War with Iran to continue for three more weeks, says Israel

Israel said on Monday that it has operational plans for at least three more weeks of fighting as its military continued airstrikes across Iran, while Iranian retaliatory drone attacks disrupted infrastructure in the Gulf region.

The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has now entered its third week, with no clear signs of de-escalation. The fighting has forced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which around 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass, pushing crude prices above $100 a barrel and raising concerns about rising global inflation.

Israeli military spokesperson L Col Nadav Shoshani said the army has prepared detailed operational plans for the coming weeks and still has thousands of targets to strike in Iran.

According to him, Israel’s objective is to weaken Iran’s military capabilities by targeting ballistic missile systems, nuclear facilities and key security institutions.

Iranian officials, however, signalled no immediate move towards negotiations.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran has neither requested a ceasefire nor exchanged messages with the United States.

Overnight airstrikes were reported in several Iranian cities including Tehran, Shiraz and Tabriz.

Iranian media said at least five people were killed and several others injured in attacks in Markazi province, where residential areas were also damaged.

Meanwhile, Iranian drone attacks caused disruptions in the United Arab Emirates, temporarily halting flights at Dubai International Airport and damaging a fuel storage facility. A separate strike at the port of Fujairah forced the suspension of oil loading operations, further rattling energy markets.

US President Donald Trump has urged a coalition of countries to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz but several allies have responded cautiously, favouring diplomatic efforts rather than direct military involvement.

As the conflict expands, tensions have also spilled into neighbouring regions, with Israel continuing strikes against Iran-backed groups in Gaza and southern Lebanon while reporting limited ground operations against Hezbollah positions.