The conflict in the Middle East has intensified, with Israel launching a new wave of “broad-scale” strikes on Tehran, as the war enters its second week. The US-Israeli bombing campaign, which began on February 28, has provoked Iranian retaliation against US allies across the region, causing oil prices to surge on fears about global supply disruption.
The latest escalation has seen air raid alerts and explosions ringing out above Jerusalem, as well as Gulf cities Dubai, Manama, and near Riyadh, where Saudi Arabia intercepted a ballistic missile fired at an air base housing US military personnel. Iran’s army has also launched a wave of drone attacks targeting Israel, as well as US bases in the UAE and Kuwait.
Middle East Conflict
The conflict has hit several countries, including Lebanon, Cyprus, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, and has even reached as far as Sri Lanka, where US forces fired a deadly torpedo strike that sank an Iranian warship. The war has inflicted significant human and economic costs, killing hundreds of people and causing damage to homes and infrastructure.
The critical energy waterway, the Strait of Hormuz, has been affected, with Tehran putting pressure on the region, which could disrupt global energy and transport sectors. Crude oil prices have surged, with the main US contract, West Texas Intermediate, soaring more than 12 percent to over $90 per barrel, topping off the biggest weekly gain on record.
Economic Impact
The economic impact of the war is being felt globally, with the US government warning that the conflict could last for weeks, potentially four or more. The US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has said that the United States is “not concerned” about reports that Russia is providing intelligence to Iran on US troop positions and movements.
Here are some key facts about the conflict:
- The US-Israeli bombing campaign began on February 28
- Iran has launched drone attacks on Israel and US bases in the UAE and Kuwait
- The conflict has hit several countries, including Lebanon, Cyprus, Turkey, and Azerbaijan
- Crude oil prices have surged, with the main US contract soaring more than 12 percent
For more information on the conflict, visit the BBC News website. You can also follow the latest updates on the Al Jazeera website.
