Drills and nuclear warnings as climate of uncertainty shrouds Middle East

Middle Eastern nations are increasing their readiness amid rising tensions, conducting safety drills, enhancing food supplies, and testing military capabilities. Iran's attacks on shipping lanes and US-Iran negotiations failing to produce a breakthrough raise concerns of a wider conflict. US President Donald Trump has threatened to renew attacks if a diplomatic solution is not found, fueling these fears. Israel is expected to join the US in case of renewed hostilities.

Qatar conducted a full-scale emergency drill at its international airport as part of its annual exercise, with increased activity expected both on the ground and in the surrounding airspace. Egypt's armed forces have been placed on high alert, with air defence systems boosted along the Red Sea coastline and at the Suez Canal to counter potential spillover from renewed hostilities. The government announced reserves of essential food items to cover a six-month period, having bought five cargoes of wheat recently.

Israel's army announced an exercise for its Search and Rescue Brigade to improve readiness, practicing multifront scenarios. Jordan's military and security agencies conducted a joint exercise to enhance efficiency and readiness. Lebanese and British troops concluded a three-week joint exercise in Lebanon to improve cooperation between their militaries.

Drills and exercises do not guarantee imminent full-scale war. However, the US-Iran stand-off and rising anxiety about any fallout from renewed hostilities have created a climate of uncertainty in the region. Iran has provided instructions on nuclear strike survival in state media. US President Donald Trump ruled out using a nuclear weapon on Iran but left open the possibility of using the non-nuclear MOAB.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi warned that a military escalation would have disastrous consequences for the region and the world, urging stakeholders to seek a diplomatic solution.