U.S. official to Fox News: The airstrikes will continue for days, not hours.

At the same time, the extended timeline increases complexity and risk. Prolonged military activity raises the likelihood of retaliation, whether through direct military response, cyber operations, or asymmetric actions in neighboring areas. Regional allies and U.S. assets throughout the Middle East may face heightened security concerns as tensions remain elevated. Defensive systems, force protection measures, and intelligence monitoring are likely operating at maximum readiness in anticipation of possible counterstrikes.

International reaction has been swift and cautious. Global leaders are closely monitoring developments, aware that even limited exchanges in this region can reverberate far beyond national borders. Energy markets, shipping lanes, and diplomatic channels all feel the ripple effects of sustained military operations. The longer an air campaign continues, the greater the anxiety about miscalculation or unintended escalation. Diplomatic backchannels, though often invisible to the public, are almost certainly active as governments seek to prevent a broader regional conflict.