Week 2: The Minefield & Decapitation — Asymmetric Escalation
The second week of the conflict: Naval mines in the Strait, asymmetric strikes, and the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei.
Jonathan Cecil
Editor
Friday, March 13, 2026
📝 TL;DR
The conflict reached its most violent peak on Day 14. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that today marks the "biggest wave" of air operations yet, with over 6,000 targets struck since the war began. 💥 As Quds Day rallies were held across Iran, Israeli strikes hit near a major demonstration in Tehran, killing at least one civilian. Meanwhile, the US military confirmed its first major nonhostile loss: a KC 135 refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq, killing all six crew members. 🇺🇸✈️
The "surrender rhetoric" from the White House: If Iran does not show signs of collapse within 48 hours, look for the US to shift from air superiority to a potential total coastal blockade or localized ground raids to clear missile sites.
🚀 Day 14 "Maximum Pressure Surge"
The "Biggest Wave": The Pentagon unleashed its full arsenal today, deploying more fighters and bombers than any previous day in the campaign to "annihilate" Iran's remaining military industrial base. 🇺🇸🦅
Tehran Under Fire: Israeli airstrikes struck the capital just meters from Quds Day rallies. 🇮🇱🎯 State media reports the death of a woman by shrapnel. The US believes Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei may be wounded or "underground" as his whereabouts remain unconfirmed.
Maritime Deadlock: The US claims to have rendered the Iranian Navy "combat ineffective." Yet the Strait of Hormuz remains a graveyard for commerce, with over 1,000 cargo ships now blocked. 🚢🚫
The Iraq Crash: A US KC 135 refueling plane crashed in Western Iraq. While not caused by enemy fire, it brings the total US death toll to 13 service members. ⚰️🇺🇸
💰 Perspectives from Major Economies
- 🇺🇸 United States: Trump's Confidence: President Trump told G7 leaders that Iran is "about to surrender," though he admitted on radio that regime change "maybe won't happen immediately." 🇺🇸🗣️
- 🇮🇳 India: Seafarer Safety: India is monitoring the safety of 23,000 Indian seafarers trapped in the Gulf. Minister Jaishankar held his 4th emergency call with Tehran this week. 🇮🇳⚓
- 🇨🇳 China: Anti Escalation: Beijing intensified its condemnation of the "joint Israeli American war," warning that the "law of the jungle" cannot be the global standard. 🇨🇳🛑
- 🇷🇺 Russia: Nuclear Safety: Russia's top nuclear official stated no radiation changes were detected at Iranian nuclear sites despite strikes on Natanz and other facilities. 🇷🇺☢️
🏘️ Impact on Nearby Countries
- 🇱🇧 Lebanon: Beirut is in panic after Israeli planes dropped millions of propaganda leaflets over the city. The message: "Disarm Hezbollah, Iran's shield." 🇱🇧📄
- 🇦🇪 UAE: Emirati officials stated it is "difficult to talk about mediation" while still under active fire from Iranian projectiles. 🇦🇪🛡️
- 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: Intercepted multiple missiles aimed at the Prince Sultan Air Base and the Shaybah oil field. 🇸🇦🔥
- 🇮🇶 Iraq: A drone strike targeted the Lanaz Refinery west of Erbil; Iraq remains a chaotic "second front" for both proxy and direct engagements. 🇮🇶💥
📈 Economic & Market Indicators
🛢️ Oil: Prices remain volatile. While the G7 stock release provided a temporary ceiling, the physical closure of the Strait is creating real world shortages in Japan and the Philippines.
📉 Casualty Count: Estimates now exceed 2,000 dead across the region, including 175 Iranian schoolchildren and a rising number of paramedics in Lebanon.
📦 Supply Chain: Shortages of helium and nitrogen (essential for chips and fertilizer) are being reported as Qatar's exports remain frozen.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
📝 TL;DR
The conflict has entered a "High Stakes Stalemate" on Day 13. While the US and Israel have largely suppressed Iran's formal military responses, the "Shadow War" has escalated. Massive naval mines and "stealth" drone swarms are paralyzing the world's most vital shipping lanes. 🚢⚓ President Trump has issued a 48 hour ultimatum for the new Iranian regime to "clear the mines or face a total coastal blockade," while global energy markets are showing extreme volatility. 📉🛢️
The 48 Hour Clock: President Trump announced that if the Strait of Hormuz is not cleared of mines by Saturday, the US Navy will initiate a "complete and total" blockade of all Iranian ports. This moves the conflict from targeted strikes to a full scale economic siege.
🚀 Day 13 "The Ultimatums"
"Mosaic" Retaliation: Following the "Decentralized Mosaic Defense" strategy, small IRGC cells launched several "kamikaze" speedboats at commercial traffic today, resulting in the sinking of a Marshall Islands flagged bulk carrier. 🚤🔥
Cyber Warfare Surge: A massive cyberattack, attributed to Iranian state actors, temporarily disabled the Stockholm and Copenhagen stock exchanges today in a "demonstration strike" against Western allies. 💻🛑
Leadership Silence: The new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not been seen in public for 48 hours, leading to rumors of a second wave "leadership strike" or a strategic move to a deeper bunker. 👳♂️🕵️♂️
💰 Perspectives from Major Economies
- 🇺🇸 United States: "The Big Wave" Readiness: The Pentagon moved two additional carrier strike groups closer to the Persian Gulf, signaling readiness for the "Big Wave" strikes Trump teased earlier this week. 🇺🇸🚢
- 🇨🇳 China: Fuel Rationing: Several major Chinese provinces have introduced fuel rationing for nonessential vehicles as the "Strait Blockade" begins to deplete physical oil stocks. 🇨🇳⛽
- 🇮🇳 India: Strategic Diplomacy: PM Modi held an emergency call with the leaders of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, attempting to create a "Secure Energy Corridor" for Asian bound tankers. 🇮🇳🤝
- 🇩🇪 Germany: Industrial Shock: The German manufacturing sector reported a 15% drop in output due to the "energy led logistics paralysis" across the Middle East. 🇩🇪📉
🏘️ Impact on Nearby Countries
- 🇦🇪 UAE: Dubai International Airport (DXB) reported a 70% drop in traffic; the city state is transitioning into a "defensive fortress" mode with PATRIOT missile batteries visible on public beaches. 🇦🇪🛡️
- 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: In a major move, Riyadh has opened its reserve pipelines to the Red Sea, bypassing the Persian Gulf entirely, though capacity is limited. 🇸🇦🛢️
- 🇴🇲 Oman: The Sultanate has become the primary "refugee hub" for thousands of foreign workers fleeing the Gulf; UN agencies are warning of a brewing humanitarian crisis at the border. 🇴🇲⛺
- 🇮🇱 Israel: Hezbollah launched a record 400 rockets in a single hour today, resulting in significant property damage in Haifa. 🇮🇱🚀
📈 Economic & Market Indicators
🛢️ Oil: Brent Crude is "frozen" at $112/bbl. Traders are paralyzed, waiting to see if the US ultimatum results in a breakthrough or a total regional shutdown.
📉 Currencies: The Euro and Yen fell against the Dollar as the US remains the "safest haven" despite being the primary combatant.
📦 Shipping: "War risk" insurance premiums for the Persian Gulf have officially reached 10% of the vessel's total value, making most commercial trips economically impossible. 🚢💸
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
📝 TL;DR
The conflict has reached a critical bottleneck on Day 12. While the US and Israel have shifted to a "cleanup" phase in Iranian skies, the war has moved underwater and into the boardrooms of the Gulf. 🚢💣 Iran has deployed naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively holding the global energy supply hostage. In response, G7 nations have begun a historic coordinated release of emergency oil reserves to prevent a total economic meltdown.
The deployment of naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz represents a "scorched earth" maritime strategy. By threatening to sink any commercial vessel, Iran is testing the G7's economic resolve and the US Navy's ability to maintain open global transit routes under asymmetric fire.
🚀 Day 12 "The Minefield"
Naval Blockade: Iran has laid approximately a dozen naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. ⚓💥 The US Navy is currently using specialized technology to "quickly and violently" eliminate any vessel attempting to further mine the waterway.
Cyber & Intelligence: Iran arrested dozens of individuals today, including a foreign national, on charges of espionage for the US and Israel. 🕵️♂️🚫
The "Succession" Funeral: Huge crowds gathered in Tehran for the funeral of senior officials. ⚰️🇮🇷 Mourners carried portraits of the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, signaling the regime's consolidation of power.
Air Superiority: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed the allies are close to "complete control of Iranian skies," though asymmetric drone strikes continue to plague the region. 🇺🇸🦅
💰 Perspectives from Major Economies
- 🇺🇸 United States: Strategic Reserve Release: The US is leading the G7 in dipping into Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR). Pres. Trump warned of "consequences never seen before" if mines are not removed. 🇺🇸🛢️
- 🇪🇺 European Union: Emergency Video Call: Pres. Macron hosted a G7 call to address the energy crisis. EU gas prices remain 30% above prewar levels. 🇪🇺⛽
- 🇮🇳 India: Supply Chain Panic: Indian refiners are desperately seeking "humanitarian exemptions" for tankers. Disruption in the Strait is now affecting sub Saharan African aid routes. 🇮🇳💊
- 🇯🇵 Japan / 🇰🇷 S. Korea: Manufacturing Slowdown: Industrial output is being throttled as the "energy shock" moves from oil prices to actual supply shortages. 🌏📉
🏘️ Impact on Nearby Countries
- 🇦🇪 UAE: Dubai's Financial Center (DIFC) saw evacuations of Citi, Deloitte, and PwC offices following direct Iranian threats against US linked banks. 🇦🇪🏢
- 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: Intercepted seven ballistic missiles today. Ukrainian anti drone teams are now active in the Kingdom to help defend the Eastern Province. 🇸🇦🛡️
- 🇶🇦 Qatar: Welcomed Ukrainian drone experts to combat the persistent "suicide drone" swarms. 🇶🇦🐝
- 🇱🇧 Lebanon: Israeli strikes hit Qana, killing at least 5 people. Over 30,000 people have now been displaced in Lebanon. 🇱🇧🏃♂️
- 🇨🇾 Cyprus: European nations sent additional forces as Cyprus becomes a critical hub for allied logistics and a potential target. 🇨🇾🪖
📈 Economic & Market Indicators
🛢️ Oil: Prices are on a rollercoaster; Brent crude hit $119/bbl but plunged back toward $89/bbl following the G7 stock release and Trump's comments.
📉 Wall Street: S&P 500 and Nasdaq are trading in a narrow, volatile range as investors digest the conflicting signals of an "ending war" vs. a "mined strait."
🚢 Maritime: Insurance premiums for any vessel in the Gulf have become "prohibitive," with many firms declaring force majeure.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
📝 TL;DR
On Day 11, the US and Israel launched their "most intense day of strikes" yet, hitting over 5,000 targets deep inside Iran's industrial and military base. 💥 Meanwhile, Iran has officially rallied behind newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, adopting a strategy of "Decentralized Mosaic Defense" for a long war of attrition. Despite the fierce rhetoric, global markets are seeing a brief moment of calm as oil prices unexpectedly retreated below $90 a barrel. 📉🛢️
Iran is officially implementing a "Decentralized Mosaic Defense." Anticipating degraded communications, they are relying on local resistance and autonomous operations to turn the conflict into a grinding war of attrition, making the IRGC's next moves highly unpredictable.
🚀 Day 11 "Deep Strikes & Mosaic Defense"
The "Most Intense" Wave: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced today saw the most fighters and bombers inside Iran to date. Allied forces have now hit over 5,000 targets, focusing heavily on the military industrial base. 🇺🇸✈️
Direct Threats: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf ruled out any ceasefire, while top security official Ali Larijani posted a direct threat to President Trump, warning him to "be careful not to get eliminated yourself." ⚠️
Leadership Tensions: President Trump dismissed new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei as a "lightweight," asserting the war is "very complete, pretty much," despite the ongoing regional fallout. 🇺🇸🗣️
💰 Perspectives from Major Economies
- 🇺🇸 United States: Market Relief: Calm returned to Wall Street today as oil prices retreated below $90 per barrel. However, the long term economic toll remains a major domestic concern. 🇺🇸📈
- 🇦🇺 Australia: Humanitarian Move: Australia formally granted asylum to 5 members of the Iranian women's soccer team fleeing the intensifying conflict. 🇦🇺⚽
- 🇪🇺 European Union: Spillover Fears: Iran warned European nations they will become "legitimate targets" if they join the US/Israeli campaign. 🇪🇺🛑
- 🇷🇺 Russia: Intelligence Sharing: US officials confirm Russia is providing Iran with satellite data to help target American warships, marking Moscow's first major involvement. 🇷🇺🛰️
🏘️ Impact on Nearby Countries
- 🇦🇪 UAE: The death toll rises after 9 drones struck the industrial city of Ruwais, igniting a massive blaze at a petrochemical plant. 🇦🇪🔥
- 🇧🇭 Bahrain: A 29 year old woman was killed and 8 others wounded when an Iranian drone struck a residential building in Manama. 🇧🇭⚰️
- 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia & 🇰🇼 Kuwait: Defensive perimeters held; Saudi air defenses destroyed two drones over its oil rich eastern region, while Kuwait shot down six. 🛡️
- 🇱🇧 Lebanon: The IDF ordered mass evacuations for Beirut's southern suburbs and the Bekaa valley as cross border exchanges with Hezbollah intensify. 🇱🇧🏃♂️
📈 Economic & Market Indicators
🛢️ Oil: In a surprising reversal, US Crude has retreated below $90/bbl, providing a brief reprieve to global markets after last week's panic.
📉 Casualties: Official estimates now report at least 1,230 dead in Iran, 397 in Lebanon, and 11 in Israel since Feb 28.
✈️ Travel: The region remains a no fly zone, with hundreds of thousands of travelers still stranded due to indefinite airspace closures.
Monday, March 9, 2026
📝 TL;DR
The conflict has hit a critical turning point on Day 10 with the official appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new Supreme Leader. 👑🇮🇷 Despite the leadership transition, hostilities have intensified: oil has officially crossed the $100 threshold, and Iran has launched fresh "asymmetric" strikes on Gulf energy hubs in Bahrain and the UAE. 🛢️💥 Meanwhile, the US and Israel have shifted their air campaign toward Iranian energy infrastructure, sending plumes of "oily smoke" over Tehran.
US Democrats are calling for an impartial probe into a strike on an Iranian girls' elementary school that allegedly killed 175 people. This incident could shift international diplomatic support and increase pressure for a ceasefire.
🚀 Day 10 "The Succession & The Surge"
New Supreme Leader: The Assembly of Experts has formally appointed Mojtaba Khamenei (son of the late Ali Khamenei). 👳♂️🗳️ President Trump has already signaled he is "not happy" with the choice, stating any leader without US approval "won't last long."
Energy Infrastructure Targeted: Over the weekend, Israeli/US strikes shifted from military bases to oil storage depots in Tehran and Alborz. 🇮🇱🔥 Residents describe "night turning into morning and morning into night" due to the thick black smoke.
Iranian Salvo: Iran fired a fresh round of ballistic missiles at Israel today; one fragment hit central Israel, moderately injuring a woman. 🚀🏘️
Hezbollah Losses: Israel confirmed it killed Abu Hussein Ragheb, the commander of Hezbollah’s "Nasr Unit" in Southern Lebanon, during an overnight strike. 🇱🇧🪖
💰 Perspectives from Major Economies
- 🇺🇸 United States: Strategic Friction: A rift has emerged between the Trump admin and Israel; the US reportedly "doesn't like" the strikes on oil depots, fearing global market instability. 🇺🇸📉
- 🇮🇳 India: Currency Lows: The Indian Rupee has hit a historic low against the Dollar. 🇮🇳📉 The government is under extreme strain as oil subsidies become unsustainable at $100+ prices.
- 🇨🇳 China: Supply Crisis: Beijing is facing a "double squeeze" of blocked oil from Hormuz and a "bidding war" with Europe for available Atlantic basin gas. 🇨🇳⛽
- 🇪🇺 European Union: Emergency Reserves: G7 finance ministers are discussing the release of emergency oil reserves to combat the price surge. 🇪🇺🛢️
- 🇯🇵 Japan / 🇰🇷 S. Korea: Stock Market Slump: The Nikkei dropped 5% and the KOSPI slumped 6.6% today as the "energy shock" ripples through manufacturing sectors. 🌏📉
🏘️ Impact on Nearby Countries
- 🇧🇭 Bahrain: An Iranian drone struck a petroleum complex and a desalination plant in Sitra, injuring 32 civilians (including children) and disrupting water supplies. 🇧🇭💧
- 🇦🇪 UAE: The UAE has officially declared it "will not partake in any attacks" against Iran after being targeted "unwarrantedly." 🇦🇪🛡️ An Iranian drone hit a US air combat center near Abu Dhabi.
- 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: A projectile hit a residential area in Kharj, killing two people and wounding 12. 🇸🇦⚰️
- 🇱🇧 Lebanon: Israeli forces reportedly conducted a helicopter landing in Eastern Lebanon to target Hezbollah infrastructure, leading to intense ground skirmishes. 🇱🇧🔥
- 🇰🇼 Kuwait: National oil company announced a "precautionary production cut" as Iranian drones continue to harass local fuel storage tanks. 🇰🇼⛽
📈 Economic & Market Indicators
🛢️ Oil: Brent crude soared to $119.50/bbl at the start of the week. The IRGC warned that if strikes continue, prices could hit $200.
📉 Equities: Global stock markets (FTSE, DAX, Wall Street) are all trading in the red as investors move into "risk off" mode.
✈️ Air Freight: Costs from Asia to Europe have jumped 45% since the war began, as the Middle East becomes a "no fly zone." ✈️💸
Sunday, March 8, 2026
📝 TL;DR
The conflict has entered a harrowing new phase as Iran shifts its focus toward civilian infrastructure in the Gulf. For the first time, desalination plants and airports have been struck, threatening basic water supplies in parched nations. 🚰💥 While Israel and the US continue to pummel Iranian military sites, the clerical establishment in Tehran has reportedly chosen a new Supreme Leader (name withheld), signaling the regime's intent to dig in for a "six month war."
The unveiling of the new Iranian Supreme Leader could occur within the next 24 hours. This individual's identity will determine if Tehran seeks a path to deescalation or follows through on the IRGC’s threat of a "six month total war."
🚀 Day 9 "Infrastructure Siege"
New Leadership: The clerical body tasked with replacing the late Ayatollah Khamenei announced they have reached a decision on a new Supreme Leader. 🏛️👤 The name remains secret, but the regime's rhetoric has hardened.
Gulf Under Fire: Abu Dhabi witnessed multiple explosions today. 🇦🇪🚨 Iran has also struck fuel tanks at Kuwait International Airport and damaged a critical desalination plant in Bahrain.
Israeli Missile Defense: At least 10 explosions were heard over Tel Aviv as Israeli defenses intercepted a fresh salvo of Iranian ballistic missiles. 🇮🇱🚀
Hezbollah Front: For the first time since the surge, the IDF confirmed two Israeli soldiers killed in combat in Southern Lebanon during clashes with Hezbollah. 🇱🇧🪖
💰 Perspectives from Major Economies
- 🇺🇸 United States: Internal Pressure: President Trump maintains an "Unconditional Surrender" policy, but Democrats warn that US missile stockpiles are depleting at an alarming rate. 🏛️📉
- 🇮🇳 India: Trade Paralysis: Over 400,000 metric tons of Basmati rice are currently stranded at ports. India is facing a "double blow" of high energy costs and stalled agricultural exports. 🇮🇳🌾
- 🇨🇳 China: Growth at Risk: As the largest buyer of oil from the now blocked Strait of Hormuz, China is seeing its lowest economic growth targets in decades under even more pressure. 🇨🇳📉
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Market Turmoil: The FTSE 100 saw its worst day in 11 months, and the Pound has hit a 3 month low against the Dollar as energy costs skyrocket. 🇬🇧💷
- 🇻🇦 Vatican City: Call for Silence: Pope Leo XIV made a public plea today for the "roar of the bombs" to cease and for "weapons to fall silent." 🇻🇦🕊️
🏘️ Impact on Nearby Countries
- 🇧🇭 Bahrain: The attack on the desalination plant has sparked fears of a water crisis, though authorities claim supplies are currently stable. 🇧🇭💧
- 🇰🇼 Kuwait: Two border guards were killed today during Iranian strikes on airport infrastructure. The country is in a state of high mourning and military alert. 🇰🇼⚰️
- 🇦🇪 UAE: Facing regular nightly attacks for over a week, Abu Dhabi's defenses are reportedly being "stretched thin" as interceptor stocks run low. 🇦🇪🛡️
- 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: Intercepted drones targeting the Shaybah oil field; Saudi officials have expressed private frustration to Washington about the lack of warning before the initial strikes. 🇸🇦⛽
📈 Economic & Market Indicators
🛢️ Oil: Brent Crude is highly volatile, currently sitting near $85/bbl. Experts warn that a move to $100 is imminent if the maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz isn't broken.
🍞 Food Security: The Food Policy Institute warned today of long term increases in food prices due to the massive disruption in fertilizer markets and shipping lanes.
Saturday, March 7, 2026
📝 TL;DR
The conflict has entered its second week with unprecedented intensity. Massive explosions rocked Tehran early today as Israel and the US launched a broad new wave of strikes, while Iran retaliated with a heavy missile salvo toward Israel. President Trump has declared a policy of "Unconditional Surrender" for the Iranian regime, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia are intercepting hundreds of drones and missiles as the war spills deeper into the Gulf.
Iranian President Pezeshkian apologized for strikes on neighbors today, calling them "miscommunication," and promised not to target them unless US attacks are launched from their soil. This could be a pivotal diplomatic opening, or a hollow gesture.
🚀 Day 8 "The Intensification"
Tehran Under Siege: A "broad wave" of strikes hit western Tehran today, sending massive plumes of dark smoke over the capital. Israel claims to have "struck and dismantled" several command centers. 🇮🇱💣
"Unconditional Surrender": President Trump posted on social media that there will be no deal without Iran's total surrender. He also stated he intends to help select a "great and acceptable" new leader for Iran. 🇺🇸🗳️
The "Big Wave" Warning: The US Treasury Secretary warned that the "biggest bombing campaign" of the war is still to come, suggesting the current strikes are only a precursor. 🌊💥
Humanitarian Toll: The Iranian Red Crescent reports the death toll has surpassed 1,330 in Iran, with over 200 dead in Lebanon and 12 in Israel. ⚰️🚑
💰 Perspectives from Major Economies
- 🇺🇸 United States: Hardline Stance: The administration approved a new $151 million arms sale to Israel. Markets are bracing for an inflation shock as the conflict expands. 🇺🇸📈
- 🇷🇺 Russia: Intelligence Provider: US intelligence reports that Russia is providing Iran with data to help target American warships and aircraft, marking Moscow's first major involvement. 🇷🇺🛰️
- 🇪🇺 European Union: Energy Crisis: Natural gas prices remain at 3 year highs following the QatarEnergy production halt. The UN Chief warned the violence could "spiral out of control." 🇪🇺⛽
- 🇯🇵 Japan / 🇰🇷 S. Korea: Market Volatility: Asian stocks continue to wobble; oil prices rising above $90/bbl is straining these net importing economies. 🌏📉
🏘️ Impact on Nearby Countries
- 🇦🇪 UAE: In a massive defensive feat, the UAE intercepted 15 ballistic missiles and 119 drones today. Three fatalities (Pakistani, Nepali, and Bangladeshi nationals) were confirmed from debris. 🇦🇪🛡️
- 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: Destroyed drones heading for the Shaybah oil field and shot down a ballistic missile aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base. 🇸🇦🔥
- 🇱🇧 Lebanon: Israeli special forces conducted a rare ground operation deep inside Lebanon (Nabi Chit) looking for a missing pilot, sparking a fierce gunfight with Hezbollah. 🇱🇧🪖
- 🇮🇶 Iraq: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) attacked three locations of "separatist groups" in the Iraqi Kurdistan region this morning. 🇮🇶💥
- 🇧🇭 Bahrain: Air raid sirens sounded early today as Iranian attacks targeted the island kingdom. 🇧🇭🚨
📈 Economic & Market Indicators
🛢️ Oil: US Crude (WTI) rose above $90/bbl for the first time in over two years. Qatar’s Energy Minister warns it could hit $150 if the war continues.
✈️ Aviation: Regional flight suspensions have been extended. Flights to/from Iraq, Lebanon, and Iran are now suspended until March 28, 2026. 🚢 Shipping: The IRGC hit a Marshall Islands flagged tanker (Louise P) with a drone today, calling it an "asset of the terrorist America." ⚓🔥
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