The United States unleashed an array of weaponry against Iranian targets on Saturday, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, stealth fighters, and for the first time in combat, low-cost one-way attack drones modelled after Iranian designs.

Middle East airspace closures have created a visible gap in global flight paths, forcing long-haul reroutes, increasing fuel costs and disruption, with potential knock-on effects for schedules and fares worldwide.

The US sent conflicting messages about how long a war with Iran might last as Israel launched new airstrikes on Monday, with the widening conflict reverberating across the Middle East and upending energy markets.