Israel and Lebanon Conflict: Airstrikes and Rockets
- The Israeli military reported rocket launches from Lebanese territory, after which air raid sirens sounded in northern Israel, including Haifa. Some rockets were successfully intercepted by air defense systems.
- In response to these attacks, the Israeli Air Force struck Hezbollah positions in the southern suburbs of Beirut, destroying command posts and missile launchers.
- According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, since the escalation of the conflict, the number of fatalities in the country has exceeded 570.
Explosions in Beirut. Photo Getty Images. - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during his first press conference since the conflict began, stated that in a joint operation with the USA, they "defeated" Iran and Hezbollah.
Iran and the USA: Attacks on Military Facilities
- Iran reported rocket and drone strikes on American facilities in the Persian Gulf, including American bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, as well as the infrastructure of the US Fifth Fleet.
- According to American intelligence, Iranian authorities still control the internal affairs of the country despite the military actions.
- Reports indicate the crash of an American KC-135 refueling aircraft in western Iraq due to an incident involving another aircraft.
- Six French soldiers were injured as a result of a drone attack in Erbil, Iraq, one of whom later died, according to Reuters and AFP.
Threats to Shipping and Events in the Strait of Hormuz
- The new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first address to the nation, promised to avenge the victims of the US and Israeli attacks and stated that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would continue.
- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi denied reports that Iran is laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, noting that Tehran allows the passage of ships from some countries.
- Iranian military boats attacked two oil tankers in waters adjacent to Iraq, resulting in Iraq suspending operations at several of its oil ports.
- Oman began evacuating vessels from its main export terminal as a precautionary measure.
- The USA is considering sending military ships to escort tankers.
- Saudi Arabia has begun redirecting some of its oil supplies through the Red Sea.
Oil Market: Price Increase and Volatility
- Oil prices surged sharply amid attacks on tankers, reaching nearly $100 per barrel, which put pressure on global stock markets.
- On March 13, the price of Brent fell by 71 cents to $99.75 per barrel, while WTI dropped by 88 cents to $94.85 per barrel.
- Throughout the week, the price of Brent oil exceeded $100 per barrel, while WTI rose above $93 due to concerns about supply disruptions.
US and International Organizations' Response Measures
- The USA issued a 30-day license for the purchase of Russian oil at sea to alleviate pressure on the market.
- The US Department of Energy announced the release of 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
- The International Energy Agency plans a coordinated release of up to 400 million barrels from reserves.
