The war in the Middle East has entered its first week with a sharp escalation after Israel launched what it described as a “large-scale” military attack against targets in Tehran, intensifying the conflict following joint U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iranian facilities.

Early Friday morning, powerful Israeli airstrikes hit several areas of the Iranian capital, particularly in eastern Tehran, where residents reported loud explosions that shook residential buildings.

The growing military offensive comes as several Gulf countries reported intercepting missiles and drones in their airspace. Saudi Arabia confirmed the destruction of at least two missiles east of Al-Kharj and the interception of a drone in the kingdom’s eastern region.

Meanwhile, Kuwait activated its air defense systems to confront missile and drone attacks that entered its airspace, while Qatar said it thwarted a drone attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, which hosts U.S. military personnel.

Regional reports indicate that Iran launched new drones toward U.S. bases across the Middle East, apparently in retaliation for the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes conducted over the weekend that reportedly killed several senior Iranian leaders.

The conflict is also creating political tensions in Washington. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly rejected a resolution seeking to limit President Donald Trump’s war powers, reflecting growing concern among lawmakers about the rapid expansion of the conflict.

At the same time, the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait temporarily suspended operations following Iranian retaliatory attacks, becoming the second American diplomatic mission to close since the war began.

Israeli officials have hinted that additional “surprises” may be coming, after the Israeli military claimed it had degraded most of Iran’s air defense systems.

From Tehran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that mediation efforts are underway, noting that several countries have begun diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions.

Despite the growing escalation, some military analysts believe a global war remains unlikely. Spanish Admiral Juan Rodríguez Garat recently said a Third World War scenario is improbable, arguing that nuclear escalation would lead to immediate mutual destruction.

As fighting intensifies, international leaders are closely monitoring the situation while diplomatic channels attempt to prevent a wider regional war involving additional countries.