Israel carried out a new round of airstrikes on Tehran on Monday, as Iran warned it could retaliate by targeting critical infrastructure across the Middle East, deepening a conflict that has triggered one of the worst global energy crises in decades.
Explosions were reported in Tehran, according to Iranian media, while both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emiratessaid they were intercepting incoming missiles and drones.
The head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, said at least 40 oil and gas facilities across the region have been heavily damaged since the conflict—sparked by joint Israel-US strikes on Iran—entered its fourth week.
In response, Tehran has launched missiles and drones at Israel and targets across the Gulf in recent weeks, striking energy installations and US diplomatic sites. It has also restricted movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for about one-fifth of global oil shipments.
Amid supply concerns pushing oil prices above $100 per barrel, Donald Trump warned he would “obliterate” Iranian power plants if the strait was not reopened within 48 hours—a deadline set to expire late Monday night GMT.
Iran responded defiantly, with parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stating that key infrastructure across the region would become “legitimate targets” if the US followed through on its threat.
Highlighting the scale of the crisis, Birol said global oil supply has dropped by about 11 million barrels per day—surpassing losses seen during the oil shocks of the 1970s. He warned that no country would be spared if the situation continues to escalate, calling for urgent international action.
