‘We are at the edge of a battlefield’: BBC reports near Strait of Hormuz

BBC’s Orla Guerin documents frontline proximity near Strait of Hormuz

The BBC’s senior international correspondent, Orla Guerin, has visited the edge of the Strait of Hormuz in Oman, where Iran has maintained a strategic blockade since hostilities escalated. This vital waterway serves as a primary route for 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas. By blocking vessels, Iran is curtailing oil supplies, increasing prices, and instilling anxiety among consumers. The disruption has also intensified pressure on international stakeholders.

Filmed by Lee Durant and edited by Jake Lapham, the footage captures the aftermath of a targeted attack in southern Lebanon, where three journalists were killed. Israeli forces have directed efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s river crossings, crucial for sending reinforcements. Displaced Palestinians were warned to fasten their tents as a storm swept through the area. Meanwhile, Dan Johnson spoke to Iranians near the Litani river, gathering insights on their perceptions of the ongoing conflict and the regime.

Verifying the oil depot incident

BBC Verify detailed the process of confirming a video of an oil depot fire in Iran. The clip highlights the continued movement of ships through the Gulf’s Strait of Hormuz since the US-Israeli military campaign began on 27 February. Trade at the region’s largest port has faced significant challenges due to Iran’s blockade. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the UK’s approach to the conflict against President Trump’s critiques.

Footage from the early hours of Sunday shows intense flames engulfing a building, following additional strikes on the gulf state. Social media videos depict towering plumes of smoke against the city’s skyline. A witness-recorded clip, verified by the BBC, captures a drone crash near the airport, underscoring the escalating intensity of the conflict. Explosions rattled the capital overnight as its primary airport came under airstrikes.

Impact of the conflict on regional and global fronts

The Israeli military launched a series of strikes shortly after evacuating civilians from southern Lebanon. Residents in the Beirut suburb of Dahieh have fled their homes amid sustained air attacks. The BBC’s Nick Marsh analyzes the potential ripple effects of Middle Eastern unrest on global living costs. Iranians fleeing the region shared their experiences of life under bombardment.

From the border town of Metula, BBC’s Jon Donnison reported on what sounded like a fierce gunfight. Ben Chu explored changes in marine traffic through the strait, a key trade route. The UK government advised nationals to “shelter in place and register your presence,” suspending flights from Dubai pending further updates. Strikes on Tehran persist as the US and Israel’s joint operation commenced on 28 February.

“Shelter in place and register your presence”

— UK Government advisory to British nationals