Could America be drawn in? A series of violent events have taken place across the Middle East since the new year began. Some worry about the chance of a bigger war.
Iran attacks heighten fears of a wider war
Year of fear: 2024 has already seen a wave of violent attacks across the Middle East. Glossary
Middle East - The lands around the east of the Mediterranean Sea and Arabia.
Israel - A country in the Middle East, and the only Jewish nation in the modern period. It is seen by Jews, Christians and Muslims as the Holy Land.
Hamas - A militant Palestinian organisation, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. It is listed as a terrorist organisation in the UK.
Iran - A country in Western Asia, officially called the Islamic Republic of Iran. It has a population of 84 million.
Memorial service - A service to remember the life of somebody who has died.
Lebanon - A small country on the eastern Mediterranean coast that has been in the grip of an economic crisis for over a year. It has a native population of just 4.7 million, but migrants and refugees have brought its total population up to almost 7 million.
Hezbollah - A militant organisation based in Lebanon, classified in the UK as a terrorist group. It has made direct attacks on Israel and is believed to have been responsible for assassinating Lebanon's former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri.
Red Sea - A seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean. To its right is Saudi Arabia, to its left the coast of north Africa.
Yemen - The poorest country in the Gulf region is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis.
Houthi - The Houthis represent a Shia Muslim minority, but have won support from other Yemenis dissatisfied with the government.
Cargo - Goods that are being transported.
Conflict - A state of disagreement when there is a difference of interests, values or goals.
Avoid - Keep away from something.
Suez Canal - An artificial channel that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the the Red Sea. It is a key trade route for goods between Europe and Asia.