FLASH NEWS
War escalates! Iran and Hezbollah jointly attack ship in Strait of Hormuz, oil exceeds $100 per barrel
2026-03-12 08:23:16 / BOTA
On the 13th day of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, tensions have risen sharply as the world stands "cross-legged" in the face of developments that could determine the fate of the region and global stability.
New attacks at sea, military clashes and turmoil in energy markets are creating a situation that analysts describe as one of the most critical moments of the decade.
Consecutive attacks in the Persian Gulf
Thursday dawn brought another attack on a cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz, bringing to six the number of ships hit in the past two days alone along the vital global shipping corridor.
Among the ships involved in the latest incidents are two tankers that were attacked while in Iraqi territorial waters in the Persian Gulf. One of them, the Maltese-flagged Zefyros, is owned by a Greek company, while the other, the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu, is owned by the American company Safesea Transport Inc.
Authorities report that one person lost their life in the incident, while 38 crew members were rescued by emergency teams.
Iraq: Oil ports halt operations
Following the attacks, Iraq decided to completely suspend operations at its oil terminals. The director of the Iraqi Ports Company stated that activity at oil ports has been halted for security reasons, while commercial ports continue to operate normally. The decision is expected to significantly affect global energy supplies, adding to pressure on international oil markets.
Thailand demands explanations from Iran
Meanwhile, the Thai government has summoned the Iranian ambassador in Bangkok to demand explanations after a Thai-flagged cargo ship was hit by an unidentified missile near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Mayuree Naree was one of six ships hit in the past two days. The explosion sparked a fire in the engine room. Three crew members are still missing, while 20 others were rescued after being evacuated in lifeboats.
Coordinated Iran-Hezbollah attack on Israel
For the first time since the start of the conflict, Iran and Hezbollah announced that they had carried out a coordinated joint attack against Israel. According to statements released by both sides, the operation included the launch of missiles and drones at several Israeli military targets.
Israel immediately responded by launching a series of airstrikes on Beirut and Tehran, in what analysts consider a direct expansion of the conflict on several fronts simultaneously.
At least seven killed in Beirut
Lebanese authorities reported that an Israeli attack in the Ramlet al-Bayda area of central Beirut killed at least seven people and wounded 21 others. It is the third attack in the center of the Lebanese capital since the start of the war, following a raid on an apartment on Wednesday and another attack on a seaside hotel earlier in the week.
Oil returns above $100
Meanwhile, tensions in the region have also shaken global energy markets. Brent crude oil prices returned above $100 a barrel, up about 8.7% in one day, while US WTI crude reached around $94.8 a barrel.
The increase came despite a historic decision by member countries of the International Energy Agency to release about 400 million barrels from strategic reserves to stabilize global supply.
The world awaits the next step
As clashes at sea, in the air and on land intensify, international diplomacy is trying to avoid a wider regional conflict.
However, with key shipping corridors under threat, bombings in several capitals, and energy markets in turmoil, analysts warn that the world is at a critical juncture, where any future decision could determine the direction of the global crisis.
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