The tensions escalated in the Middle East when Israeli attacks resulted in the death of Majid Khademi, head of the Revolutionary Guards Intelligence unit. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks against Israel, Kuwait, and the UAE. The Israelis, on their part, bombed Iranian and Lebanese targets in south Lebanon. Fighting against Hezbollah remains underway there.
Escalating strikes rock the region
Iranian authorities threatened even deadlier assaults should the US and/or Israel target civilian locations. Their arguments were backed by US President Donald Trump’s furious statement made on his social networking accounts last Sunday. Trump had given a deadline to the Iranians. He threatened to destroy their power plants and bridges should they fail to open the Strait of Hormuz until Tuesday evening. “Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell,” tweeted Trump. The Iranian official described the statement as an international war crime.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Forces stated that the strategically vital strait would never be normal again. This is especially true with regard to America and Israel’s vessels. This action forced them to cease all maritime trade from this waterway where about 20 percent of world’s oil transits. Because of this, the price of oil remained inflated. It sat at about $110 per barrel Brent crude and between $109-$113 for West Texas Intermediate.
Talks of ceasefire emerge
It was reported that there could be an agreement on a 45-day ceasefire. The mediators included representatives of Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey. The foreign minister of Egypt admitted that discussions were ongoing with US and Iranian diplomats. Trump revealed to Fox News that Iran was about to agree to something. However, Iran rejected any claims of negotiation. The defense minister of Israel appreciated the Khademi strike and vowed to continue attacking leading Iranians who killed civilians.
In Haifa, a missile fired by Iran caused the collapse of a building where two individuals were killed and two others went missing. Attacks in Tehran resulted in residential neighborhoods being affected by a lack of fuel. In Kuwait, there were injuries resulting from falling debris totaling six people. One individual was hurt in Abu Dhabi. In Lebanon, attacks by Israel led to the deaths of 15 individuals and injured many others.
The fighting continued on both sides despite the existence of diplomatic negotiations. These talks provided a glimmer of hope of peace amid the possibility of involving more countries and affecting the economy.
