According to experts, US strikes on targets in Iraq and new attacks by Houthi militants on ships in the Red Sea were the latest warning signals before this

Airstrikes by US forces in Iraq and new attacks by Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea are the latest signals that the war in Gaza could turn into a wider conflict, destabilizing the Middle East.

As writes Bloomberg. 

The Pentagon said U.S. forces attacked three sites in Iraq linked to Kataib Hezbollah, responding to an attack it attributed to the Iranian-backed Iraqi insurgent group. The attack resulted in the wounding of three U.S. servicemen.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed confidence that the measures taken by the United States were "necessary and proportionate" responses, but also noted that they were prepared to take further measures if necessary to protect their interests.

In the Red Sea, Iranian-backed Houthis attacked a merchant ship again, but fortunately there were no casualties this time. U.S. forces said they shot down 12 attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles and two land-based cruise missiles launched by the Houthis.

In response to the aggression in the Red Sea, the United States and other countries have created a maritime task force. In addition, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. has confirmed its readiness to resume shipping. Delays in shipping have led to a rise in oil prices. Such tensions could lead to an expansion of the conflict and an aggravation of the situation in the Middle East.

Iran, although it rejects any support for the Houthis in attacks on merchant ships, threatens that Israel will pay the price for an air strike in Syria that killed a senior Revolutionary Guard commander.