‘We are at the edge of a battlefield’: BBC reports near Strait of Hormuz
‘We are at the edge of a battlefield’: BBC reports near Strait of Hormuz
Strait of Hormuz under Iranian pressure
The BBC’s senior international correspondent, Orla Guerin, has visited the border of the Strait of Hormuz in Oman. Since the conflict began, Iran has effectively sealed the vital waterway, which serves as a major route for 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. By halting maritime traffic, Iran is reducing global oil availability, increasing costs, and instilling anxiety among consumers. This has also intensified pressure on international stakeholders.
Filmed by Lee Durant and edited by Jake Lapham, the report highlights the aftermath of a targeted attack that killed three journalists in southern Lebanon. Israeli forces have been ordered to destroy Hezbollah’s river crossings, which were used to transport reinforcements. As a storm approached, displaced Palestinians were instructed to secure their tents to avoid being carried away.
Iranian perspectives on the war
From a crossing in north-west Iran, Dan Johnson speaks to locals about their views on the conflict and the current regime. Meanwhile, BBC Verify details how a video of an oil depot fire in Iran was authenticated. The footage captures the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf since the US-Israeli military strike began on 27 February.
Trade at the Gulf’s largest port has suffered significantly since Iran’s blockade started. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has responded to President Trump’s critique of the UK’s approach to the war. The video shows intense flames engulfing a building on Sunday morning, following multiple attacks on the country.
Impact of strikes on daily life
Social media footage reveals dramatic fire plumes rising above Beirut’s skyline. A witness’s video, verified by the BBC, shows a drone crashing near the airport. Overnight explosions shook the capital as its busiest airport came under airstrikes. Some residents in the Dahieh suburb of Beirut have evacuated their homes due to ongoing Israeli air strikes.
Nick Marsh of the BBC analyzes how Middle Eastern instability could affect global living expenses. Iranians fleeing the region share their experiences of life under relentless bombardment. Israeli military officials stated that “a wave of strikes” began shortly after civilians in southern Lebanon were ordered to leave their homes immediately. From Metula, near the Lebanon border, Jon Donnison captured sounds of a fierce gunfight.
The UK Government has advised British citizens to “shelter in place and register their presence,” with flights from Dubai suspended pending further updates. Israeli and US-led combat operations against Iran continued in Tehran after the initial assault on 28 February.
