In a significant escalation, a US-Israeli military coalition bombed major oil depots and fossil fuel infrastructure in and around Tehran, causing widespread fires and plumes of black smoke. The attacks, described as “apocalyptic” by observers and a “major escalation” of an already criticized war, led to dramatic price jumps in crude oil futures. Iran’s Ministry of Oil confirmed multiple depots were targeted, while the Israeli military stated the facilities were used by Iran’s armed forces, calling it a strike to dismantle military infrastructure. Critics contend these attacks on everyday infrastructure aim to break the Iranian people’s backs.
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The Israeli Defense Forces have declared their intention to target anyone involved in the selection of Iran’s next supreme leader. This statement follows reports that a majority consensus has been reached within the Assembly of Experts regarding a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While some procedural hurdles remain, the IDF’s warning clearly indicates a willingness to strike at the heart of this succession process.
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The U.S. State Department has authorized an emergency military sale to Israel, valued at $151.8 million, which includes 12,000 BLU 110 aerial bombs and associated support. This transaction, deemed critical for U.S. national security, bypasses standard congressional review due to an emergency determination by the Secretary of State. The sale aims to bolster Israel’s capacity to confront immediate and potential future threats and to act as a deterrent within the Middle East.
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For the first time in modern history, a Gallup poll reveals that a majority of Americans sympathize more with Palestinians than Israelis, a significant shift from previous decades. This change is particularly pronounced among Democrats, with independents also showing a greater leaning towards Palestinians. Concurrently, favorable views of Israel have reached a historic low, while views of the occupied Palestinian territories have seen a record high.
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This escalating conflict saw Israel conduct airstrikes on Iranian security targets and Hezbollah in Beirut, as Iran threatened widespread destruction. The war extended to the Indian Ocean and included exchanges between Iran, Gulf states, and Hezbollah. The US signaled a potentially lengthy conflict, estimating it could last up to eight weeks, while Iran vowed to continue targeting US allies across the region. Meanwhile, funeral proceedings for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were delayed amidst reports of his son Mojtaba Khamenei being favored as a successor, a move analysts suggest would increase the IRGC’s influence.
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Senator Rubio indicated during a Capitol Hill visit that U.S. intervention was a direct response to intelligence suggesting an imminent Israeli strike on Iran. He explained that this preemptive action was deemed necessary to prevent Iranian retaliation against U.S. interests and forces. However, President Trump later publicly refuted any suggestion that Israel had compelled the White House to act.
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The Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has reasserted Spain’s commitment to international law and peace, denouncing war as a futile solution and rejecting blind obedience to powerful nations. Referencing the Iraq War, he emphasized that conflict leads to instability, terrorism, and economic crises, not a just international order. Despite facing potential trade repercussions, Spain remains aligned with EU values and the UN Charter, advocating for diplomatic solutions and preparedness to protect its citizens and mitigate economic impacts.
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Following Operation Roaring Lion, which saw the elimination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking Iranian officials, Israeli forces targeted a building in Qom where Tehran’s Assembly of Experts was convened to select a successor. Iranian news agencies reported the structure was destroyed, though no casualties have been confirmed. The strikes are part of a broader campaign by the IDF that has included over 2,500 bombs dropped on more than 600 targets across the Islamic Republic.
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In a significant move following the regional conflict, Iran has reportedly declared that only Chinese vessels will be permitted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global chokepoint. This decision is presented as a gesture of gratitude for China’s supportive stance towards Tehran. The Strait, through which approximately 20% of global oil supplies transit, has been under threat of blockade by Iran since the conflict began, raising alarms about disruptions to global supply chains. China, the primary purchaser of Iranian oil, has previously appealed for a ceasefire and the safety of shipping lanes, emphasizing the importance of energy security for the global economy. In parallel, the United States has pledged to escort tankers through the Strait if necessary, aiming to ensure the “free flow of energy to the world.”
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt refuted claims that Senator Marco Rubio stated Israel initiated the conflict with Iran, which consequently drew in the United States. Leavitt asserted that Rubio’s remarks, taken out of context from a viral tweet, did not suggest such a causal link. Instead, Rubio explained that the preemptive U.S. strike was a necessary measure to prevent Iran from developing a missile capability that could hold the region hostage, regardless of Israeli actions. This clarification comes amidst retaliatory strikes following joint U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran’s missile program.
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John Q. Hosedrinker