U.S. evacuates diplomats, shuts down some embassies as war enters fourth day

The United States has evacuated diplomats and closed some embassies across the Middle East as the war with Iran intensifies. President Trump indicated the conflict could extend for several weeks, stating the U.S. possesses a virtually unlimited supply of munitions. Israel has resumed ground operations in southern Lebanon and conducted airstrikes in Beirut, targeting Hezbollah. The U.S. and Israel continue to launch attacks within Iran, with explosions reported in the capital. Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, significantly impacting global oil and natural gas exports. The closure, coupled with Iranian strikes on Qatar's LNG export plant, has led to a substantial reduction in global natural gas supplies and a sharp rise in prices. The State Department has urged American citizens to depart over a dozen Middle Eastern countries due to severe safety risks, as flight cancellations and airport closures limit evacuation options. The conflict has resulted in casualties on both sides, with six U.S. service members confirmed dead and Iran reporting hundreds of fatalities.