Day 4 of the Iran–US war signals dangerous escalation. Washington has ordered Americans to “DEPART NOW” from multiple Middle Eastern countries as embassies shut and evacuations begin. President Trump warns the conflict may grow larger, even as he downplays the need for ground troops. Inside Iran, the regime shows resilience despite leadership losses, with no major defections reported. Meanwhile, Tehran expands strikes across the Gulf, targeting US-linked bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, disrupting energy infrastructure and heightening fears of regional chaos. Gulf states are quietly pushing for de-escalation as the conflict threatens global energy stability.