New Delhi: The conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has intensified as explosions rocked Tehran amid a new wave of airstrikes and missile activity across the Middle East.
Iranian officials claim that US and Israeli forces have bombed nearly 10,000 civilian sites since the war began about 11 days ago, with more than 1,300 civilians reported killed. The strikes are part of an ongoing campaign targeting Iran’s missile and nuclear infrastructure.
The US military says it has destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels after warnings that attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz would trigger serious consequences. The waterway is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies normally pass.
Attacks Spread Across the Region
The conflict is spilling into neighbouring areas. Fresh Israeli strikes hit parts of Beirut in Lebanon, targeting infrastructure linked to Hezbollah. Reports also indicate civilian casualties in southern Lebanese towns following air raids.
Air defence alerts were reported in Bahrain, while drones were intercepted over Erbil in Iraq. Regional governments including Qatar have warned that threats to shipping lanes could disrupt global trade and energy supplies.
Oil Prices and Global Markets React
Global markets are closely tracking the conflict. Oil prices surged earlier in the week due to fears that the Strait of Hormuz could be disrupted, though prices later stabilized around $83–$87 per barrel.
Shipping companies warn that higher logistics costs caused by the war could eventually be passed on to consumers worldwide, potentially affecting fuel and goods prices in countries like India that rely heavily on imported energy.
