Israel Reopens Public Shelters as Iran War Fears Surge

(MENAFN) Israeli municipal officials in the southern port city of Ashdod activated public bomb shelters Tuesday, signaling growing anxiety over a potential renewed military confrontation with Iran.

Media, citing the Ashdod Municipality, reported the decision was made "in light of escalating security tensions." Authorities stressed the shelter activations reflected internal precautionary measures "without any change" in standing Israeli army directives.

Rishon Lezion Mayor Raz Kinstlich struck a measured but watchful tone, stating: "We are not rushing, but we are on full alert." He further cautioned that roughly 50,000 residents across the region remain without access to protected spaces.

Regional instability deepened Monday when the United Arab Emirates disclosed a string of Iranian drone and missile strikes on its territory, leaving three individuals wounded. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a stark warning the same day, declaring that any vessels violating transit protocols issued by Tehran in the Strait of Hormuz "will be forcefully stopped."

The current crisis traces back to February 28, when the US and Israel carried out coordinated strikes on Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate against Israel and US allies across the Gulf while simultaneously shutting down the Strait of Hormuz — a critical artery for global oil shipments.

A ceasefire brokered through Pakistani mediation came into force on April 8, though subsequent negotiations in Islamabad broke down without yielding a durable accord. US President Donald Trump later extended the truce with no fixed expiration date.

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