More countries are being pulled into combat since the US and Israel began bombing Iran, trying to topple its regime. 

Tehran has sent strikes across the Middle East - in retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Hezbollah is siding with Iran and has struck into Israel, which has shot back a wave of attacks on Lebanon.

MFAT is aware of 1750 New Zealanders in affected countries.

Kiwi journalist Perry Wilton is in Doha.

He says Iran claims it's mostly targeting US assets - but the attacks are unfocused.

"Everything from US military bases to residential apartment buildings, Kuwait Airport, has been really badly damaged."

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