The United States and Israel have engaged in retaliatory air strikes with Iranian military forces across the Middle East as Tehran warned its security forces are prepared to confront any renewed anti-government protests. The conflict, now in its 12th day, has significantly disrupted vital shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, halting approximately one-fifth of the world’s fossil energy supplies.
Iran-Israel Conflict Disrupts Global Energy Supplies
Global energy prices initially surged on Monday but have since tumbled, and stock markets have rebounded as investors anticipate a potential effort by US President Trump to de-escalate the conflict. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has vowed to block oil shipments from the Gulf unless US and Israeli attacks cease.
The Revolutionary Guards reported missile attacks on Qatar’s US-run Al Udeid base and the Al Harir base in Iraqi Kurdistan. Subsequent drone attacks targeted a gathering of US troops at Al Dhafra air base in the United Arab Emirates and Juffair naval base in Bahrain. Iranian state media reported further attacks on US military installations in Bahrain early this morning.
A drone strike hit a major US diplomatic facility in Iraq, but no injuries were reported, according to a US official and an internal State Department alert.
Israeli Missile Barrage Drives Citizens to Shelters
Millions of Israelis were driven into bomb shelters overnight as Iran launched missiles toward Israel, demonstrating Tehran’s continued capacity to strike despite nearly two weeks of hostilities. Air raid sirens blared, and Israelis sought safety in shelters as explosions from intercepting rockets echoed through the night. It remains unclear if any missiles reached the ground.
The latest attacks coincided with Israeli strikes on Beirut targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has been firing into Israel from Lebanon in support of Iran. A resident of Tehran described the attacks as “hell,” stating, “My children are afraid to sleep now.”
Ending the war quickly would likely preclude efforts to topple Iran’s leadership, which recently held large-scale rallies in support of its newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, a hardliner succeeding his father, Ali, who was killed on the first day of the conflict.
Many Iranians desire change, and some openly celebrated the death of the elder Khamenei, following security forces’ suppression of anti-government protests that resulted in thousands of deaths.
Tehran Warns Against Protests
Iran has moved to suppress internal dissent, particularly after President Trump urged Iranian citizens to overthrow their government. Police chief Ahmadreza Radan warned that anyone protesting “at the enemy’s request” would be treated as an enemy. “All our security forces have their fingers on the trigger,” Radan stated.
The Intelligence Ministry reported the arrest of dozens, including a foreign national, accused of spying for Iran’s “enemies.” The White House has reaffirmed President Trump’s threat to retaliate against Iran for any attempts to halt energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command reported the “elimination” of 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the strait. Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, claims over 1,300 Iranian civilians have been killed since the conflict began on February 28, with nearly 8,000 homes and 1,600 “commercial and service centers” destroyed, along with numerous medical, educational, and energy facilities.
Dozens have also been killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon, while Iranian strikes on Israel have resulted in at least 11 deaths. Iran has targeted US military bases and diplomatic missions in Arab Gulf states, as well as hotels, airports, and oil infrastructure. The Pentagon reports seven US soldiers killed and approximately 140 wounded in the conflict.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
