The Iran Israel war intensified on Thursday as Iraq shut down several key oil export ports following attacks on two fuel tankers in its waters, while Israel launched a new wave of airstrikes in Lebanon and across Iran-linked targets. The escalation has raised fears that the regional conflict could disrupt global energy supply chains and expand into a wider Middle East confrontation.
Authorities reported that explosive-laden boats believed to be linked to Iran targeted two oil tankers near Iraqi maritime territory, setting both vessels ablaze. The incident prompted Baghdad to halt operations at major export terminals as a precautionary measure, triggering concerns over global oil flows from the Gulf region.
The tanker attacks occurred amid growing hostilities between Israel and Iran, a conflict that has increasingly spilled into maritime routes and neighboring states.
Indian national killed and dozens rescued in Gulf maritime attacks
The tanker incident also affected foreign crew members, including Indian nationals working on commercial shipping vessels. Authorities confirmed that one Indian citizen died in the attacks, while rescue teams successfully evacuated 38 other crew members from the damaged ships.
Maritime security firms indicated that the vessels caught fire after being struck by explosive boats, highlighting the growing threat to commercial shipping as the Iran Israel war expands beyond direct military confrontation.
Regional navies and emergency responders were deployed to assist survivors and contain the fires on the vessels. Shipping companies operating in the Gulf are now reviewing safety procedures as attacks on maritime routes raise concerns for cargo traffic and energy shipments.
Beirut airstrikes kill seven as Israel targets Hezbollah positions
The conflict also intensified in Lebanon as Israeli forces carried out a fresh round of airstrikes on positions linked to Hezbollah following an earlier attack attributed to the group and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
Officials in Beirut reported that at least seven people were killed when Israeli airstrikes struck several locations in the city and surrounding areas. Emergency crews continued rescue operations as smoke rose from damaged buildings in multiple districts.
The Israeli military indicated that the strikes were part of a broader campaign targeting Iranian-backed militant networks in the region.
Israel activates air defences as Iranian missiles detected
Meanwhile, Israel reported that air defence systems were activated after missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory. Explosions were heard across Jerusalem as interception systems attempted to neutralize incoming projectiles.
The Israeli military warned residents in affected areas to seek shelter during the missile alert. Officials stated that the launches marked another escalation in the Iran Israel war, which has already triggered multiple rounds of retaliatory strikes between the two countries.
Donald Trump warns Iran nearing defeat as conflict widens
In Washington, Donald Trump suggested that Iran was approaching a critical point in the conflict, while also warning that United States forces could intensify strikes if necessary.
According to remarks made to reporters, the US administration believes Iran is under mounting pressure but remains prepared to escalate military operations that could severely damage the country’s infrastructure.
The comments came as the United Nations Security Council debated measures aimed at preventing the Iran Israel war from spreading further across the region.
Global energy markets watch Gulf conflict closely
Analysts say the closure of Iraqi oil ports and attacks on tankers could have significant implications for global energy markets if the conflict continues to disrupt shipping routes. The Persian Gulf region remains one of the world’s most critical oil export corridors, and any interruption could quickly impact supply chains and energy prices.
Security experts warn that if maritime attacks continue, shipping companies may reroute vessels away from high-risk zones or demand higher insurance costs for Gulf voyages. Such developments could ripple across global trade networks already strained by geopolitical tensions.
As the Iran Israel war continues to unfold, governments and international organizations are urging restraint while monitoring the rapidly evolving security situation across the Middle East.