Escalating conflict in West Asia: Israel attacks Tehran and Beirut as U.S. Marines deploy amid rising casualties and economic concerns.

DUBAI/WASHINGTON, March 21 - The Israeli military struck Iran and Beirut on Saturday as the U.S. was sending thousands more Marines to the Middle East and President Donald Trump accused NATO allies of cowardice over their reluctance to help open the Strait of Hormuz. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The war has spread to include Iranian strikes on Gulf nations and Israeli bombardment of Lebanon. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.