hezbollah rocket attacks in northern Israel and represents the most intense fighting since the November 2024 ceasefire. Hezbollah maintains that its patience has ended, leaving armed resistance as the only option.
The ongoing war continues to disrupt oil production and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, adding strain to global markets. Gulf nations including Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE have reported further Iranian missile strikes, underscoring the widening regional crisis.
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