The U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran is nearing the end of its third week, with Israel vowing no more attacks on major Iranian energy facilities as Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on the Gulf nation send global oil prices rising.
Countries around the world and the United Nations are working to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Arab and Islamic leaders are calling on Iran to halt its attacks. US President Donald Trump made headlines today for downplaying the huge war spending and joking about the attack on Pearl Harbor during a summit meeting with Japanese leaders.
Here’s what you need to know on day 21.
What are the main headings?
ENERGY ATTACKS: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country would heed President Trump’s call not to repeat attacks on Iran’s vital energy facilities, including the South Pars oil field, which is part of the world’s largest natural gas reserves. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel carried out the attack alone on the gas field facilities. However, two U.S. and Israeli sources familiar with the attack disputed President Trump’s claim that the United States “knew nothing” about the attack.
Oil Markets: The Iranian government retaliated with strikes on energy infrastructure in Israel and Qatar. On Thursday, global oil benchmarks hit $115 a barrel, and one expert said gasoline prices could remain high for at least several weeks.
Strait of Hormuz: The United Nations maritime agency has announced the start of negotiations with countries to establish a humanitarian corridor to free some 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf. The United Nations did not say when talks would begin or whether Iran, across the Strait of Hormuz, would cooperate. Britain has also sent military planners to work with the US to develop a “workable joint plan” to reopen the vital waterway.
War funding: President Trump is seeking $200 billion in new Pentagon funding as a “small price to pay” for military equipment. The administration also bypassed Congress and facilitated billions of dollars worth of arms sales to the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, as Gulf allies bear the brunt of Iran’s retaliation for U.S. and Israeli military actions.
Pearl Harbor Joke: When a reporter asked President Trump why he didn’t tell allies like Japan of his intentions to attack Iran, the president, sitting next to the Japanese prime minister in the Oval Office, responded with a joke that was partly about the attack on Pearl Harbor in World War II.
Boots on the ground: Asked about a Reuters report that his administration was considering sending thousands of troops to the Middle East, President Trump said he had no intention of sending U.S. troops. But he also added, “If I were, I would never say never, but I’m not going to send in the troops.”
U.S. plane shot down: An F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at a U.S. air base in the Middle East after being hit by gunfire believed to be from Iran, officials told CNN. U.S. Central Command said the pilot was in stable condition.
Ground attacks: Middle Eastern countries including Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait intercepted drones and missiles early Friday. The attack occurred as Muslims in the region were celebrating Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
High numbers of casualties: More than 18,000 Iranian civilians have been injured since the latest conflict began, state media reported, citing the Iranian Red Crescent. Meanwhile, the death toll in Lebanon surpassed 1,000 on Thursday. Many more people have been killed in the region, including U.S. military personnel and foreign nationals.
