Israel signaled a potential escalation of its conflict with Iran, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating a “ground component” may be necessary, as Tehran warned of “zero restraint” if its energy facilities are attacked again. The exchange followed a day of reciprocal strikes targeting energy infrastructure, raising fears of a wider regional war and sending global oil and gas prices soaring.
The latest escalation began with an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gasfield, prompting a retaliatory attack by Tehran on targets in Haifa, Israel, and Ras Laffan, Qatar. QatarEnergy CEO Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi stated the attack on Ras Laffan cut about 17 percent of LNG output, potentially for as long as five years, a disruption that could impact energy contracts with Belgium, Italy, South Korea, and China. Qatar’s prime minister and Turkiye’s foreign minister jointly condemned the attack as a “dangerous escalation.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a message marking the Persian Modern Year, Nowruz, claimed the “enemies of the Islamic Republic were being defeated” in the conflict. President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s stance that it does not seek war with its neighbors and does not pursue nuclear weapons, citing a religious prohibition declared by the supreme leader.
The conflict is taking a growing humanitarian toll. The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported over 18,000 civilian injuries and 204 child fatalities since the war began on February 28, with more than 1,400 total deaths reported in Iran. In Lebanon, the death toll has surpassed 1,000 with at least 2,584 wounded since Israeli attacks escalated on March 2, with reports of threatening phone calls urging residents to evacuate towns in the Bekaa Valley.
International reactions have been mixed. The United Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper warned Iran against targeting UK bases, territory, or interests, following a statement from Iranian diplomat Abbas Araghchi that any US use of British bases would be considered “participation in aggression.” NATO has fully relocated its mission in Iraq to Europe.
US President Donald Trump’s comments during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi drew criticism. Trump defended the element of surprise in the US attack on Iran, invoking the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor and asking Takaichi, “Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbour, OK? Right?” He also branded US NATO allies “cowards” for not providing military assistance to control the Hormuz Strait, posting the accusation on his Truth Social platform.
Despite Trump’s rhetoric, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed that US objectives remain focused on targeting Iran’s missile systems, military industry, and navy, and preventing the development of a nuclear weapon, with no set end date. Trump stated he was not sending US ground troops to Iran, but also acknowledged his tendency to change positions on the matter. An incident involving a US F-35 fighter jet making an emergency landing in the Middle East after a mission over Iran is under investigation, with officials examining reports the aircraft may have been struck by Iranian fire.
Netanyahu denied that Israel “dragged” the US into the war, stating, “Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do?” He also claimed Israel acted alone when it struck the Iranian gasfield, adding that he was following Trump’s request to hold off on future attacks. He asserted that “Iran is being decimated” and suggested the war could end “a lot faster than people think.”
The escalating energy crisis prompted the European Council to call for a moratorium on strikes against energy and water facilities. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated Washington might “unsanction” existing Iranian oil shipments to ease prices and suggested releasing more oil from the US strategic reserves.
Gulf states are also facing increased attacks. UAE authorities reported detaining five individuals linked to Iran and Hezbollah accused of infiltrating the economy through business fronts. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence reported intercepting and destroying ten drones in the east and one in the north. Bahrain’s Defence Force has intercepted a total of 139 missiles and 238 drones since the start of the conflict more than two weeks ago.
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