Israel says war with Iran could last weeks as strikes continue

Israel signaled that its military campaign against Iran could continue for weeks, as Israeli forces carried out overnight strikes across Iranian territory while Iranian drone attacks disrupted activity in the United Arab Emirates.

Iranian drones temporarily shut down operations at Dubai International Airport and struck a key oil facility in the UAE. The escalating confrontation between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other is now entering its third week, with no clear end in sight, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

The conflict has also affected global energy markets, as the strategic Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes — remains effectively closed. The disruption has pushed oil prices higher and fueled concerns about renewed global inflation.

On March 15, Donald Trump called for an international coalition to help reopen the crucial shipping route, warning that the NATO alliance faces a “very bad” future if its members fail to support Washington.

During a briefing on March 16, Israeli military spokesperson Nadav Shoshani said the military has detailed operational plans for the conflict extending at least three weeks ahead, with additional plans prepared for a longer timeframe.

“There are detailed operational plans for the war with Iran in place for the next three weeks, along with additional plans extending further ahead,” Shoshani told reporters.

Israeli officials said the campaign aims to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten Israel by targeting ballistic missile infrastructure, nuclear facilities and elements of the country’s security apparatus.

“We want to make sure that they are as weak as possible, this regime, and that we degrade all their capabilities, all parts and all wings of their security establishment,” Shoshani said.

The Israeli military, which has mobilized more than 110,000 reservists, said it still has thousands of targets inside Iran available for potential strikes.

Meanwhile, Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, said that Tehran has not requested a ceasefire or exchanged messages with the United States.

By Vafa Guliyeva