Israel-Lebanon Conflict: Shelling and Airstrikes
- The Israeli military reported rocket launches from Lebanon, triggering air raid sirens in the northern part of the country, including Haifa. Some rockets were successfully intercepted by air defense systems.
- In response to these actions, the Israeli Air Force attacked Hezbollah positions in the southern suburbs of Beirut, destroying command posts and launch sites.
- According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, at least 570 people have died since the escalation began.
Explosions in Beirut. Photo Getty Images. - At a press conference, the first since the conflict began, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that together with the USA, they have "defeated" Iran and Hezbollah.
Iran's Strikes on American Targets
- Iran reported rocket and drone attacks on American military facilities in the Persian Gulf, including bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, as well as the infrastructure of the US Fifth Fleet.
- According to US intelligence, Iranian authorities maintain control over the internal situation despite the strikes.
- A US KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq after colliding with another aircraft, US military reports.
- Six French soldiers were injured in a drone attack in Erbil, and one of them later died, according to Reuters and AFP.
Threats to Shipping and the Situation in the Strait of Hormuz
- The new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, addressed the nation for the first time, promising to avenge the victims of US and Israeli attacks and confirming that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will continue.
- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated that the country is not laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz and allows vessels from certain countries to pass.
- Iranian boats attacked two oil tankers in Iraqi waters, leading to the suspension of operations at several oil ports.
- Oman has begun evacuating vessels from its main export terminal as a precautionary measure.
- The USA is discussing the possibility of protecting tankers with naval forces.
- Saudi Arabia has started redirecting part of its oil supplies through the Red Sea.
Oil Prices: Rising Costs and High Volatility
- As a result of the attacks on tankers, oil prices surged, reaching nearly $100 per barrel, putting pressure on global stock markets.
- On March 13, the price of Brent crude fell by 71 cents to $99.75 per barrel, while WTI dropped by 88 cents to $94.85 per barrel.
- Earlier this week, Brent prices exceeded $100, and WTI rose above $93 amid concerns about supply disruptions.
Actions by the USA and International Organizations
- The USA issued a 30-day license for the purchase of Russian oil at sea to ease market pressure.
- The US Department of Energy announced the release of 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
- The International Energy Agency is also preparing a coordinated release of up to 400 million barrels from its reserves.
