Iran Escalates Middle East Tensions with New Drone and Missile Attacks, Sending Oil Prices Soaring

Tehran. Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, global energy markets have seen further instability following Iran's launch of new drone and missile attacks targeting energy infrastructure and shipping in the Gulf region. Just hours after two oil tankers were attacked on Thursday morning, crude oil prices climbed again in international markets, surpassing $100 per barrel.

Regional tensions have intensified as Tehran unleashes a new wave of attacks against neighboring Gulf countries and Israel. Iran has warned that this conflict could drag on for a long time and claimed it could "destroy" the global economy.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran is ultimately heading towards defeat. However, he also warned that the war would not end immediately. He indicated that the US could attack Iranian infrastructure, stating that its reconstruction could take a generation.

As the war initiated by the US and Israel expands, various countries in the region have been affected. Israeli attacks in Lebanon have intensified. According to officials there, over 630 people have died so far, and more than 800,000 civilians have been displaced.

The security situation in the Gulf region has also become tense. Following the Iranian attacks, Bahrain urged residents to stay indoors and keep their windows closed. Saudi Arabia reported that drones heading towards the Saiybah oil field were intercepted. Operations at the fuel tank in Oman's Salalah port were temporarily halted after a drone strike.

Maritime routes around the Strait of Hormuz have also been affected. The UK Maritime Security Agency reported that a container ship near the United Arab Emirates was struck by an unknown projectile, causing a small fire. All crew members are safe.

Earlier, officials stated that at least one crew member died and 38 people were rescued after two oil tankers were attacked near Iraq. The search for some missing members is ongoing.

Analysts say that the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world's oil supply passes, is now at risk of being effectively blocked due to war tensions. Iran has also warned that not a single drop of oil will be exported from the Gulf.

At least four incidents involving ships have been reported in the last few days alone. Precious Shipping, the transport company, stated that three crew members went missing after a Thai bulk carrier was struck.

The threat of drones and missiles has also increased in other parts of the Gulf. Two people were injured in Kuwait due to a drone hitting a residential building, and the UAE also reported responding to missile threats.

Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned that they might also target economic centers and banks associated with the US and Israel. Following this, some international companies have begun evacuating their employees from Dubai.

The International Energy Agency has authorized member nations to release oil from strategic reserves to stabilize the market. Under this agreement, 400 million barrels of oil will be sent to the market, with 172 million barrels coming from the US. However, this measure has not eased the fear of a prolonged conflict.

Analysts suggest that prices between $90 and $100 per barrel could become the new normal for some time. The human toll of the war is also intensifying. Residential buildings in Beirut have been damaged due to Israeli airstrikes. Local residents reported being forced to sleep in open areas overnight out of fear.

A local bakery owner recalled the moment of the attack, saying, "When the first explosion happened, I ran from room to room, getting my family out and hiding behind a wall, then the second attack occurred."

The Israeli military stated that extensive operations targeting Hezbollah-related infrastructure across Lebanon are continuing. It was also reported that new missiles were fired from Iran towards Israel.

According to Iran's Ministry of Health, more than 1,200 people have been killed in the war as of March 8. Local officials reported that 14 people died in Israel, and 24 people, including 11 civilians and seven US soldiers, were killed in attacks in the Gulf region.

According to The New York Times, this war has already cost the US alone more than $11.3 billion.