Israeli air strikes hit Tehran, Iran retaliates in the Gulf region; shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted, oil prices surge, and tensions escalate.
Photo credit: Reuters: Satellite images show a fire at the Ras Tanura refinery in Saudi Arabia after a drone attack, with staff working to contain the flames.
Israel launched a fierce air strike on Tehran, Iran, with its allies also attacking Gulf states, causing severe disruption to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and leading to a sharp rise in global oil prices.
Meanwhile, as the conflict spreads across the region, political pressure on Washington is increasing.
Here's what happened in the past 24 hours:
Iran
Supreme Leader's speech: Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who was appointed following his father's assassination last week, delivered his first statement since taking office, warning that attacks on Israeli and U.S. military assets and infrastructure in the Middle East will continue unless U.S. bases in the region are closed.
Tehran subjected to fierce air strikes: The Israeli military launched a new "massive" air strike on the Iranian capital Tehran, and on Friday morning, Tehran was shrouded in smoke.
Strait of Hormuz closed, oil prices soar: The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, has been closed, causing Brent crude oil prices to rise above $100 per barrel. The strait lies within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman and is the only passage for Persian Gulf oil producers to reach international waters. Iran has declared the strait under its control, banning vessels linked to the United States and Israel from passing through. Other vessels must obtain permission from Iran to pass through.
Civilian casualties: Iran's UN representative, Amir Saeed Iravani, stated that at least 1,348 civilians have died, with victims ranging in age from 8 months to 88 years old.
A naval vessel navigating the Strait of Hormuz [Sahar Al Attar/AFP].
Gulf States
Regional retaliation and attacks: Iran launched multiple waves of drones and missiles against Gulf states hosting U.S. military assets and forces, attacking tankers and related facilities.
Bahrain: Since the war began on February 28, the country reported intercepting 114 missiles and 190 drones.
Saudi Arabia: The country intercepted 10 drones in its eastern region and later destroyed 28 drones that violated its airspace.
Attack on UAE: The UAE strongly condemned Iran's attacks on the region and said the targets included Dubai International Airport and some hotels.
Evacuation: Australia has ordered all "non-essential" officials to leave the UAE and Israel, urging its citizens to evacuate the region as soon as possible if it is still safe.
Qatar's response: Qatar's airspace has been officially closed, but Qatar Airways has arranged over 140 special flights to help stranded residents and citizens return home.
Qatar strongly denies claims by Israeli media that it intentionally suspended liquefied natural gas (LNG) production to manipulate U.S. energy prices; officials clarified that the shutdown was actually due to an Iranian drone attack.
Damage to the Dubai Creek Tower in Dubai, UAE, after an Iranian drone attack [EPA]
In the United States
Trump claims the war is "going quickly": U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that the war against Iran is "going very quickly."
"Everything is going smoothly, our military is unparalleled," he said at the White House, and did not directly respond to the latest statements from Iran's new Supreme Leader.
Domestic opposition: Over 250 U.S. organizations wrote to Congress, calling for an end to funding for this war. They believe that the conflict has already cost $1.13 billion in the first six days, diverting critical funds that could have been used for domestic emergency needs, such as food relief.
No need to deploy ground forces in Iran: U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham downplayed the possibility of deploying U.S. troops in Iran, but hinted that the war may last for some time. "I don't think this conflict can end today," the Republican senator said to reporters in Washington D.C.
Death toll tracker - War - Attacks by the US, Israel, and Iran - March 12, 2026 - 1773319244
Israel
New wave of missile attacks: The Israeli military said earlier on Friday that Iran fired a new wave of missiles at Israel.
The Israeli side instructed people in affected areas to go to shelters.
Israeli attacks on Basij militias: The Israeli military claimed to have attacked checkpoints set up by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Basij militias in Tehran, which aimed to disrupt the authorities' control.
Regime change: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said that Israel can create conditions for regime change, but ultimately depends on whether the Iranian people take to the streets. He also said that Israel's goal is to prevent Iran from moving its nuclear program and ballistic missile projects underground.
In Lebanon and Iraq
U.S. aircraft crash: A U.S. KC-135 refueling plane crashed in western Iraq. The Iraqi Resistance Group claimed it was shot down by an air defense system, but the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the plane crashed in "friendly airspace" and was not due to enemy fire.
Iraqi port closure: After an Indian crew member was killed on an American oil tanker in Iraqi waters, Iraq closed all its ports.
Six French soldiers injured: French President Macron said on Thursday that a drone attack in the Kurdish region of Iraq's Erbil injured six French soldiers.
Deadly attack in southern Lebanon: Israel continues to bomb towns and villages in southern Lebanon. In the village of Alki near Sidon, an Israeli airstrike killed nine people, including five children.
Death toll rising, mass displacement: Lebanese officials reported that attacks by Israel on Lebanon since last Monday have resulted in at least 687 deaths, including 98 children. Intense bombing has caused about 700,000 to 750,000 people to become displaced.
Source: Al Jazeera
Original: toutiao.com/article/7616822789969904143/
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