Iran Launches New Missile Attack on Israel as Regional Conflict Escalates

Tehran. As the ongoing conflict in West Asia intensifies, Iran has launched a new missile attack on Israel, signaling that the impact is deepening not just regionally, but globally. This attack occurred just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of even tougher military action against Iran.

According to the Israeli military, air defense systems attempted to intercept missiles fired from Iran on Friday. While there are no immediate reports of mass casualties, emergency services have confirmed damage to homes and vehicles. Shrapnel reportedly affected the area around the Tel Aviv railway station.

This war, which began about a month ago after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes inside Iran, has now created a cycle of widespread retaliation. The conflict is spreading across the Middle East and having a serious impact on the global economy.

Energy markets are under significant pressure, particularly after Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas is supplied.

Trump had warned that he would send Iran back to the 'Stone Age' and stated that if there was no agreement to negotiate, attacks would intensify. Through social media, he hinted that targets could include bridges and power infrastructure, stating, 'We haven't even started destroying the remaining infrastructure.' In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made it clear that attacks on civilian infrastructure would not lead to surrender.

With both sides now targeting economic and industrial structures rather than just military ones, concerns have grown regarding severe disruptions to global energy supplies and supply chains.

Meanwhile, the Gulf region has also been drawn into the direct circle of conflict. A fire broke out at a refinery under Kuwait's national oil company following a drone attack, while the United Arab Emirates reported that it had thwarted missile and drone attacks. Iran claimed to have attacked industrial targets in the UAE, Bahrain, and Israel the previous day.

Despite continuous bombing within Iran, daily life for civilians in some parts of Tehran appears to be partially continuing. A local resident noted that families are gathering in Mellat Park, though security checkpoints have been significantly increased. 'People are seen on the streets to show that the regime is still in their hands,' the resident said on condition of anonymity.

In Israel, even as the religious festival of Passover is underway, some citizens have been forced to celebrate in underground bunkers. A writer celebrating the festival inside a bunker in Tel Aviv said this situation was not his choice.

The effects of the war have spread worldwide. Following Trump's warning, oil prices in the international market have reached up to $110 per barrel. Analysts say uncertainty has increased as the U.S. administration has not provided a clear strategy for ending the war. Jim Reid of Deutsche Bank commented that there are no signs of the U.S. exiting the conflict anytime soon.

The World Bank has warned that this situation poses serious risks to inflation, employment, and food security. Chinese airlines have increased fuel surcharges, Malaysia has directed government employees to work from home, and Pakistan has raised fuel prices. Even in Bhutan, long lines have been seen in the capital, Thimphu, due to fuel shortages.

Egypt has ordered shops and restaurants to close early to control energy costs. Meanwhile, Trump has hinted that Iran's new leadership could be flexible in negotiations, but Tehran has rejected the U.S. proposal, calling it 'extremist and impractical.'

Tensions remain high at the diplomatic level as well. The U.K. has united nearly 40 countries to open the Strait of Hormuz. Italy has urged the opening of humanitarian corridors for the transport of essential goods.

A vote in the UN Security Council on the use of military force to secure waterways was scheduled for Friday, but was postponed at the last minute due to the 'Good Friday' public holiday. A new date has not yet been announced.