The situation in the Middle East has intensified significantly over the past 12 hours, with both sides increasing military pressure and political rhetoric. Several developments suggest the conflict is expanding rather than slowing down.
Mojtaba Khamenei released his first public statement, though he did not appear on camera. The message was read by another individual while his photo was displayed. In the statement, he vowed that Iran would keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until the war ends and continue targeting U.S. bases across the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by saying that “Iran’s new supreme leader cannot show his face in public.” At the same time, the IRGC warned that if Iranian energy infrastructure is attacked again, the region’s oil and gas facilities could be set “on fire.”
Militarily, Iran launched what it called its most intense operation since the start of the war, firing advanced ballistic missiles toward Tel Aviv and Haifa. One missile reportedly landed just meters away from Jerusalem’s Old City, forcing authorities to suspend prayers at major religious sites including the Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Meanwhile, a U.S. KC-135 refueling tanker crashed in western Iraq, and recovery operations are underway. Two oil tankers were also struck in Iraqi waters, causing massive fires and raising concerns that attacks on energy infrastructure are spreading beyond the Strait of Hormuz.
International reactions are also growing. Thailand demanded a formal apology from Iran after its cargo ship was reportedly set ablaze. In response to rising energy concerns, the United States temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil to help stabilize global supply.
Despite the war, Iran’s oil exports have reportedly increased by around 30%, with Chinese and Iranian ships continuing to move through the Strait of Hormuz.
On the battlefield, U.S. strikes on Iraqi militia headquarters have reportedly killed 27 fighters since March 1, while the IDF announced the killing of a senior IRGC commander in Beirut who was coordinating missile operations with Hezbollah.
Iran has outlined three conditions for ending the war: recognition of its rights, financial reparations, and guarantees against future attacks.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump told Axios that the war could end “soon,” claiming there is “practically nothing left to target.”
Humanitarian and environmental concerns are also rising. The World Health Organization warned of possible “black rain” in Tehran, caused by oil depot smoke mixing with rain clouds. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Lebanon continues to worsen, with over 750,000 people displaced.
The UAE reports intercepting 278 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and more than 1,500 drones since the conflict began.
Inside Iran, authorities warned that protesters will be treated as “enemies,” and the country also announced it will not participate in the 2026 World Cup hosted in the United States.
At the same time, Russia and the United States are reportedly discussing cooperation to stabilize global energy markets, highlighting how the conflict is affecting the global economy.
At this point, there are no clear signs of de-escalation, and both sides appear determined to continue.
I will continue sharing updates as the situation develops. Stay alert — the next phase of this conflict could have major global consequences.#IranIsraelWar
