The latest developments involving Iran-backed Houthi forces from Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait point to the growing risk of a wider regional war.
The war between United States and Iran started on February 28 this year after US and Israel launched military strikes on Iran. US and Iran later agreed to open a diplomatic channel, Pakistan was quick to present itself as the unlikely peacemaker.
The latest phase of the US-Iran conflict has entered dangerous new territory. What initially revolved around military bases, missile launch sites and nuclear facilities has now expanded to include ports, bridges, airports and transport infrastructure.
Exchange of missile strikes and uncertainty over the status of Strait of Hormuz have erased hopes of a lasting settlement. The West Asia region is now facing another period of dangerous uncertainty.
The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly one-fifth of the world's daily oil consumption. Around 20 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products used to pass through the narrow waterway every day
The sudden death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, aged 71, has triggered an avalanche of conspiracy theories across social media, with speculation spreading far more quickly than verified information.