US-Israel-Iran War: Day 17 Sees Escalation in Gulf, Strait of Hormuz Concerns
BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — The conflict in the Middle East intensified on Monday, marking its 17th day, as the United States and Israel continued strikes on targets within Iran. Simultaneously, Iran retaliated with drone attacks, temporarily shutting down Dubai International Airport, a critical global travel hub. Concerns are mounting over a potential global energy crisis, even as limited shipping continues through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway vital for approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply.
Strait of Hormuz and Global Energy Markets
Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz, and the mere threat of further disruptions, have drastically reduced shipping traffic, leading to a significant increase in oil prices. Brent crude, the international benchmark, remained above $100 per barrel on Monday. US President Donald Trump has called on several countries to deploy warships to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz, but has yet to receive firm commitments.
Diplomatic Efforts and Stalled Negotiations
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that, from Iran’s perspective, the Strait of Hormuz remains open, but not for the United States, Israel, or their allies. Araghchi likewise dismissed suggestions of a negotiated end to the conflict as “delusional,” asserting that Iran is seeking neither a truce nor negotiations, but is prepared to defend itself for as long as necessary.
Escalation of Attacks
Since the commencement of US and Israeli attacks on Iran over two weeks ago, Iran has consistently launched drones and missiles targeting Israel, American bases in the region, and energy infrastructure in Gulf Arab countries. Attacks continued into Tuesday, with the Israeli military reporting a barrage of Iranian missiles, prompting sirens to sound south of the Sea of Galilee. No injuries were reported.
Regional Impacts: Lebanon and Israel
Israel has intensified its attacks on Beirut, targeting infrastructure linked to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia. These strikes have led to evacuation orders for numerous neighborhoods in Beirut and southern Lebanon, displacing over 1 million Lebanese citizens – roughly 20% of the population – and resulting in at least 850 deaths, according to the Lebanese government. Some Israeli troops have entered southern Lebanon, raising fears of a potential large-scale invasion.
Seven people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Monday. Explosions were also reported in Tehran and surrounding areas following Israel’s announcement of new strikes on the Iranian capital. A Tehran resident described witnessing an airstrike reduce a police station to rubble, causing significant damage to nearby shops and vehicles.
Casualty Reports and Military Assessments
The Iranian Red Crescent reports over 1,300 deaths in Iran. Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani claims Israel has neutralized 85% of Iran’s air defenses and 70% of its missile launchers through approximately 7,600 strikes. At least 13 U.S. Military personnel have been killed in the conflict.
Gulf Region Attacks and Disruptions
A drone strike caused a fire at a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport on Monday, leading to a temporary suspension of all flights. A person was killed in Abu Dhabi by an Iranian missile strike. Authorities also reported fires at two UAE oil facilities, located in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
In Jerusalem, shrapnel from an intercepted Iranian missile struck the rooftop of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, near the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and also fell near the Western Wall and within the Al Aqsa Mosque compound.
International Response and Economic Concerns
The disruption to the Strait of Hormuz is causing significant economic repercussions, driving up energy and fertilizer prices, threatening food security in vulnerable nations, and destabilizing fragile states. Trump indicated that some countries have expressed willingness to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, but also suggested a lack of reciprocity in defense agreements. European nations have criticized the US and Israel for a lack of clarity regarding their objectives in the war.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) stated that its 32 member countries have additional reserves of 1.4 billion barrels, supplementing the 400 million barrels previously released to address supply constraints. Admiral Brad Cooper, the top U.S. Military commander in the Middle East, announced that American forces are focusing on countering Iranian threats to freighters carrying oil and natural gas.
The European Union is considering extending its naval mission protecting ships in the Red Sea to include the Strait of Hormuz, whereas Italy favors strengthening existing anti-piracy and defensive missions in the Red Sea. The United Kingdom is exploring the deployment of mine-hunting drones already stationed in the region, but has stated it will not be drawn into the broader conflict. Japan and Australia have not received requests for assistance and currently have no plans to intervene.