Israel, Iran Strikes Escalate; Global Energy Crisis Looms

Gholam Reza Soleimani. Iran retaliated with multiple-warhead missile and drone attacks on central Israel, killing two, and barrages against Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other Gulf Arab states.

The U.S. military also launched deep penetrator bombs on Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which a fifth of the world's oil passes. Iran's continued grip on the Strait, coupled with rising oil prices and a lack of international support for securing the passage, is fueling concerns about a global energy crisis.

The conflict has also seen renewed Israeli strikes in Lebanon, displacing over 1 million people and killing hundreds, while Iran reports over 1,300 casualties. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's stated aim to undermine the Iranian regime, there are no signs of anti-government protests, as many Iranians shelter from the ongoing strikes.