Associated Press:
The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has become a test of who endures longer. The biggest pressure point appears to be the global economy, as oil prices surge. Iran attacked commercial shipping around the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, setting a Thai cargo ship on fire, and Iranian drones also targeted Dubai’s airport. The U.S. campaign of airstrikes is now in its 12th day, and Israel is also striking inside Iran while hitting what it says are Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Separately, an Israeli assessment says Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, was wounded early in the conflict.
The ongoing American-Israeli war on Iran, for all its complexity and global effects, boils down to a single question: Who can take the pain the longest? A surge in oil prices points to what may be Iran’s most effective weapon and the United States’ biggest vulnerability in continuing the campaign: Damaging the world economy.
Wednesday’s major developments include Iranian attacks against commercial ships — setting a Thai cargo ship ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz — and drones targeting Dubai International Airport, escalating a campaign of squeezing the oil-rich region as global energy concerns mount.
The U.S. campaign of airstrikes on Iran is now in its 12th day with no end in sight after hitting more than 5,500 targets. The Israeli military is striking across Iran as well as in Lebanon, where Israel says it’s targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. An Israeli intelligence assessment also indicates that Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, was wounded at the start of the war.
The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, at least 570 in Lebanon and 12 in Israel, according to officials in those countries. The Pentagon said Tuesday that about 140 U.S. service members have been wounded, eight of them severely, and seven killed.
Here is the latest:
US official says Baghdad embassy’s airport support center hit by Iranian proxy drone
There were no deaths or injuries reported after a U.S. Embassy operations center at Baghdad’s airport was hit by a drone launched by Iraq-based Iranian proxies, a State Department official said.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because an investigation into the attack is still ongoing, said Wednesday that the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center “was targeted by Iran-backed terrorist militias overnight.” The actual U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad was not struck in the attack.
The official condemned the strike and said the U.S. was in close contact with Iraqi authorities “regarding steps to protect U.S. personnel and facilities.”
After Iran hits a Thai cargo ship, Bangkok says it’s ‘gravely concerned’
“In such challenging times,” Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said Wednesday, “respect for the Charter of the United Nations and principles of international law, such as the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, becomes imperative.” The ministry’s statement also called for immediate de-escalation of tensions and negotiations among all parties.
Authorities were searching for three missing crew members from the Thai cargo ship, which was set ablaze off the coast of Oman, after 20 others were rescued by the Omani navy, according to Thailand’s Marine Department.
At least 12 incidents have been confirmed involving vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz since the war began, according to two global trackers. The International Maritime Organization says at least seven mariners have been killed.
UN urges support for Lebanon as it demands Hezbollah disarm
U.N. political chief Rosemary DiCarlo urged stronger international support for Lebanon and its armed forces after the government banned Hezbollah’s military activities and ordered the group to hand over its weapons.
At an emergency Security Council meeting, DiCarlo said the U.N. is pressing to end the current conflict sparked by Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel after the killing of Iran’s supreme leader and Israel’s retaliation.
She warned the violence has “largely erased the progress” since a November 2024 ceasefire and is fueling fears of sectarian tensions in Lebanon.
Trump administration sees allies’ use of strategic oil reserves as appropriate
U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, speaking ahead of the International Energy Agency announcement, told Fox News that it’s appropriate for countries to release oil from their strategic reserves because the challenges in the Strait of Hormuz after the start of the war with Iran pose a “temporary transit problem.”
The White House did not immediately comment when asked if the U.S. would draw down from its own strategic stockpile, but Burgum expressed comfort with other nations doing so.
“We’ve got a transit problem which is temporary,” Burgum said on “Fox & Friends.” “When you have a temporary transit problem that we’re resolving militarily and diplomatically, which we can resolve and will resolve, this is the perfect time to think about releasing some of those to take some pressure off of the global price.”
Photos of displaced civilians sheltering in Lebanon’s schools and stadiums
Families in southern Lebanon have fled Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah, taking shelter in places like sports stadiums and schools in Beirut.
Lebanon’s minister of social affairs, Haneen Sayed, told reporters Wednesday that the war has displaced 780,000 people in Lebanon so far, and that 120,000 of them are staying in shelters.
IEA agrees to record release of emergency oil reserves in an effort to calm surging prices
The International Energy Agency agreed Wednesday to release the largest volume of emergency oil reserves in its history.
The Paris-based organization said it will make 400 million barrels of oil available from its members’ emergency reserves. That’s more than twice the 182.7 million barrels released in 2022 by the IEA’s 32 member countries in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
These countries currently hold over 1.2 billion barrels of public emergency oil stocks, and 600 million barrels of industry stocks under government obligation.
Germany, Austria and Japan said earlier Wednesday that they would release parts of their oil reserves following the IEA’s request to mitigate energy price spikes due to the Iran war.
US commander says AI helped military hit more than 5,500 targets in Iran
Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, said that as a result of the U.S. strikes, including one on a “large ballistic missile manufacturing facility,” Iran’s ballistic missile and drone attacks have “dropped drastically.” The targets have included more than 60 ships, he said in a video posted to social media Wednesday.
Cooper also confirmed that the military was using “advanced AI tools” to “sift through vast amounts of data in seconds.” He said these tools are enabling leaders to make smarter decisions faster but stressed that “humans will always make final decisions on what to shoot and what not to shoot and when to shoot.”
Israel’s UN envoy says Lebanon must act against Hezbollah — or Israel will
Ambassador Danny Danon said Israel always prefers diplomacy and talks with the Lebanese government will continue, “but now they have to choose to actually confront Hezbollah — they have to stop Hezbollah.”
“They have to choose — either they confront Hezbollah or they let us do it,” he said. “There is no other option.”
Danon was asked by U.N. reporters ahead of an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council meeting on Lebanon how long its military operation would last.
“As long as there will be a threat against us, we will operate,” he replied.
Lebanon’s cash-strapped military, backed by the U.S. and other governments, has been deploying in recent months across southern Lebanon where Hezbollah has a strong military presence, but it’s unclear if they are able or willing to disarm the Iran-backed militant group.
Naval expert: Without a ceasefire, transiting the strait is ‘suicidal’
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway off Iran’s coast now effectively closed by the war, is so vital for the global economy that governments are working on blueprints to speedily reopen it to oil tankers and other shipping when the shooting stops.
Former naval officers who are intimately familiar with the narrow Hormuz passage say vessels would be sitting ducks if military forces tried to reopen the waterway before hostilities cease.
“In today’s context, sending warships or civilian vessels into the Strait of Hormuz would be suicidal,” French navy retired Vice Adm. Pascal Ausseur said in an interview with The Associated Press.
A ceasefire agreement with Iran “would make the situation shift from suicidal to dangerous. At that point, military ships could be deployed. And then escort operations could begin,” he said.
Shrapnel punches through several floors of a Palestinian family home in shelter-less West Bank
Imad Darwish of Biddya — a northern West Bank town of more than 10,000 people — told The Associated Press that his two nieces panicked as the debris tore through concrete, sparking a small fire fueled by rocket propellant.
“Thankfully there were no injuries, only minor panic,” Darwish said. He had been at nightly Ramadan prayers at the time.
The Israeli-occupied West Bank does not have the same siren and shelter system Israelis rely on, although warning sirens from nearby Israeli settlements can often be heard. No Palestinians have been killed by Iranian missiles or falling debris from Israeli interceptions, but large fragments have hit multiple homes.
Palestinian Civil Defense crews arrived to remove the debris from the Darwish’s ceiling and extinguish the fire.
Trump keeps telling America he’s winning in Iran. He’s less clear in explaining how the war ends
Facing jittery global markets and drooping poll numbers since launching a war on Iran, President Donald Trump has cycled from calls for “unconditional surrender” to sounding amenable to an end state in which Iran trades one hard-line ayatollah for another.
Shifting comments from the Republican president and his top aides are adding to the precariousness of the 12-day-old conflict, which is impacting nearly every corner of the Middle East and causing economic tremors around the globe. With neither side budging, the war is now on an unpredictable path — one in which a credible endgame is still unclear.
Netanyahu advisor says Iranians must seize their future, as ‘plan B’ not an option
Michael Eisenberg, general partner of the Aleph venture capital fund, told The Associated Press Wednesday that he hopes Iranians will seize this opportunity to claim their freedom, as it’s currently the only option on the table. He said the war’s goals include enabling the Iranian people to take hold of their future in what he called a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
He acknowledged that people could risk death if they rise up, but said “freedom has a price. People pay. Sometimes with their life.”
“What Israel and the United States have done together is reduce the cost of freedom for the Iranian people,” he said. “It’s time to leave this evil death cult regime behind.”
When asked in the interview if there’s a plan B if that doesn’t transpire, Eisenberg said: “Plan B is not on the table right now.”
Putin speaks with the UAE’s leader
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin spoke about the war Wednesday with the United Arab Emirates president, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The Kremlin said in a readout that the leaders “continued their exchange of views on the dangerously deteriorating situation in the Middle East, which has grave consequences for Iran and the Arab countries.”
In his second call with Al Nahyan since the start of the Iran war, Putin emphasized “the need to stop the further escalation of the conflict and settle it through talks.” He also thanked Al Nahyan for offering assistance and support to Russian citizens in the UAE.
Monitors report a dozen incidents involving vessels since the war began
At least 12 incidents have been confirmed involving vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz since the war began, according to two global trackers.
The International Maritime Organization reports 12 involving merchant vessels as of Wednesday. IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez earlier said at least seven mariners had been killed.
And the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, run by the British military, says it has received 17 reports of incidents affecting vessels in and around the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman as of Wednesday. It lists 13 attacks and four others as “suspicious activity,” involving tankers, tugs, cargo and other vessels.
Iranian women’s soccer team is staying in Asia until it’s safe to travel home
The team members who didn’t request asylum in Australia may remain in Malaysia longer as Asian football authorities explore options for their onward travel.
“There is a possibility that they may remain in Malaysia longer if necessary,” Asian Football Confederation secretary-general Windsor John told the Scoop online news portal. He was quoted as saying that the AFC was also discussing with several countries in Asia about temporarily hosting the team.
He said the AFC had arranged for the team to travel from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur at short notice after it became clear the squad could not immediately return to Iran. They arrived in Malaysia early Wednesday, and their accommodation and related costs will be covered by the AFC, he said.
Iran questions World Cup participation
The head of Iran’s Football Federation raised doubts about whether Iran will take part in the World Cup that will be held across North America in June, after several members of the Iranian women’s soccer team sought asylum in Australia. Mehdi Taj told Iranian state media in an interview broadcast on Tuesday that members of the women’s soccer were coerced into staying in Australia, and accused Trump of interfering, referring to the soccer players as “hostages.”
Iran is scheduled to play its first match against New Zealand on June 16 in Los Angeles.
“If the outlook for the World Cup is like this, no reasonable person would accept to send their national team to such a place,” he said.
Israeli intelligence assessment indicates Iran’s new Supreme Leader was injured at the start of the war
That’s according to an Israeli intelligence official and a reservist with knowledge of the situation. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter with the media.
They gave no details on the nature of Ayatollah Motjaba Khamenei’s injuries.
The 56-year-old son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not been seen since succeeding his father on Monday. His father and wife both were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the first day of the conflict.
European Union issues new sanctions on Iran ‘for serious human rights violations’
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Wednesday that the 27-nation bloc is issuing new sanctions on 19 Iranian officials and entities.
“As the Iran war continues, the EU will protect its interests and pursue those responsible for domestic repression,” the EU’s top diplomat said in a social media post. “It also sends a message to Tehran that Iran’s future cannot be built on repression.”
A spokesperson for the European Commission did not immediately provide additional details.
Iran threatens to stop all oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz
Iran threatened to not allow “even a single liter of oil” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for the U.S., Israel, or their allies.
A spokesperson for Khatam Al-Anbia, which operates the Revolutionary Guard-owned companies, said any ship or oil cargo that belongs to the U.S., Israel, or its allies will be a legitimate target.
Under normal circumstances, around 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas is shipped through the narrow channel that leads to the Persian Gulf. Fears about the geopolitical situation have caused the price of oil to swing wildly.
US inflation was already rising before the war sent oil prices higher
Consumer prices were up 2.4% in February compared with a year earlier, the Labor Department said Wednesday. Excluding volatile food and energy categories, core prices climbed 2.5%. And since this data was collected, the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran have caused wild gyrations in oil prices. Gas prices already jumped and are expected to push inflation much higher when March data is released in early April.
The price spike will challenge officials at the Federal Reserve and could slow consumer spending, which drives two thirds of the nation’s economic growth each year. This could reverse if the war ends soon, but gas prices threaten to worsen inflation for at least a few months. That could keep “affordability” as a thorny political issue for Republicans facing voters in this year’s elections.
Romania allows more US troops and air support at its air bases
Romania’s top defense body on Wednesday approved a request from the United States to increase its troop presence and use of the NATO country’s air bases to facilitate its military operations in Iran and the Middle East.
President Nicusor Dan said the agreement would allow for the temporary deployment of more U.S. troops, and military equipment for refueling planes and defensive equipment such as satellite communication and monitoring equipment.
Iran cracks down on criticism on social media
Iran has arrested 81 people who have posted information on social media the authorities deem unacceptable during wartime, Iran’s state TV reported.
“Since we are at war, we will act like it, those in social media who cause tension for the public mind will be considered the enemy and will be treated as such,” Ahmad Reza Radan, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Republic’s security forces, said on state TV late Tuesday.
He said the people who post critical things or repost things connected to Iran’s enemies will face lengthy prison sentences and possibly executions.
Several other countries in the Middle East have also instituted similar bans. Israel restricts sharing photos and videos that show specific locations of strikes, and dozens of people have been arrested in Bahrain and Qatar for sharing “misleading” opinions and information online, according to DAWN, a Washington-based rights organization.
US Embassy in Baghdad urges American citizens to leave
“There have been attacks against U.S. citizens and U.S. interests in Iraq, and Americans face risk of kidnapping,” the statement said. “American businesses, hotels frequented by foreigners, and other facilities in Iraq, including those with U.S. ties, have been attacked.”
Since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, triggering the ongoing war in the Middle East, Iran and Iran-backed Iraqi militias have launched dozens of missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases and diplomatic facilities, energy and communications sites in Iraq, particularly in the semiautonomous northern Kurdish region.
Iraq’s airspace is closed, with land borders open to cross into Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
“Americans should strongly consider departing via one of these overland routes if they believe it is safe to do so,” the statement said.
Egypt urges Iran to stop its attacks on Arab countries
Egypt’s Foreign Minister has called for Iran to stop its attacks in Arab countries and warned that it should avoid “comprehensive chaos” in the Middle East.
Badr Abdelatty’s comments Wednesday came in a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to the Egyptian foreign ministry.
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific to raise fuel surcharge
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways will soon raise its fuel surcharges after experiencing a jump in jet fuel prices during the Iran war, its leaders said Wednesday.
The company’s CEO, Ronald Lam, said an announcement on surcharge adjustment will be made soon. The airline saw jet fuel prices roughly double in March from the average prices recorded in January and February.
Lavinia Lau, the firm’s chief customer and commercial officer, reported a surge in demand for routes, including those flying between Hong Kong and Europe, as passengers sought alternatives.
The airline has already halted flight services to Dubai and Riyadh for this month.
Israel bolsters its forces on northern border
Israel’s military said Wednesday it was repositioning troops from the south to provide reinforcements along the northern border.
Hezbollah last week resumed its drone and rocket attacks against Israel in support of Iran, and Israel responded with an intense, ongoing offensive.
For the residents of northern Israel, this has meant a return of the familiar sounds of explosions, interceptions, artillery fire and overhead jets. Sirens go off multiple times a day warning of incoming fire, typically providing a warning of just seconds to take cover and forcing residents to stay near shelters at all times.
Israel evacuated more than 60,000 people from northern Israel during the previous war with Hezbollah. There are currently no plans to evacuate northern communities.
Turkey calls for an end to the war and a return to diplomatic efforts
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the war must be stopped before it “sets the entire region on fire.”
“If diplomacy is given a chance, it is indeed possible to achieve (peace),” Erdogan said in a speech to his ruling party’s legislators.
He said Turkey was pressing ahead with efforts to bring the parties back to the negotiating table.
Iran hosts public funeral for commanders killed on the first day of the war
Iranian state television aired footage of people gathered Wednesday at Enqelab Square in Tehran even as Israeli airstrikes targeted the capital.
Among those being honored were Lt. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, and Lt. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, who led the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.
Pope Leo XIV pays tribute to a Lebanese priest killed in latest fighting
Pope Leo XIV is praying for peace in Iran, Lebanon and the Middle East at large, saying he hopes prayers may “be a comfort to those who suffer and a seed of hope for the future.”
Speaking at the end of his weekly general audience, Leo recalled that the funeral of a Maronite priest killed in southern Lebanon was being celebrated Wednesday. He said the Rev. Pierre El Raii, who was killed Monday as he tried to rescue a wounded parishioner, was a true pastor.
“May the Lord grant that his shed blood be a seed of peace for beloved Lebanon,” he said.
Drones target Oman
Oman said Wednesday that it shot down an Iranian drone and another crashed into the sea near its port at Duqm.
The state-run Oman News Agency, quoting an anonymous security official, made the announcement. It said there were no human or material losses in Wednesday’s drone attack.
Duqm has been a key resupply point for the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group amid the war.
