On the 15th day of military operations launched by the US and Israel against Iran, tensions in the Middle East have further escalated.
Modern.az reports that throughout the day, military operations expanded, and new statements were made by various countries in the region.
US President Donald Trump stated that the US army struck Kharg Island, considered one of Iran's main oil export centers. According to him, the US Central Command hit more than 90 military targets located there. Trump claimed that as a result of US strikes, Iran's military potential has been virtually destroyed, but Tehran still retains attack capabilities through unmanned aerial vehicles, mines, and short-range missiles. He also stated that the US and partner countries would send warships to ensure shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz and “will soon ensure the opening of the strait”.
The Israeli army has also expanded the scale of its attacks. According to the Israel Defense Forces, nearly 400 series of attacks have been carried out in Iranian territory since February 28. In the last 24 hours alone, more than 200 targets were hit in Iran's western and central regions. The Israeli side also announced the destruction of a research center linked to the Iranian space agency.
In response to the attacks, Iran launched new missile and drone strikes. Iranian state media reported that the country had launched another missile attack against Israel. Furthermore, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that US military facilities located in the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain had been struck. Tehran also threatened to target branches of American companies operating in the Persian Gulf if attacks on US energy infrastructure continued.
Tensions in the region are also affecting other countries. In Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, the “Green Zone” where the US embassy is located, was subjected to a missile attack. Information has also spread about an attack on an American tanker off the coast of the UAE. Iranian military personnel warned that three ports in the UAE could be struck in response to the US attack on Kharg Island and urged the population to stay away from those areas.
Activity is also observed on the diplomatic front. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that negotiations were held between Ankara and Tehran regarding missile incidents and emphasized that Turkey would not compromise on national security issues. French President Emmanuel Macron, for his part, announced that Paris is ready to mediate in organizing possible talks between Israel and Lebanon.
At the same time, reports of humanitarian casualties as a result of Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon have spread. Lebanese officials stated that dozens of medical workers have been killed since March 2 as a result of Israeli attacks.
The war is also affecting the energy market. Despite US strikes, Iran's oil terminal on Kharg Island is reported to be undamaged, and the country's oil exports continue. Nevertheless, the deteriorating security situation around the Strait of Hormuz increases concern in global energy markets.
Analysts do not rule out that the confrontation could escalate into a broader regional conflict in the coming days.
