Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran as Iranians marked Nowruz, the Persian New Year, amid ongoing conflict with Iran. Activists reported explosions around the capital.
The strikes followed a pledge by Israel to pause attacks on Iran’s offshore South Pars gas field, while Iran intensified strikes on oil and gas facilities in the Gulf. Dubai residents experienced heavy explosions early Friday as air defenses intercepted incoming fire, coinciding with Eid al-Fitr prayers.
Iran continued missile and drone attacks on Israel, prompting sirens from Haifa to the Lebanese border. Since the war began on February 28, the U.S. and Israel have targeted Iran’s top leaders and military infrastructure. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Iran can no longer enrich uranium or build ballistic missiles, though no evidence was provided.
Global energy markets remain under pressure. Brent crude briefly exceeded $119 per barrel, a 60% increase since the conflict began. European natural gas prices have roughly doubled over the past month.
The UN Security Council held an urgent meeting Thursday, with Gulf nations urging Iran to halt attacks. Despite this, Iran has not shown signs of backing down. Saudi Arabia reported its SAMREF refinery in Yanbu was hit, prompting increased oil shipments via the Red Sea to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
