Just hours after Mojtaba Khamenei was named Iran’s new supreme leader, Iran launched fresh missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and parts of the Gulf region, escalating tensions across West Asia. Air raid sirens were reported in Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa, and Israeli authorities said one woman was injured by debris from intercepted projectiles. Several Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar reported incoming Iranian missiles or drones and activation of their air defenses around this period.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the strikes were part of a coordinated operation against Israeli targets and allied facilities in the region. Bahrain also reported a drone strike on the Al-Ma’ameer oil complex. The developments have heightened concerns over the safety of energy infrastructure and shipping routes across the Gulf and global energy supplies, through the Strait of Hormuz. Kuwait’s national oil company says it has reduced crude production as a precaution amid threats to maritime routes. Oil prices surged past one hundred dollars a barrel, a four-year high, prompting the G7 finance ministers meet today to discuss a possible joint release of strategic reserves. Bahrain’s national oil company has also declared force majeure as the conflict continues to threaten energy facilities.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has meanwhile congratulated Iran’s new supreme leader and offered solidarity. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has pledged full support to the new leadership, saying the country is prepared for a prolonged confrontation and warning of the possibility of a “highly intense six-month war”. Iranian officials also claim that only first and second generation missiles have been used so far, indicating that more advanced long-range weapons remain in reserve. Diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis remain uncertain. The United States has warned that the conflict could be prolonged, while President Donald Trump said he has not ruled out deploying ground troops to secure nuclear facilities if required.
