Iran-Israel-US War LIVE Updates: Gulf Tensions Escalate as Iranian Strikes Hit Energy Infrastructure

By Jack Barton Reporting from Seoul, South Korea

South Korea is considering whether to restart buying oil from Russia.

Seoul stopped importing Russian crude at the end of 2022 following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. It is now openly debating easing sanctions to safeguard its supplies. South Korea imports about 70 percent of its crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz.

The government has been holding a series of emergency meetings.

Some measures include a price cap for refiners here – it’s the first time they have introduced such a measure since the Asian financial crisis in 1997.

They are also discussing a potential rationing system for cars.

Drones target US camp near Baghdad airport

An Iraqi security source has told Al Jazeera that there’s been an attack involving two drones on a US camp near the airport in the Iraqi capital.

The report came amid several deadly attacks on sites belonging to the paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces. The umbrella group includes factions that are aligned with Iran.

If you are joining late, here are the latest key developments so far:

The US and Israel have intensified strikes across Iran, targeting oil depots, refineries, and key infrastructure in cities including Tehran and Isfahan, with casualties reported.

Iran has responded with multiple missile and drone barrages targeting Israel, US bases in Iraq and Kuwait, and Gulf nations.

Fires and major damage reported at key energy hubs including Ras Laffan (Qatar), South Pars and Kharg Island (Iran), Ruwais refinery (UAE), and Ras Tanura (Saudi Arabia), raising fears of global supply disruption.

Oil prices have surged over 5%, while global stock markets declined amid fears of prolonged conflict and energy shortages.

Qatar has expelled Iranian military and security officials, giving them 24 hours to leave after recent strikes.

Saudi Arabia has warned it may take military action if tensions continue to escalate, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The UAE confirmed four deaths from recent Iranian attacks and said hundreds of missiles and drones have been intercepted.

Switzerland has refused US military overflight requests linked to the war, citing its neutrality under international law.

The Lebanese Health Ministry says Israeli attacks have killed at least 394 people, including 83 children, with over 1,100 wounded.

Israeli strikes on Lebanon have continued, with dozens killed in the past two days and Hezbollah positions targeted in Beirut and southern regions.

Iran’s Assembly of Experts has reportedly selected a new supreme leader, though the name has not yet been announced.

Iran has warned it will “pursue and kill” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid escalating rhetoric.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation and engaging with global leaders, stressing that diplomacy remains the only solution.

The US Federal Reserve, led by Jerome Powell, has warned of rising inflation and economic uncertainty due to the ongoing conflict.

Air travel disruptions continue, with airlines like Air India and IndiGo increasing fares due to rising fuel costs, while Qatar Airways resumes limited flights.

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss the war, energy crisis, and regional stability as fears of wider escalation grow.

Civilian impact continues to rise, with reports of damage to over 150 health facilities in Iran and casualties including women and children.

Regional tensions remain extremely high, with analysts warning the conflict is entering a more dangerous phase involving civilian infrastructure and global economic consequences.

Welcome to VoM News. Here is the recap of what happened so far…!!

• Qatar says an Iranian ballistic missile caused major damage at Ras Laffan, its key gas hub

• Saudi Arabia says two refineries near Riyadh were hit, calling trust in Iran “completely shattered”

• Donald Trump says the US had no prior knowledge of Israel’s South Pars strike, warning Iran against further escalation

• UAE shuts down Habshan gas facilities after strikes, signalling wider energy disruption

• Emmanuel Macron and Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani condemn the attack as a “dangerous escalation”

• Iran continues missile barrages on Israel; sirens sound across multiple regions

• Shrapnel kills three civilians near Hebron in the West Bank

• Kuwait intercepts missiles and drones as attacks expand across the Gulf

• The US Federal Reserve warns of rising inflation and economic uncertainty

📊 Big Picture:

The war is increasingly targeting energy infrastructure, raising fears of global supply disruptions, wider regional escalation, and rising civilian casualties.

Falling shrapnel near Hebron has killed a Palestinian teenager and two women, according to the Wafa News Agency.

The victims were identified as Mays Ghazi Musalameh (17), Sahera Rizq Musalameh (50), and Amal Subhi Abdel Karim Mutawa (36). At least 13 other women were injured when debris from a projectile landed on a salon operating from a metal caravan.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of civilians in the West Bank, where many residents lack access to fortified shelters and adequate protection during aerial attacks.

Mehran Kamrava says escalating attacks by Iran have placed Gulf nations in a “real bind diplomatically”.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Kamrava noted that while regional governments feel pressure to respond to what they describe as Iranian aggression, they are also wary of being drawn deeper into the conflict.

He warned that if Gulf states enter the war, they risk being left to face Iran alone should the United States disengage under President Donald Trump.

“There is no easy solution,” Kamrava said, stressing that ending the war quickly remains the only viable path forward.

• Qatar says an Iranian ballistic missile caused fires and major damage at Ras Laffan Industrial City, its key gas hub.

• Saudi Arabia confirms two oil refineries near Riyadh were hit, saying trust in Iran is “completely shattered.”

• Donald Trump says the United States had no prior knowledge of Israel’s strike on South Pars Gas Field, warning Tehran against further attacks on Qatar.

• United Arab Emirates shuts down Habshan Gas Facilities in Abu Dhabi after Iranian strikes, signalling wider energy disruption.

• Emmanuel Macron and Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani condemn the Ras Laffan attack as a “dangerous escalation” threatening global energy security.

• Iran continues missile barrages on Israel, with air raid sirens across multiple regions.

• In the West Bank, falling shrapnel killed three civilians near Hebron, highlighting the rising civilian toll.

• Kuwait says its air defences are intercepting missiles and drones as attacks expand.

• The US Federal Reserve warns of rising inflation and economic uncertainty linked to the conflict.

📊 Big Picture:

The war is increasingly targeting energy infrastructure, raising concerns over global supply disruptions, wider regional escalation, and growing civilian casualties.

Global oil prices jumped more than 5% while stock markets declined after Iran launched attacks on energy facilities across the Gulf and warned of further strikes.

Crude prices, which were already nearing $100 a barrel, surged sharply amid fears of supply disruptions—especially after reports of an alleged Israeli strike on infrastructure linked to Iran’s South Pars gas field shared with Qatar.

The escalation has heightened concerns over energy security, with analysts warning that continued attacks on key installations could further destabilise global markets and disrupt supplies from the region.

Leaders of the European Union are meeting in Brussels to discuss the escalating war involving Iran, rising energy prices, migration concerns, and broader geopolitical tensions.

Several EU nations have resisted calls from Donald Trump to deploy military assets to secure the Strait of Hormuz, as fears grow over energy disruptions and a potential refugee crisis.

Meanwhile, air raid sirens were reported across Israel and the West Bank amid incoming missile warnings. In Qatar, authorities confirmed a fire at Ras Laffan Industrial Area—a key gas facility—has been brought under control with no casualties.

Fresh reports also indicate suspected drone strikes on US bases in Iraq and Kuwait, while Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has held talks with counterparts in Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan.

Separately, Israeli strikes have killed 45 people in Lebanon over the past two days, further underscoring the widening regional impact of the conflict.

Mojtaba Khamenei has warned that the United States and Israel “will pay” for the killing of senior Iranian figure Ali Larijani during the ongoing conflict.

In a statement, Khamenei said, “Every drop of blood has its due retribution,” vowing consequences for those responsible and adding that such attacks would only strengthen Iran’s system.

Separately, Italy has announced emergency economic measures to counter rising energy costs triggered by the war. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the government approved a temporary €0.25 per litre fuel tax cut, aimed at easing the burden on citizens amid surging global oil prices.

Iran has executed three individuals convicted of involvement in the killing of two police officers during the anti-government protests in January, according to reports by the IRGC-affiliated Fars News Agency.

State television reported that at least 3,117 people were killed during the unrest earlier this year. However, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has said it has verified 6,854 deaths and is investigating more than 11,000 additional cases, highlighting significant discrepancies in casualty figures.

Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health says 45 people have been killed and dozens wounded in Israeli attacks across multiple areas over the past two days.

Casualties reported include:

Deir Zahrani: 3 killed (including 2 children), 15 wounded

Sidon: 2 killed, 5 wounded

Harou: 6 killed, 10 wounded

Jebchit: 7 killed (including 4 Syrians), 2 wounded

Baalbek: 4 killed, 7 wounded

Sahmar: 9 killed, 23 wounded

Jmeijmeh: 3 killed, 4 wounded

Beirut: 11 killed (including 14 children among 45 wounded)

The figures highlight the growing humanitarian toll as the conflict continues to escalate across the region. (AL JAZEERA)

Qatar has announced the expulsion of several Iranian diplomats, including military and security attachés, giving them 24 hours to leave following a recent missile strike attributed to Iran.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack, warning that Tehran’s actions risk dragging the region “towards the abyss.”

Meanwhile, during emergency consultations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia issued a stern warning, saying while diplomatic efforts will continue, military action remains an option if tensions escalate further. Officials stressed that regional patience is “not unlimited” and urged Iran to heed calls from Arab leaders.

The Federal Reserve has projected higher inflation while keeping interest rates unchanged, citing economic uncertainty linked to the ongoing war involving Iran.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said it is too early to assess the full economic impact of the conflict, noting that the situation remains unpredictable.

“We’re right at the beginning of this… we don’t know how big this will be or how long it lasts,” Powell said, adding that the war may or may not leave a significant mark on the US economy.

Kuwait says its air defence systems are actively intercepting hostile missiles and drones, according to the Kuwaiti army.

The update comes shortly after the National Guard reported shooting down several drones. Authorities have urged residents to follow safety guidelines, noting that explosions heard are likely the result of interception operations.