Key Highlights
The Iran-Israel War: A Week In Review
The US and Israel’s ongoing attacks on Iran continue, marking the ninth day since the conflict escalated. Late Saturday, an explosion near Azadi Tower in Tehran, close to Mehrabad international airport, was reported. The Israeli military claimed responsibility for striking fuel storage sites it alleges are affiliated with Iran’s armed forces.
Since February 28, at least 1,332 people have been killed in the conflict. President Donald Trump has demanded an “unconditional surrender” from Iran and stated that the war would continue “for a little while.” However, he emphasized that Washington is not seeking to settle with Tehran.
Maritime Threats
The Iranian military confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open but explicitly stated it will target any US or Israeli ships attempting to pass through. On Saturday, when asked about the lack of traffic in the strait by journalists, President Trump claimed it was the choice of the ships and said Washington has “wiped out” Iran’s navy.
Regional Reactions
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) condemned Iran’s continued attacks against Bahrain and Kuwait as “dangerous acts of aggression” threatening regional security. Countries across the Gulf reported drone strikes from Iran, including an attack on a water desalination plant in Bahrain. The majority of Gulf countries largely depend on desalinated water for their inhabitants’ consumption.
Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE also reported incoming missiles and drones in their territories. Kuwait said two border security personnel were killed while on duty, and attacks on its international airport and social security office caused fires.
Aviation and Evacuations
The GCC’s partial resumption of air navigation through Qatar’s Hamad International Airport via emergency routes was announced. Qatar Airways operated special flights from London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Frankfurt, and Bangkok to Doha on Sunday, all of which landed safely.
Iranian Leadership
Ayatollah Mohammad-Mahdi Mirbagheri, a member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts, hinted that a decision on a successor to the slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was near. The Fars news agency posted a video of him saying “great efforts to determine the leadership” had been made and that “a decisive and unanimous opinion” had been reached.
War Crimes Allegations
Human Rights Watch stated that the attack on a primary school in southern Iran, which killed at least 160 people, many of them schoolchildren, should be investigated as a war crime. Al Jazeera’s investigation found evidence suggesting the targeting of the school was “deliberate,” while The New York Times reported it may have been carried out by the US.
Oil Trade Impact
The conflict has significantly impacted global oil markets, with Brent crude oil prices climbing 27 percent in one week. This is the biggest weekly gain since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut due to Iranian attacks.
