Escalation in Middle East: Strikes on Central Beirut Intensify

In a significant escalation, Israeli warplanes targeted central Beirut, resulting in severe destruction. This is part of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran following the assassination of Iran's security chief Ali Larijani. The conflict has led to widespread casualties, regional instability, and an unsettling global energy market.

In a dramatic escalation, Israeli warplanes launched intense airstrikes on central Beirut on Wednesday, demolishing apartment buildings in what is reported to be the most severe attack on the Lebanese capital's heart in decades. This move signals an expansion of the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran.

The strikes follow the high-profile assassination of Iran's powerful security chief, Ali Larijani, and the reported killing of Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib by Israeli forces. Iran has retaliated with missile strikes targeting Israel, underscoring the deepening regional tensions.

As the conflict enters its third week, there has been no indication of de-escalation, impacting global energy supplies and raising stakes for U.S. President Donald Trump. The conflict's international repercussions continue to unfold, with rising casualties reported across affected countries.

(With inputs from agencies.)