Oil tankers under fire off Iraq
One of the most notable events was the attack on oil tankers in Iraqi waters. Iraqi security services report that two vessels were attacked near the port of Basra, resulting in the death of one sailor and the rescue of several dozen others.This incident occurred amid a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf. Since the beginning of the conflict, there have been several attacks on tankers and cargo ships, increasing tension in global energy markets.
According to Western media, the attacks also affected vessels near the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial route for global oil trade.
Threat of blocking the Strait of Hormuz
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains critical. This maritime corridor accounts for about 20% of global oil supplies.Western sources claim that navigation through the strait is complicated due to the danger of attacks and mines. Tehran emphasizes that it controls the strait and warns of possible actions that could impact the global oil market.
The G7 countries are discussing measures for military escort of commercial vessels in this region to ensure safe navigation.
Situation between the USA and Iran: no peace in sight
Both sides of the conflict have made sharp statements confirming the continuation of hostilities.US President Donald Trump stated that American forces have eliminated dozens of Iranian vessels, and the operation will continue until the set goals are achieved.
For its part, Iranian authorities warned of serious consequences of war for the global economy, stating that oil prices could reach $200 per barrel if security in the region worsens.
The USA and Israel aim to deprive Iran of the ability to project military power beyond its territory and to destroy elements of its nuclear program.
Escalation of attacks in the region
Smoke over the southern suburbs of Beirut after an Israeli shelling. Photo by Reuters / Mohamed Azakir.
On the evening of March 11, Israel was subjected to multiple missile strikes from various directions. Air raid sirens sounded in central and northern parts of the country, including Tel Aviv and the Galilee region, following missile launches from Iran and Lebanon.
The Lebanese Shiite group "Hezbollah" carried out one of the largest strikes since the beginning of the conflict, firing about 100 rockets and using drones. Most of the rockets were intercepted by the air defense system; however, injuries and infrastructure damage were reported.
Israeli authorities claim that the attacks were coordinated with support from Iran, which finances and arms "Hezbollah".
In response, the Israel Defense Forces began large-scale airstrikes on "Hezbollah" targets in Lebanon. On the night of March 12, Israeli aviation attacked positions of the movement in the south of the country and in the suburbs of Beirut. Reports indicate hits on residential areas and infrastructure.
Lebanese media reported that one of the strikes destroyed a residential building in the suburbs of the capital. Israeli military stated that their targets were facilities related to "Hezbollah's" missile infrastructure.
As a result of the Israeli strike on a beach in Beirut, at least seven people were killed, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. It is reported that this location had become a refuge for displaced persons who left their homes due to the conflict on the southern border.
The Israeli army is also conducting limited operations in southern Lebanon aimed at destroying missile positions and preventing further attacks.
At the same time, Iran continues to carry out attacks on Israeli targets, launching ballistic missiles and drones, some of which were intercepted by missile defense systems.
Observers emphasize that attacks from both Iran and "Hezbollah" occurred almost simultaneously, putting additional strain on the Israeli air defense system.
Thus, the conflict has gained a regional scale, involving several countries and armed groups.
The USA has also warned of possible attacks by Iranian or pro-Iranian groups on energy infrastructure and American facilities in Iraq.
Economic consequences: threat of a global crisis
Amid the escalating tensions, anxiety is rising in global energy markets. The USA announced plans to begin mass releases of oil from the strategic reserve to prevent price increases. However, experts note that even with the use of reserves, only a portion of the supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz can be covered.If the situation continues to worsen, the energy crisis could affect not only the Middle East but also the economies of Europe and Asia, which depend on oil and gas supplies from this region.
