A fragile cease-fire in a burning region

On the 40th day of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, Washington and Tehran announced a 15-day cease-fire. Israel was reportedly unhappy, yet it could not stop the deal. From the beginning, however, it was unclear whether this cease-fire could last. What we see today is not a true pause in fighting. Violence continues on several fronts. Israel intensified its operations in Lebanon, striking civilian areas and infrastructure in Beirut. In response, Hezbollah and Iran launched missile attacks on Israel. Israel then hit an oil refinery in Iran, which led Tehran to target pipeline infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) also entered the picture, striking Iranian energy facilities. Since then, Iran has expanded its attacks with missiles and drones against the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Besides, Iran has warned that it will leave the cease-fire if Israel continues its attacks in Lebanon.