16.03.2026 14:41
As the war between the US-Israel and Iran enters its third week, the Israeli army announced that the conflicts would last at least three more weeks; attacks in Iran have led to the closure of Dubai Airport, disruptions in oil shipments in the Gulf, and a significant halt in tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. While these developments also affect global energy markets, Brent crude oil prices have risen above $104, increasing concerns about inflation and energy supply worldwide.
The war that started on February 28 between the US-Israel and Iran is entering its third week, and tensions in the region are escalating. While the Israeli army continues airstrikes against Iran throughout the night, Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks.
Israeli army spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani announced on Monday that a detailed operational plan for at least three weeks of war with Iran has been prepared. It was also stated that the Israeli army is working on longer-term military plans.
Israel declared that the goal of the war is to weaken Iran's capacity to threaten Israel. The Israeli army reported that they have specifically targeted ballistic missile infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and security institutions. So far, it has been stated that more than 110,000 reserve soldiers have been mobilized and that there are thousands of targets to be hit within Iran.
CIVILIAN CASUALTIES IN IRAN
Iranian media reported that at least 5 people were killed and 7 injured in the attacks carried out at night in Markazi province. The Mehr news agency reported that residential areas around the city of Arak and an apartment building in the Mahallat district were hit.
It was also reported that a boys' school in the city of Humein was targeted and that damage occurred in the vicinity. Iran's Fars news agency wrote that US and Israeli warplanes targeted some areas east of Tehran.
DUBAI AIRPORT CLOSED
Iran's drone attacks have also shown their impact in the Gulf. After a drone hit a fuel depot near Dubai, flights at Dubai International Airport were suspended for several hours.
Oil loading activities at Fujairah Port, one of the UAE's major oil export points, were also suspended due to the Iranian drone attack. The port is known as a critical center from which approximately 1 million barrels of oil are sent to global markets daily. Saudi Arabia also announced that it shot down 34 Iranian drones in the eastern region within an hour.
STRAIT OF HORMUZ CLOSED
The impact of the war on global energy markets is growing. Tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world's oil and LNG trade passes, has largely come to a halt. Oil prices rose on Monday, with the price of Brent crude oil exceeding $104 per barrel. The increase in energy prices has heightened concerns about a resurgence of global inflation.
TRUMP CALLS FOR COALITION
US President Donald Trump called for the establishment of an international coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that countries dependent on Gulf oil must take responsibility for the security of the strait. Trump also warned NATO countries, stating that if allies do not provide support, the alliance could face a "very bad future." The US administration announced that it has been in contact with many countries, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, in this context.
CONFLICT SPREADING TO THE REGION
The war has not been limited to Iran. The Israeli army also announced that it continues its attacks on Iran-backed Hezbollah and Hamas targets in Lebanon and Gaza. The Israeli army reported that a limited ground operation against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon has been initiated. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi stated that the Tehran administration is neither requesting a ceasefire nor conducting talks with the US.