Iran has since responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli positions and shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is an important global energy corridor, with about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passing through it. The chaos rocked global markets, sending oil prices sharply higher and prompting major economies to urgently release strategic reserves.
Iranian officials have warned that the conflict could turn into a long-term war of attrition that could devastate the global economy. Tehran says it still maintains control of the Strait of Hormuz and has threatened to target economic infrastructure linked to the United States and Israel. Iranian forces have also attacked commercial ships in the Gulf, further exacerbating tensions and raising fears of a wider maritime crisis.
U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to “get the job done,” arguing that most of Iran’s key military targets have been struck, including minelayers and other naval assets. However, Israeli officials say the operation is far from complete and they still have a large number of targets inside Iran.
The conflict also spread beyond the immediate battlefield. The Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel from Lebanon, prompting Israeli airstrikes in Beirut and eastern Lebanon. Hundreds were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced.
Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions increased at the United Nations Security Council, which demanded Iran cease attacks on Gulf states. As fighting enters its second week, concerns are growing that the conflict could expand further and seriously disrupt global trade, energy supplies and regional stability.
