A damaged tanker in Iraqi territorial waters. Photo: Reuters / Mohammed Aty.
Fighting continues in the Middle East between the USA, Israel, and Iran. In the last 24 hours, there have been new attacks using rockets and drones, as well as airstrikes on targets in Iran and Lebanon. Key events reported by global media:
Military actions and strikes
- Rockets and drones from Iran were intercepted over the United Arab Emirates, leading to a temporary closure of airspace. One of the attacks damaged a civilian vehicle in Abu Dhabi, resulting in one fatality.
- According to UAE authorities, a fire broke out in the fuel storage area and near Dubai International Airport during the attack, and energy facilities were also affected.
- Israeli military forces struck targets in Tehran and intensified attacks on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. According to media reports, they believe that a significant portion of Iran's air defense system and missile installations has been destroyed.
- Iran again launched rockets at Israeli territory amid ongoing Israeli retaliatory actions against targets in Iran and neighboring countries.
- Attacks on American facilities in Iraq have also been recorded. Security sources report assaults on the area of the American embassy in Baghdad using drones and rockets. Currently, there is no information on casualties or damage.
U.S. Reaction
- The U.S. President called on several countries to send military ships to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian actions have disrupted the transport of oil and other goods.
- Donald Trump noted that the strikes by the U.S. and its allies have significantly weakened Iran's military capabilities, although the operation is far from over.
- On Monday, Trump expressed dissatisfaction that some U.S. allies refused to support his call for sending military ships to guard tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, criticizing them for ingratitude after many years of American support.
Position of Arab States
- According to Reuters, several Gulf countries are urging the U.S. to completely neutralize Iran's military capabilities, fearing that limited actions will leave the region vulnerable to future attacks.
- At the same time, Arab states are showing concerns about direct involvement in the conflict. Despite pressure from the U.S., most countries in the region are seeking to avoid being drawn into war due to fears of Iranian retaliation.
Global Reaction
- European governments have urged Israel to refrain from a large-scale ground offensive in Lebanon, fearing further escalation of the conflict in the region.
- The European Union, despite Trump's calls, is not currently planning to expand the Aspides naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure shipping security, stated EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell.
- A representative of the German government and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius ruled out the possibility of the Bundeswehr participating in a military mission to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that the U.S. did not consult with them before the conflict began, and this does not align with NATO's objectives.
Economic Consequences
- Due to military actions and threats of attacks through the Strait of Hormuz, tanker traffic has significantly decreased, leading to a rise in global oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel.
