Israel on Monday launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran, escalating a conflict that has triggered what experts describe as the worst global energy crisis in decades.
Explosions were reported in Tehran, according to Iranian media, while Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said they intercepted missiles and drones amid the growing regional tensions.
The International Energy Agency said at least 40 key energy facilities across the oil- and gas-rich region had been severely damaged since the conflict began.
IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol, warned that the scale of disruption posed a serious threat to the global economy.
He said, “No country will be immune to the effects of this crisis if it continues to go in this direction. So there is a need for global efforts.”
Birol added that about 11 million barrels of oil per day had been lost, exceeding losses recorded during the oil crises of the 1970s.
Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions.
Iran Threatens Retaliation, Targets Infrastructure
Iran has responded to Israeli and US attacks by launching missiles and drones at Israel and across the Gulf, striking energy sites and US diplomatic missions.
Tehran has also restricted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route through which about one-fifth of the world’s crude supply passes.
In a stern warning, Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said key infrastructure across the region would be targeted if threats against the country persist.
He said, “Vital infrastructure across the region will be considered legitimate targets and will be irreversibly destroyed.”
The parliament is also considering imposing tolls on ships passing through the strait, signaling further disruption to global trade routes.
Trump Issues Ultimatum To Iran
Amid rising tensions, US President, Donald Trump, threatened to “obliterate” Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.
The ultimatum, issued via social media, set a deadline expiring late Monday night (GMT), corresponding to early Tuesday in Iran.
Trump had earlier hinted at possibly “winding down” the conflict before issuing the latest threat, marking a potential escalation in US involvement.
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has indicated that the military campaign against Iran could be long-term.
An Israeli military spokesman, Brigadier General Effie Defrin, said the country should prepare for continued fighting.
“Citizens of Israel, we face more weeks of fighting against Iran and Hezbollah,” he said.
Israeli forces have also intensified operations in Lebanon against Iran-backed Hezbollah, including orders to destroy bridges allegedly used by the group near the Litani River.
Lebanese authorities have raised concerns over Israel’s actions, warning of a possible broader conflict.
President Joseph Aoun described the bridge strikes as “a dangerous escalation and flagrant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.”
However, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam blamed Hezbollah for triggering the conflict.
“It was declared that this war was in retaliation for the assassination of Khamenei, so this means this war was imposed upon us,” Salam said.
More than 1,000 people have reportedly been killed in Lebanon, with over one million displaced since the escalation.
Despite Israel’s advanced air defence systems, Iranian missiles struck two southern towns, including Dimon, near Israel’s nuclear facility, injuring dozens.
In Iran, casualties continue to mount, with at least 3,230 people reportedly killed, including 1,406 civilians, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency.
The figures, however, could not be independently verified.