Arabic version: حرب إيران تدخل أسبوعها الرابع مع تزايد الضحايا والهجمات
The ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has escalated into its fourth week, resulting in 1,444 casualties in Iran alone, including at least 204 children. According to Al Jazeera, the situation has intensified as Iran retaliates against U.S. and Israeli attacks, threatening Western nations and Gulf states while warning of risks to global shipping and energy infrastructure.
As Iranians celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz, the Persian New Year, the atmosphere is marred by violence. Reports indicate that air defenses were activated in Tehran following explosions during the festivities. Iran has launched its 70th wave of attacks, targeting Israel and U.S. military bases in the Gulf, in response to an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars natural gas field.
In the Gulf region, Iran has issued direct threats to the United Arab Emirates, promising severe retaliation against the port city of Ras al-Khaimah if aggression continues. Bahrain’s defense forces have intercepted and destroyed a total of 143 missiles and 242 drones since hostilities began. Saudi Arabia has also reported successful interceptions of drone attacks aimed at its territory, claiming to have shot down at least 47 drones, including a concentrated barrage of 38 drones within just three hours.
In the U.S., President Donald Trump has indicated a potential winding down of military operations in the region, although he ruled out a ceasefire with Iran. Meanwhile, the U.S. is reportedly deploying an additional 2,200 to 2,500 Marines to the Middle East, with discussions around possibly blockading Iran’s Kharg Island, a crucial oil hub.
The conflict’s impact has extended to oil and energy markets, with Brent crude prices surging to $112.19 per barrel amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions. The U.S. has lifted sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded on tankers to alleviate rising costs, but Tehran has dismissed this as a futile gesture, stating it lacks surplus crude for sale. The situation remains critical across maritime routes in the Gulf, with 21 confirmed attacks on commercial vessels and offshore infrastructure reported since early March.
