Tehran: Iran launched missile and drone attacks on targets across the Middle East on Wednesday, striking locations in Israel and U.S. military facilities in the region, even as Washington and Israel carried out what officials described as the most intensive strikes of the conflict so far.
Explosions were reported in central Israel, including the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, as air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles. The Iranian military said it targeted a U.S. base in northern Iraq, the U.S. naval headquarters in Bahrain, and the Israeli city of Be’er Ya’akov.
The conflict, which began after joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets on February 28, has now entered its second week, raising fears of wider regional instability.
Ships Hit in Gulf, Oil Routes Threatened
At least three commercial vessels were struck by unidentified projectiles in the Persian Gulf, bringing the total number of ships hit since the war began to 14. Among them were a Thai-flagged bulk carrier, a Japanese container ship and a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel.
The attacks have heightened concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime passage through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. Shipping through the strait has been severely disrupted, marking the most serious threat to global energy flows since the oil shocks of the 1970s.
Iran has warned it will not allow ships to pass through the strait until U.S.–Israeli military operations stop.
Regional Impact and Casualties
Explosions were also reported in Dubai after drones crashed near the international airport, injuring four people. Meanwhile, Israel launched additional strikes in Beirut targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
According to Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, more than 1,300 Iranian civilians have been killed since the start of the airstrikes. Iranian attacks on Israel have killed at least 11 people, while two Israeli soldiers were reported killed in Lebanon.
The United States says seven American soldiers have died and around 140 have been wounded during the conflict.
Leadership Uncertainty in Iran
Amid the escalating war, reports have surfaced that Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named Iran’s new supreme leader following the death of his father Ali Khamenei in early airstrikes, may have been injured. However, Iranian authorities have not confirmed his condition.
Global Economic Concerns
Oil prices briefly surged to nearly $120 per barrel earlier this week but later fell below $90 as markets speculated that U.S. President Donald Trump might push for a swift end to the conflict.
The International Energy Agency is reportedly considering releasing up to 400 million barrels from global strategic reserves to stabilise energy markets if disruptions continue.
Despite the heavy strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, analysts warn the prolonged conflict could trigger a major energy shock and deepen economic uncertainty worldwide.
