Iran attacks oil tankers. Pentagon: $11.3 billion already spent on war. UN resolution against Teheran attacks

The Lebanese Health Ministry says that eight people died in the evening after Israeli attacks in the east of the country. The attack in the district of Baalbek 'killed eight people and wounded three others', the ministry said in a statement. Earlier in the evening eight more victims were reported from raids in the south in the town of Tibnine.

The cost of the war against Iran has exceeded $11.3 billion in the first six days of operations alone. This was reported by Pentagon officials at a closed-door briefing on Capitol Hill, according to the New York Times. The estimate does not include many of the costs associated with the operation, such as sending military equipment and personnel to the region in preparation for the first attacks. For this reason, the Times notes, parliamentarians expect the figure to rise considerably, as the Pentagon continues to calculate the accumulated costs only in the first week.

"We have a big army, which I built during my first term. I didn't think I would use it so much." Donald Trump said this at an event in Kentucky.

Donald Trump told reporters in tow that he intends to take 'some' oil out of US reserves to counter rising petrol prices due to the war in Iran.

The House of Representatives gave the green light to the majority resolution on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's communications in the House on Iran and the EU Council. There were 196 'yes' votes, 122 'no' votes and 3 abstentions.

A harsh condemnation of the impediments placed by Israel on access to the holy places in Jerusalem, and in particular to the Al Aqsa Mosque, comes from Islamic countries, which in a joint statement call the ban "discriminatory and arbitrary", as well as "provocative", with Ramadan in full swing. The document bears the signatures of the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. "The security restrictions on access to the Old City of Jerusalem and its places of worship, combined with the discriminatory and arbitrary access restrictions to other places of worship," it reads, "constitute a flagrant violation of international law, including international humanitarian law, the historical and legal status quo and the principle of unrestricted access to places of worship."

"In contact with the people of Russia and Pakistan, I emphasised that the only way to end the war started by the belligerent propaganda of the Zionist regime and America is the acceptance of Iran's unquestionable rights, the payment of reparations and a firm international obligation to prevent their aggression from repeating itself". Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian writes this on X.

The UN Security Council approved with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions (Russia and China) the resolution proposed by Bahrain that 'condemns in the strongest terms Iran's serious attacks against the territories of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan and calls for an immediate cessation of such attacks and states that they constitute a violation of international law and a serious threat to international peace and security'. The text had 135 co-sponsors including the US and Italia.

With the latest developments in the Middle East conflict, "environmental risks are also a cause for growing concern". This is the warning issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which in a note takes stock of the 'collateral' dangers to public health. "In Iran, oil fires and smoke from damaged infrastructure have exposed neighbouring communities to toxic pollutants that potentially cause respiratory problems and eye and skin irritation, as well as contaminated water and food sources," the UN agency reports.

"We made a little incursion. We had to make this little incursion of a couple of weeks,' said US President Donald Trump, referring to the ongoing war against Iran. "But it was incredible. Our military has been extraordinary," Trump said in front of reporters arriving in Cincinnati, specifying that "for them it's a war; for us it turned out to be easier than we thought." The United States struck 28 Iranian ships in response to reports that the Islamic Republic had attempted to undermine the Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump said today." The Iranians 'started talking about mines, so we hit 28 mine-carrying ships right now... using the same weapon, exactly the same weapon we use against drug dealers in the water,' Trump told reporters.

According to an ongoing preliminary investigation, the US is responsible for the primary schools attack in Iran that claimed 175 lives, most of them children, disproving President Trump who had blamed Tehran for the massacre. This is revealed in advance by the New York Times, which writes 'Hitting a school full of children will surely be remembered as one of the most devastating military blunders in decades', before explaining in detail how it happened.

Lapidary Turkish President Taypip Erdogan about the role of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: 'It is the worst catastrophe for Israel since the Holocaust'.

Iran accused the US of conducting a double attack with Tomahawk missiles against the school in Minab. In a message posted on X, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei published a video showing two missiles hitting a target within a short distance, denouncing an attack that 'slaughtered 168 little Iranian angels' on 28 February. According to Baghaei, this was 'an unforgivable and serious war crime that must not go unpunished'.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the G7 leaders' summit "reaffirmed the commitment to fostering a return to diplomacy that leads to solutions for stability in the region and the importance of the G7's solidarity with the Gulf nations affected by the Iranian attacks in this regard" and "proposed that a confrontation be organised between the G7 and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council)". This was reported in a statement by Palazzo Chigi.

Donald Trump "does not believe" that Iran has planted mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to reporters at the White House, the president also stressed that 'there will be tremendous security' in the strait.

Iranian military spokesman Abu al-Fadl Shekharji told Tehran state television that "if our ports are threatened" then "all ports and harbours in the region will become a legitimate target for us". This was reported by Iran International.

Donald Trump is back to threatening Spain over its stance on the Iran war. "I could cut trade relations" with Madrid, he said speaking to reporters at the White House. "The Spanish are a great people, the leadership not so much," he added.

"Over the past 12 days, Iranian drones and missiles have struck innocent civilians and civilian targets in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan and elsewhere. This unprovoked aggression is a horrible crime. Our entire Air Force and air defence have successfully intercepted over 954 Iranian missiles, over 2,500 drones and 17 aircraft since 28 February. They continue to intercept them now." This was said by Bahrain's ambassador to the UN, Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, announcing that today at 3pm local time, 10pm Italian time, the Security Council will vote on the draft resolution proposed by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf countries, which "condemns in the strongest terms Iran's attacks". Attacks that 'constitute a violation of international law and a threat to international peace and security'. The text calls for a 'cessation of hostilities by Tehran', and 'condemns Iran's deliberate attacks on innocent civilians and civilian objects, including critical infrastructure such as airports, energy facilities and commercial premises'.

Donald Trump reiterated that 'almost all of Iran has been destroyed'. Speaking to reporters before leaving for Ohio and Kentucky, he stressed that the US military 'is hitting' Tehran 'very hard'.

Iran has placed about a dozen mines in the Strait of Hormuz, in a move that is likely to complicate the reopening of the strait. Reuters online writes this, citing two sources familiar with the matter. One source said the location of most of the mines is known, but refused to explain how the US intends to handle them. Mine deployment activity is not yet extensive, other sources told CNN, adding that Tehran still holds more than 80-90% of its small boats and minelayers, so its forces could easily lay hundreds of them.

Iran has condemned the European Union's new sanctions against officials accused of alleged human rights violations. In a post on X, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei called the measures 'absurd', 'immoral' and 'totally illegal'. Baghaei said the sanctions are intended to punish Iran for what he described as exercising its "right to self-defence< under Article 51 of the UN Charter and for resisting "aggression" by the US and Israel. Hours earlier, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, announced that member states had approved new sanctions against 19 Iranian officials and entities for serious human rights violations.

"The US claims to have destroyed Iran's missile capabilities. The first large-scale missile waves were to blind enemy radars and defences. Now we can hit any place with fewer missiles". This was written on X by the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who joked about the Iron Dome, pointing out the limitations of the Israeli defence systems.

"Iran has launched more than ten missiles with cluster warheads against Israel since the beginning of the war". This was stated by Doron Lavi, head of the bomb disposal unit of the Israeli police. According to Israeli officials and an analysis of footage verified by the New York Times, Tehran has reportedly used cluster munitions - weapons that are widely banned internationally - against several areas of the country, including population centres. Cluster munitions open in flight, dispersing numerous submunitions, which can strike indiscriminately and pose a high risk to civilians. More than a hundred countries signed an international convention banning their use in 2008, but neither Iran nor Israel has signed up to it, as have major powers such as the US, Russia, India and China. In a video released by the municipal authority on 4 March, a submunition is seen exploding on a street in Or Yehuda, near Tel Aviv, without causing any injuries.

The US Central Command warned of the risk of possible attacks on Iranian civilian ports along the Strait of Hormuz.

French President Emmanuel Macron, opening the G7 leaders' video conference on the Middle East crisis, stressed the need to 'restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible'. Images of Macron's speech were published on the Elysée Palace's X profile.

"Hezbollah must cease its attacks on Israel and cooperate with the government's efforts to assert full state authority. Israel must stop its military campaign in Lebanon and withdraw its forces from the territory. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Lebanon and Israel must be respected. All parties must fulfil their obligations under international law'. This was said by the UN's head of political affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, during the Security Council meeting. "Civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be targeted, UN personnel must be protected," she added. "To prevent further loss of life and create space for meaningful political engagement, violence must stop. The resumption of violence along the Blue Line has largely erased the progress made in recent months to consolidate the cessation of hostilities."

Citigroup has decided to evacuate its employees from offices in Dubai "due to growing security concerns" after the Iranian threat to strike US- and Israeli-linked banks in the Middle East in retaliation for the Israeli-US attack on a bank in Iran. A source told Afp on condition of anonymity, explaining that employees were asked to evacuate Citi offices in the Dubai International Financial Centre (Difc) and Oud Metha. Employees of two other Difc companies also told the Afp that their offices were evacuated as a precautionary measure following threats from Iran.

Today, 11 March, the International Energy Agency announced the decision of its 32 member countries to make available to the market 400 million barrels of oil from their emergency reserves to deal with the disruption to oil markets caused by the war in the Middle East. This was announced by the IEA itself. This is a record volume, more than double the 182 million barrels released by the agency's member countries after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the military and security escalation in the Middle East and its implications for regional and international stability.

According to a note, the two leaders had a telephone conversation in which they reviewed developments in the situation in the region.

The US president seems to be signalling that the war against Iran will end 'soon' because 'there is practically nothing left to target'. Donald Trump said this in a telephone interview published by the Israeli website N12 and Axios. The US leader explained that 'when I want' the war 'to end, it will end'. According to Trump, "the war is going very well. We are way ahead of schedule. We have caused more damage than we thought possible, even in the original six-week period'. Referring to Iran's attacks on the Gulf countries, Trump added that 'they are attacking the rest of the Middle East. They are paying for 47 years of death and destruction that they have caused. This is payback. They're not getting off that easy."

Ahead of the resolutions to be discussed at the UN Security Council today, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar sent a letter to the UN Security Council with a request to condemn Iran and designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation. "The Iranian regime's recent actions underline that its aggression constitutes a direct threat not only to Israel, but also to regional and international peace and security," Gideon Sa'ar wrote in a post on X accompanying the missive.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Supreme Leader of Iran, suffered a fractured foot, a haematoma around his left eye and lacerations on his face from the Israeli-American air raid that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and five other members of his family on 28 February. This was reported by CNN citing a well-informed source. An Israeli source had previously told CNN that Ayatollah Khamenei's second son had been wounded last week and rumours have been circulating for days that he was injured. The new Supreme Leader has never appeared in public or made any statements since his appointment on Sunday. The son of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Yousef, said this morning that he had heard that Khamenei had been injured, but that he is now 'safe, sound and sound'.

The Senate chamber approved with 102 votes in favour, 66 against and 1 abstention the majority resolution on PM Giorgia Meloni's communications. The document aims, among other things, to 'condemn Iran's destabilising role throughout the region and express its full support for the Iranian people in their struggle for freedom'. Another commitment is 'to reiterate the importance of safeguarding the integrity and security of the European Union's land, air and maritime borders, and to ensure that they are effectively protected'. The majority aims to "support and enhance, in all European and international fora, the fundamental role of the maritime defence operations Aspides and Atalanta" and "to promote, in liaison with the European institutions and member states, a possible adaptation and reinforcement of these missions, should the situation on the ground require it". The other opposition resolutions were precluded or deemed partially absorbed.

The Spanish government has ordered the formal dismissal of the ambassador to Israel, Ana Salomon, in office since 2021 and already recalled for consultations in September 2025, following diplomatic tensions with Benjamin Netanyahu's government, which followed the recognition of the State of Palestine in April two years ago. The measure was published in the Official State Bulletin and was adopted at the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, by resolution of the Council of Ministers yesterday. The decree, signed by King Felipe VI, thanks the diplomat for her 'services rendered'.

Two Israeli officials told Reuters that Israel does not believe that US President Donald Trump is about to order an end to the war with Iran, and added that there is no certainty in Israel that the ongoing war will lead to the collapse of the Iranian regime. Reuters itself reports this on its website

The Iranian military will not allow ''a single litre of oil'' to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This was stated by the spokesman for Iran's central command of military operations, Khatam Al-Anbiya, in a note relayed by state television. "Any ship whose oil cargo or the ship itself belongs to the US, the Zionist regime or their hostile allies will be considered a legitimate target,'' Khatam Al-Anbiya said.

Nairobi - In Vision 2030, the strategy launched a decade ago by Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia insisted on the 'diversification' of the national economy and a farewell to oil dependence. Today, there is one resource that seems as much in the balance as, and more than, black gold profits: water. Riyadh is facing the risks of the Iranian offensive on the hundreds of desalination plants distributed between Riyadh and the other five countries that form the Cooperation Council of the area (Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar).

Already, Tehran's first incursions had fallen near key drinking water production and supply facilities, including those launched a few kilometres from Dubai's Jebel Ali: a complex housing over 40 desalination plants, fuelled by fossil fuels that abound in the region's subsoil.

The EU member states must maintain sufficient emergency oil stocks for 'ninety days' and now the deposits 'are full'. This was assured by European Energy Commission spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen in Brussels, stating that 'a committee meeting is scheduled tomorrow' to discuss their possible use.

''The operation led by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will continue without time limit, until we achieve all the objectives and win the campaign." This was stated by the Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, following an assessment of the situation held at Defence Headquarters, together with the Chief of Staff, the head of military intelligence and the head of the Home Front Command, among others.

Iran's sports minister rules out his country's participation in the World Cup in the USA. This was reported by the Faz, in an article about Donald Trump's stance, which assures that the team will be able to participate. 'Since this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, we have no intention of participating in the World Cup,' Minister Ahmad Donjamali said on TV, emphasising the 'evil measures taken against Iran: two wars have been imposed on us in eight or nine months and several thousand of our citizens have been killed. We have absolutely no chance to participate'.

Iranian headquarters spokesman Khatam al-Anbiya warns the US: impossible to control crude oil prices with 'artificial measures', 'prepare for oil at 200 dollars'.

The White House believes it can tolerate a rise in oil prices for a few more weeks before it becomes a serious political issue. According to sources close to the administration quoted by Politico, President Donald Trump's team considers any rise in energy prices manageable for three to four weeks without the need to change its military strategy in the conflict with Iran. The prevailing view within the administration is that the current spikes are temporary. Oil fell to around $80 a barrel yesterday after touching around $120 over the weekend, reinforcing the belief that market swings are temporary and do not require immediate changes in US policy. A former administration official explained that 'several weeks of consistent data' on price trends would be needed before reviewing the approach: 'These small temporary swings are not what they will base policy on'. According to the sources, the rise in prices was not taken as a reason to change the military strategy, although the rapidity of the surge on Sunday evening surprised the White House.

The missile frigate 'Federico Martinengo', the Italian Navy ship that left the port of Taranto last Friday, has arrived in the area of Cyprus, for the defence of the island. The frigate has more than 160 Italian military personnel on board, for an operation that is taking place as part of a coordinated deployment between Italia, Spain, France and the Netherlands. The frigate joined the group of the French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle.

Klm, the Dutch airline controlled by the Air France - Klm group, cancels all flights to Dubai until 28 March for security reasons as the war in the Middle East continues. "Due to the persistent unrest in the Middle East, Klm has decided to cancel all flights to Dubai up to and including 28 March," the Dutch airline stressed. "The safety of our passengers and crews remains our top priority at all times," the company pointed out, adding that it is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with the relevant authorities. The airline is also working with Dutch diplomacy to repatriate citizens stranded in the region. On Monday, German airline Lufthansa Group announced that it had extended the suspension of its flights to and from several key airports in the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Israel and Iran. Connections to and from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Dammam (in Saudi Arabia), Amman (in Jordan) and Erbil (in Iraq) are suspended until 15 March inclusive. On the other hand, flights to and from Beirut are suspended until 28 March, while connections to and from Tel Aviv will remain suspended until 2 April inclusive. Finally Tehran, the longest-affected destination, will not be served by the airline group until 30 April inclusive. For its part, Air France has extended the suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv and Beirut until 13 March inclusive. Flights to Dubai and those to and from Riyadh are suspended until 12 March inclusive. Those departing from Dubai will remain suspended until 13 March, according to the French company.

Fumo dopo raid israeliano a Beirut

The Pope this morning received in audience Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, Archbishop of Tehran. This was announced by the Vatican. Mathieu is the only Roman Catholic bishop serving in Iran. Mathieu arrived in Rome three days ago. "I arrived not without regret and sorrow for our brothers and sisters in Iran in the context of the complete evacuation of the Italian embassy, seat of the archdiocese," the Belgian cardinal himself had told the CathoBel portal.

Thai officials say a search is underway for three missing crew members after a Thai cargo ship was hit and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz. The Bangkok Navy Department said that 20 crew members of the ship 'Mayuree Naree' have already been rescued by the Oman Navy and brought ashore in Khasab. The three missing crew members were allegedly in the engine room when the explosion occurred. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre, run by the British military, said earlier that the vessel had been hit just north of Oman in the strait. The Navy Department added that it is coordinating with relevant national and international agencies for search and rescue operations and to provide assistance to the crew members involved.

Germany is releasing part of its national oil reserves. Dpa writes this. The reason is the significant increase in oil and fuel prices due to the war in Iran, which prompted the G7 countries to discuss the possibility of releasing reserves. (

The building and headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps in Fardis, Alborz province, was destroyed in an attack. This is shown in a video released by Iran International, a London-based opposition channel. The area was hit during joint attacks by Israel and the United States.

At least 570 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since Israel and the United States' war against Iran spread to the Cedar country on 2 March. This was stated by the Ministry of Health in Beirut, explaining that among the victims 439 were men, 45 women and 86 children. The death toll includes 14 health workers, the ministry specified.

Britain's support for the United States in its joint military operation with Israel against Iran has come ''too late'' and is ''too little''. This was stated by the White House envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, in an exclusive interview with 'GB News'. Speaking about US President Donald Trump's public criticism of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Witkoff said that in any case ''I think they have a good, solid relationship, and I hope they can repair it''. Witkoff added that ''I go by what the president says, and the president continually repeats that everyone is entitled to their own point of view. But I think sometimes we find that we lack that feeling of gratitude''. Witkoff explained that Trump believes that as the United States ''we do a lot for Europe, a lot for the United Kingdom, in trade, in defence, in the support we give to NATO. And I think sometimes the response, the reciprocity, is a little bit lacking''.

At least 17 US sites were damaged in retaliatory attacks launched by Iran against US targets in the Gulf countries. The New York Times reports this today, based on satellite images, videos verified on social media and statements by US officials and Iranian state media, pointing out that many of these sites have been hit more than once since the war began on 28 February.

Senior US defence officials told Nyt that during these first 11 days of the conflict, Iran has targeted important air defence and radar systems, as well as hotels frequented by US troops. Iranian forces, they added, appear to be targeting what they see as American vulnerabilities: interceptors and air defences designed to protect troops and assets in the region. The intensity of the retaliatory attacks also signalled that Iran was more prepared for the conflict than many in the Trump administration had anticipated.

'The security threat has been eliminated and the situation has returned to normal'. This was the message issued by the Qatari Defence Ministry after the announcement that the second missile attack of the day had been intercepted. This was reported by Al Jazeera. The authorities had issued a 'high' threat level alert, warning residents to 'stay indoors'.

During a speech to his parliamentary group, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for an end to the war in the Middle East 'before it completely overwhelms the region. This war must end before it escalates and completely overwhelms the region. If diplomacy has a chance, it is entirely possible. We are patiently continuing our efforts to bring the parties back to the negotiating table,' the Turkish head of state said.

"I am close to all the Lebanese people in this moment of grave trial". The Pope said this at the end of the general audience, recalling that today the funeral of Father Pierre El Raii, parish priest of Qlayaa, who was killed in a bombing. "Father Pierre was a true pastor who always remained close to his people," stressed Leo XIV. "We continue to pray for peace in Iran and throughout the Middle East, especially for the many civilian victims, including many innocent children," the Pontiff added.

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President Donald Trump's statements that the war with Iran may soon end are bringing to light a new problem: Israel and the United States have different ideas about when to end the conflict and under what conditions. The Wall Street Journal reports that there is concern among White House officials that Israel wants to prolong the war, while Washington expresses a desire to end the attacks. US and Israeli officials say the message from Tel Aviv is that it will stop its operation in Iran as soon as US involvement ceases. Trump, officials report, has told his aides that he wants to end the war in his own way and, after negotiating a ceasefire in last year's 12-day war, believes he can stop the fighting whenever he wants. Despite the close coordination, differences in Israeli and American approaches are emerging, with Israel continuing to track and target key Iranian officials while expanding its range of targets to include the country's oil industry in an attempt to force a change in leadership. According to sources consulted by the Wsj, the US also told Tel Aviv that the administration was "not happy" with the attacks on Iranian energy facilities and said it would not repeat them unless approved by Washington.

Three ships were hit today near the Strait of Hormuz, according to the agency monitoring maritime safety, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (Ukmto). One ship was hit by an 'unknown projectile' 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai, the agency reported, pointing out that the crew is safe and there is no environmental impact.

Previously, Ukmto had reported a fire that broke out and was later extinguished aboard a cargo ship about 11 nautical miles north of Oman, with the crew brought to safety, and another attack on a container ship 25 nautical miles northwest of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. In the latter case, 'the master reported that the ship suffered damage from an unknown projectile' and that all crew members were safe and sound'.

"Netanyahu does not want us to see how Iran's powerful armed forces are punishing Israel for its aggression. Here is what our men and women on the ground are reporting: total destruction caused by our missiles, panicked leaders and air defences in chaos. And we are only at the beginning'. This was stated on X by Israeli Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

China is stepping up diplomatic efforts to foster a de-escalation of the Iran crisis and promote a political solution to the conflict. This was stated by Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun at a daily press conference in Beijing today.

The spokesman reported that Foreign Minister Wang Yi had held telephone talks with the heads of diplomacy of Kuwait, Bahrain, Pakistan and Qatar over the past two days to discuss the regional situation.

Iran has continued to export oil to China through the Strait of Hormuz despite the fact that the war between the US and Israel on the one hand and Tehran on the other has jeopardised trade in the strategic sea route. Cnbc writes this today.

According to the monitoring company TankerTrackers, at least 11.7 million barrels of Iranian crude oil have been sent through the strait since the start of the conflict on 28 February and are reported to be on their way to China. The estimate is in line with that of the shipping analysis company Kpler, which calculates about 12 million barrels transited during the same period.

"We are already seeing the impact of the situation in the Middle East on energy. Our diversification efforts are paying off. But this does not mean that we are immune to price shocks'. This was said by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, at the plenary of the Europarliament. "Since the beginning of the conflict, gas prices have risen by 50 per cent and oil prices by 27 per cent. Translated into euros: ten days of war have already cost European taxpayers an extra EUR 3 billion for fossil fuel imports. This is the price of our dependence,' he pointed out.

An Iranian joint military command says banks and financial institutions are now a target in the Middle East. The Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters issued a statement on Wednesday identifying the targets. The statement came after Iranian media reported that bank staff in Tehran were killed in Israeli-American airstrikes. The threat would particularly endanger Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, home to numerous international financial institutions, as well as Saudi Arabia and the kingdom of Bahrain.

Four people were injured when two drones crashed near Dubai International Airport. This was announced by the Dubai government's media relations office. The post shared on 'X' states that the two people involved are an Indian national, who sustained moderate injuries, two Ghanaians and one Bangladeshi with minor injuries. ''Air traffic is proceeding normally,'' the post continues. It is not immediately clear the extent of the damage to the airfield.

The US military claimed to have struck 16 Iranian minelayer ships near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping channels, as Trump administration officials struggled to present a clear plan for war against Iran.

Washington threatens Iran with serious 'military consequences', accusing it of planning to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The US president declared that Iran would face 'unprecedented military consequences' if it were to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Shortly afterwards, the US military destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying ships 'near the Strait'. Typically, one fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas production passes through this waterway. 'Control of the Strait of Hormuz has allowed Iran to exert influence on international economic relations,' said the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. After several days of skyrocketing prices, reaching almost $120 a barrel, oil fell yesterday. Traders are waiting for an announcement from the International Energy Agency on reserves.

The son of President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the new leader Mojtaba Khamenei is safe despite being injured during the US-Israeli raids.

Iran claims to have carried out large-scale attacks against US and Israeli targets. This is reported by Afp, which cites Iranian state media as sources

"Saudi Arabia's air defence forces destroyed six Iranian missiles fired in the direction of the Prince Sultan airbase." This was stated by the Ministry of Defence in a note, as reported by Tass.

At least one person died in the Israeli attack in the western Bekaa region of Lebanon. This was reported by the Beirut Health Ministry, quoted by the NNA news agency. Two people were injured. The raid hit the town of Zlaya. The ministry also stated that four other people were injured in an attack on the town of Tibnin, in the district of Bint Jbeil.

Explosions were reported near the Tehran airport. The pictures, released by Al Jazeera, show huge explosions that occurred overnight near the Mehrabad airport, located inside the Iranian capital. In the footage, smoke can be seen rising around the airport.

The Israeli army said it had detected several missile salvoes heading towards the country from Iran and activated air defences while a 'wave' of attacks against Iran and Lebanon was underway. "Defensive systems are operational to intercept the threat," the army stated on its official Telegram account. Air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem, as reported by Afp journalists, and the sound of explosions was heard in the distance. Israeli emergency services reported no injuries after the rocket launch, but said their teams were treating 'a small number of people who were injured on their way to protected areas'. Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 reported several people injured as a result of the Iranian attacks near Tel Aviv. Hours later, the Israeli army again announced that it had 'identified missiles fired by Iran towards the territory of the State of Israel' and that missile interceptors were active. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards said they had targeted a satellite communications centre in Haifa, military bases in Israel, and US targets elsewhere in the Middle East, including Iraqi Kurdistan and the US Fifth Fleet naval base in Bahrain. "We will continue our attacks with determination and power, and in this war we contemplate nothing but the complete surrender of the enemy," the Revolutionary Guards stated on their Sepah News website.

The disruption of flights between Australia and New Zealand, and European countries, is forcing travellers into hitherto unthinkable routes, with a series of stopovers through the US. As the Australian Financial Review reports today, two weeks of US and Israeli bombing of Iran, and its reprisals across the Gulf, have virtually halted the most popular routes through Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Forcing popular routes such as Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad to offer refunds and free reservations to Australian passengers. The executive director of US-based United Airlines, Scott Kirby, reported that the number of passengers travelling from Australia and New Zealand to Europe has jumped to over 1,000 a day. Emirates is the largest partner of Australia's Qantas, while Qatar is in partnership with Virgin Australia. The sudden shortage of seats between Europe and Australia via the Middle East has sent prices soaring, with reduced seat availability.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said it had launched its 'most violent and intense operation' since the start of the war in recent hours. This was reported by Tehran media, quoted by CNN, which said that the night attack involved the launch of missiles, including the Khorramshahr long-range ballistic missile, against targets in Israel and the US. "We will continue our sustained attacks with determination and strength, and in the continuation of this war we think only of the complete surrender of the enemy," the Pasdaran said in a statement. "The war will end only when the shadow of war is removed from our country," they added.

An alleged Iranian drone struck a US diplomatic facility in Iraq. Two sources familiar with the matter told CNN. The drone hit the Diplomatic Support Centre in Baghdad, located near the Iraqi capital's airport. The drone, the sources said, struck near a guard tower. It is unclear whether there were any casualties.