Iran Escalates Attacks on Gulf Shipping

Iran escalated its strategy of striking civilian infrastructure and transport networks across the Gulf on Wednesday, attacking commercial ships, including the Thai cargo ship Mayuree Naree, in the Strait of Hormuz, while also targeting Dubai's international airport. This occurred as U.S. and Israeli warplanes launched new waves of strikes on Iran, 12 days into the conflict. Iranian officials warned of a prolonged "war of attrition" and global economic chaos due to throttled energy supplies.

Three merchant ships were struck in the Gulf on Wednesday, bringing the total to 14 since the conflict began. Kuwait reported downing eight Iranian drones, and Saudi Arabia intercepted five drones targeting its Shaybah oil field. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for a fifth of the world's oil, remains unsafe for shipping, leading to hundreds of vessels being blockaded. Iran's Revolutionary Guard stated no oil would pass through the waterway until U.S. bombing ceased.

Amidst the escalating conflict, the U.N. refugee agency reported at least 759,000 internally displaced persons in Lebanon and over 92,000 refugees crossing into Syria.

Senior Iranian officials indicated that Iran's new leader was wounded in the airstrikes that killed his family. U.S.

President Donald Trump and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed the continuation of their joint offensive, despite international concerns over economic turmoil and surging oil prices, which prompted the International Energy Agency to recommend releasing 400 million barrels of oil.