The first alarm in the Persian Gulf: about 150 tankers transporting crude oil and liquefied natural gas have been forced to stop off the coast of Iran. According to Reuters, these vessels have accumulated on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz, fearing for their safety amid escalating tensions.
The crisis in the region intensified after a series of powerful attacks on Iranian territory, which Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described as preventive. In response to these events, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an operation called "Epic Fury," aimed at destroying Iran's nuclear infrastructure. As a result of a joint strike by Israel and the U.S., Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed, leading to a declaration of a 40-day mourning period and a non-working week in the country.
The tragedy unfolded in the city of Minab, where, according to Iran's UN envoy Amir Saeid Iravani, a school facility was attacked, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 children. In retaliation, Tehran launched massive drone and missile strikes on U.S. military bases in the region. The explosions also affected neighboring countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Earlier, Iranian forces attacked a tanker attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The international community is expressing serious concern over the situation. Russia's UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya noted that aggression against Iran has already led to the destabilization of the region and could escalate into a global conflict. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the halt of tanker movements create unprecedented risks for the international energy market.
