US-Israel War on Iran Escalates: Nearly 2,000 Targets Struck as Global Energy Crisis Deepens
The US-Israel military campaign against Iran has intensified dramatically, with the US military reporting strikes on nearly 2,000 targets inside Iran, while the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a global energy crisis that is reshaping economies and political calculations around the world.
The conflict, which has drawn in multiple regional actors and sent shockwaves through global financial markets, shows no immediate signs of resolution despite diplomatic efforts from several nations. Oil prices have surged past $100 a barrel, and the disruption to global energy supply chains is being felt from London to Tokyo.
Background
The war escalated following a series of Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including confirmed damage to the Natanz site as verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on US and Israeli bases throughout the Gulf region, drawing the United States into direct military confrontation. The conflict has also spilled into Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have intensified, displacing at least 30,000 people.
Key Developments
The Iranian Red Crescent Society has reported at least 787 fatalities as a result of the conflict. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz — through which approximately 20% of the world's oil supply passes — has caused Brent crude prices to surge, leading to record fuel price rises in the UK and forcing some nations to ration fuel and increase coal consumption.
In a national address, US President Donald Trump justified the military campaign, claiming strategic objectives were "nearing completion" and suggesting the conflict could be over "very soon" through indirect talks. However, the war has created a significant rift among his conservative base and drawn widespread international condemnation.
Iran's political situation has also been transformed by the conflict, with reports that a new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is being appointed following the death of his father Ali Khamenei during the conflict.
Why It Matters
The conflict represents the most significant military escalation in the Middle East in decades and has profound implications for global energy security, international law, and the stability of the broader region. For the UK and Ireland, the economic consequences — rising energy bills, higher inflation, and increased mortgage costs — are already being felt by households and businesses.
What's Next
Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz are ongoing, with multiple nations involved in mediation attempts. The outcome will have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets and the broader geopolitical order. Live updates from The Guardian.
