Middle East Tensions Escalate: Missile Strikes, Airspace Shutdown

0:00In Sydney, it's March 3rd, here's what is happening. Tensions are rising fast in the Middle East with Iran, launching more missile strikes on Gulf states than on Israel itself. The goal looks like pressuring the Trump administration by hitting key spots in the global economy and air travel routes. Meanwhile, Israel is hitting back hard at Hezbollah and Lebanon after their attacks, firing missiles into Beirut and sending troops deep into southern. Lebanon to take control. Airspace shut down across the region over the weekend, stranding around 1 million people at airports. That includes 115,000 Australians, 100,000 from the United Kingdom, 400,000 from France, and 90,000 from Italy. Limited flights have now started from Gulf hubs to ease the crunch and get folks moving again. Travelers stuck in places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are on edge, but so far the impact is stayed light. Several air defenses, including surface-to-air missiles, have taken out most incoming threats with just minor damage from falling debris.

1:02You might hear a bang or two from intercepts overhead and spot the occasional plume of smoke. The big worry now is whether those defense systems can hold up under Iran's steady barrage. Supplies of missiles and interceptors could dwindle if the attacks keep coming, turning things risky or fast. Experts warn this could stretch into a long conflict, maybe a month or more. We'll keep tracking the updates as they come in from the region. A quick thank you to our sponsor of today's episode. Layback. Press play. Let the pillow do the rest. Sound meets comfort. S-O-L-I-SOL-E-P-L-O-D-C-A-M. Layback. Press play. Let the pillow do the rest. Sound meets comfort. S-O-L-I-SOL-E-P-L-O-D-A-C-O-D-A-M. S-O-L-I-SOL-E-P-L-D-A-C-A-M. Layback. Press play.