A major escalation in West Asia tensions is being reported as critical infrastructure in Southern Lebanon has allegedly been destroyed following an Israeli strike, according to Lebanese security sources cited by Reuters. The strike is said to have wiped out the last remaining bridge connection in the region, effectively cutting off key transportation and access routes. At the same time, Iran’s economy is reportedly facing unprecedented pressure, with estimated losses reaching nearly $270 billion within just 40 days. Iranian officials and independent estimates suggest widespread damage across infrastructure, trade, production, and financial systems, deepening concerns over long-term stability. WATCH

Amid the Iran war, Dubai’s International Financial Centre witnessed a security scare after debris from an intercepted Iranian drone sparked a fire on the facade of a building in the district. Authorities confirmed that the drone was successfully intercepted and the incident caused only minor damage, with no injuries reported. However, thick smoke rising from the area triggered security alerts across Dubai’s financial hub. The incident comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East after Iran threatened to target economic and financial centres linked to the United States and Israel. The IRGC had warned that banks and technology infrastructure connected to US and Israeli entities could become new targets in the conflict.