Iran War Live Updates: Strikes, Oil Prices & US Response
The escalating tensions in the Middle East continue to reverberate across the region and beyond, with Iran vowing to defend itself against attacks until the United States “regrets” initiating a conflict. This comes as reports emerge of attacks and counter-attacks spanning multiple countries, raising concerns about a wider regional war.
Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that “starting a war is easy, but it cannot be won with a few tweets.” His comments, reported on Thursday, , signal a firm resolve from Tehran to withstand pressure and retaliate against perceived aggression. Larijani, a veteran politician and former Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, has held numerous key positions within the Iranian government, including Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance and Head of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.
The current crisis has seen a surge in military activity, with Israel launching attacks on targets in Lebanon and Iran, and Iran responding with its own strikes. On Thursday, Israel reportedly expanded its military operations in southern Lebanon, urging residents to evacuate a larger area. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported at least seven deaths resulting from Israeli attacks in Beirut, with numerous injuries. These attacks targeted areas including the Ramlet al-Baida beach, where displaced people had sought shelter.
Further complicating the situation, reports indicate attacks on commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf. Iraqi officials reported at least one fatality in an attack on an oil tanker off the Iraqi coast. Simultaneously, Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces claimed responsibility for an attack on a ship they allege was providing support to US military operations, though details remain scarce.
The economic fallout from the conflict is already being felt. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has described the disruption to oil supplies as the largest in history, with approximately ten million barrels per day of oil production in the Gulf region currently offline. This has contributed to rising oil prices globally, impacting economies worldwide.
Concerns are also growing about potential attacks closer to the United States. The FBI reportedly issued a warning about a possible Iranian drone attack targeting California, although the White House later clarified that the warning was based on a single, unverified piece of intelligence and that there was no credible threat. Despite this clarification, security measures have been heightened in the state.
In the United Arab Emirates, a drone crashed into a building in Dubai, causing a fire and raising anxieties about the conflict’s reach. Similar incidents have been reported in Kuwait, where drone attacks have damaged power lines.
The situation is further complicated by the internal political dynamics within Iran. Following the recent death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his son, Mostafa Chamenei, has been appointed as his successor. However, there has been limited public visibility of the fresh leader, fueling speculation about his health and ability to govern. A statement released by Chamenei calling for the continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil transport, has been interpreted as a signal of continuity in Iran’s foreign policy.
US President Donald Trump has adopted a combative stance, stating that the US has “won” the conflict and suggesting that further action could render Iran’s reconstruction “almost impossible.” He also indicated that the US would release a portion of its strategic oil reserves to mitigate the impact of rising prices. Trump has also characterized the rising oil prices as beneficial to the US, given its position as a leading oil producer.
The conflict has also triggered a humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Lebanon and within Iran itself. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates that up to 3.2 million people have been internally displaced within Iran, seeking refuge from the fighting. The situation is particularly dire for those lacking access to shelter and basic necessities.
Saudi Arabia has reported intercepting drones near its borders, highlighting the potential for the conflict to escalate further and draw in other regional actors. The kingdom has also accused Iran of supporting attacks on its oil infrastructure.
The United States has reportedly evacuated over 1,100 citizens from the Gulf region, prioritizing vulnerable individuals. However, the situation remains volatile, and the risk of further escalation remains high. The Pentagon estimates that the first six days of the conflict cost over $11.3 billion, a figure that is expected to rise significantly as the fighting continues.
As the conflict enters its second week, the international community is grappling with the challenge of de-escalation and preventing a wider regional war. The rhetoric from both sides remains uncompromising, and the potential for miscalculation and unintended consequences is significant. The situation demands careful diplomacy and a concerted effort to find a peaceful resolution.