The Israeli military announced early Monday that it had begun an "additional wave" of strikes against "regime infrastructure" in central Iran. These actions are part of daily attacks that have continued since February following the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Simultaneously, Israel struck sites belonging to the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in Beirut.
Iran's new Supreme Leader has been appointed as Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the former leader Ali Khamenei. Israel had previously stated that anyone named to the role of Supreme Leader would become a target for assassination. The selection of Mojtaba Khamenei indicates that the Iranian government, at war with the US and Israel, has opted for a confrontational path.
In the second week of the Middle East war, oil prices have skyrocketed. The price of Brent crude passed $114 (€98.98) per barrel on Monday, a 23% jump compared to Friday's closing price. West Texas Intermediate crude was also selling for about $114 per barrel, a 25% increase from Friday. Asian stock markets plunged at opening on Monday amid the global oil price surge.
The Gulf typically accounts for about 20% of the world's oil. Before the war began, around 15 million barrels of crude oil were shipped through the Strait of Hormuz each day. Cargo ships have largely stopped sailing through the Strait of Hormuz due to the threat of Iranian drone and missile attacks, which have also been targeting oil and gas production facilities across the region.
Several Gulf nations reported fresh waves of Iranian missile and drone attacks early on Monday, most of which were intercepted. In Bahrain, officials said 32 people were injured overnight after an Iranian drone attack on the island of Sitra, with four in serious condition. All the injured were Bahraini citizens, including children and a two-month-old baby. In the capital of neighboring Qatar, Doha, several explosions were heard.
Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry said an Iranian drone attack targeting an oil field in eastern Saudi Arabia, near the border with the UAE, was thwarted early on Monday. "Four drones heading towards the Shaybah oil field were intercepted and destroyed," a statement said. Riyadh stepped up its rhetoric on Monday, warning Tehran that it would be the "biggest loser" if it continues with strikes against Arab countries.
Source: www.dw.com