Iran escalates attacks on infrastructure and transport networks across the Gulf
Iran escalates attacks on infrastructure and transport networks across the Gulf
On Wednesday, Iran intensified its campaign of targeting civilian infrastructure and transportation systems across the Gulf, launching strikes on commercial vessels navigating the region and hitting Dubai’s international airport. This surge in attacks coincided with US and Israeli warplanes conducting new rounds of strikes on the Islamic Republic, marking a pivotal moment in the 12-day-old conflict. Iranian officials, speaking with unwavering resolve, warned of a prolonged “war of attrition” that could plunge global economies into turmoil by disrupting energy flows from the oil and gas-rich Gulf.
Amid escalating tensions, the Middle East remained engulfed in relentless violence. Israeli forces targeted Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, while Iranian missiles and Hezbollah rockets continued to strike Israeli territory. The UN refugee agency reported that at least 759,000 individuals had been displaced within Lebanon, with over 92,000 fleeing to Syria. In the Gulf, Kuwait confirmed its air defenses destroyed eight Iranian drones, and Saudi Arabia intercepted five heading toward its Shaybah oil field, highlighting regional efforts to counter the assaults.
Massive crowds gathered in Tehran and other cities for funerals of high-ranking Iranian commanders killed in US and Israeli airstrikes since the war began. Mourners carried caskets and displayed portraits of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the late supreme leader, and his son Mojtaba, who succeeded him. Iranian officials revealed for the first time that the nation’s new leader had sustained injuries during the strikes, which also claimed his mother, wife, and a son. The 56-year-old has yet to appear publicly or deliver a statement since the conflict started.
“I have heard that he was injured in his legs and hand and arm … I think he is in the hospital because he is injured,” said Alireza Salarian, Tehran’s ambassador to Cyprus, in a direct quote to the Guardian.
Despite mounting calls for the US and Israel to scale back their joint offensive, both nations showed no signs of halting the campaign. Israel Katz, the Israeli defense minister, declared that the strikes on Iran would persist indefinitely until all objectives were met. Meanwhile, Donald Trump shifted his stance, initially describing the conflict as a “short-term excursion” but later asserting that “we haven’t won enough” in a single Washington speech. On Wednesday, he told reporters the war would end “soon” as “practically nothing left to target” remained, though details were sparse.
Global leaders express concern over potential economic instability due to rising oil prices, which could affect voters. Trump praised the “tremendous impact” of decisions made by G7 nations during a meeting chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, according to a video shared by the French presidency. However, it was unclear exactly whom or what he referenced. The International Energy Agency (IEA) had recommended releasing 400m barrels of oil, a historic move, to ease soaring prices. Yet, the Strait of Hormuz—critical for 20% of global oil supply—remains perilous, with three more merchant ships struck by unknown projectiles on Wednesday. This brings the total number of vessels reportedly hit to 14 since the war began.
Crew members were evacuated from a Thai-flagged bulk freighter after an explosion ignited a fire. A Japanese container ship and a Marshall Islands bulk carrier also suffered damage. Hundreds of ships now linger off the Iranian coast, fearing further attacks. The Revolutionary Guards vowed to prevent “a single litre of oil” from passing through the strait, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
