Israel steps up airstrikes in Tehran, as Iran widens its response across the region

Israel intensified airstrikes Tuesday on Iranian missile launchers, weapons factories and Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, while Iran retaliated with ballistic missile attacks on Israel and strikes across the Gulf region.

The fighting has disrupted energy supplies and air travel, and a drone attack targeted the American embassy in Saudi Arabia.

Four days into the war, hundreds have been killed — most of them in Iran — though communications restrictions there have limited independent reporting.

Iran has launched dozens of missiles at Israel, most intercepted, though some have struck and killed 11 people, the AP has reported.

President Donald Trump said the campaign aims to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, eliminate its navy, block it from obtaining nuclear weapons and stop its support for allied armed groups, while leaving open the possibility of deeper U.S. involvement.