Tehran: On the 13th day of the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel, intense military strikes and counter-attacks continue across the region, further escalating tensions and raising global concerns over stability in the Middle East.
According to Iran’s representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, the Israeli and American bombardment has so far resulted in the deaths of 1,348 civilians, while more than 17,000 people have been injured. The humanitarian impact has been severe, with UNICEF reporting that more than 1,100 children have been affected by the violence.
Iran has continued its retaliatory actions through missile strikes, cyber operations, and increased naval tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. These developments have significantly disrupted global energy markets, pushing international oil prices higher as concerns grow over the security of vital shipping routes.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has outlined three key conditions for ending the conflict. He stated that the war could come to an end if Iran’s legitimate rights are recognized internationally, compensation is paid for the damage caused by the attacks, and binding international guarantees are provided to prevent future aggression.
On the cyber front, a group identified as “Handala” reportedly launched a cyberattack targeting the network of the medical equipment manufacturer Stryker, claiming to have stolen nearly 50 terabytes of sensitive data. In addition, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in coordination with Hezbollah, carried out joint missile strikes against Israeli positions.
The conflict has also affected several Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia reported that it intercepted and shot down two Iranian drones, while a Thai vessel near Oman was rescued after being struck during an attack. Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates also reported resisting Iranian attacks, while Kuwait confirmed that drone strikes damaged several electricity transmission lines.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that American military operations had significantly weakened Iran and claimed that the war would not last much longer. In Israel, 14 soldiers were reported injured, while in Beirut, Lebanon, an Israeli strike killed seven people and wounded 21 others.
The ongoing conflict has had major economic repercussions. Global oil prices have surged, reaching around $100 per barrel, amid fears of disruption to energy supplies and maritime trade routes. The International Energy Agency (IEA) is reportedly considering releasing up to 400 million barrels of crude oil from strategic reserves in an effort to stabilize global markets.
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