International Desk, Mar 21 (EFE).- The war between Israel and Iran entered its third week with no signs of easing, as fresh attacks were reported across the region and concerns mounted over tensions in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
In the early hours of Saturday, Israeli forces launched fresh attacks in Beirut and Tehran, while Iran responded with strikes targeting US military bases and Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Meanwhile, Washington moved to stabilize energy markets by temporarily authorizing transactions involving Iranian oil already at sea, although Tehran insisted it has no surplus crude available for export.
Below is a summary of the latest developments:
Israel launches new attacks
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed two new waves of strikes: The first targeted positions of the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah in Beirut, hitting seven neighborhoods in the southern suburbs of the capital, according to a statement issued at 02:20 local time (00:20 GMT).
Hours earlier, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee had urged residents of those areas to “evacuate immediately.”
After 04:00 local time (02:00 GMT) in Tel Aviv, Israel announced further strikes against “Iranian regime targets” in Tehran. Iranian agencies, including Nour and Fars, reported explosions in the south and west of the city, as well as an airstrike in Isfahan.
Since the start of hostilities, Israeli strikes on Iran have caused at least 1,021 deaths, while the US-based NGO HRANA estimates the overall death toll at 3,220.
Iran maintains attacks
Iran said it had carried out strikes on five U.S. military bases across the region, as well as on Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa.
The Revolutionary Guard claimed to have targeted Prince Sultan Air Base (Saudi Arabia), Al Dhafra (United Arab Emirates), Ali Al Salem (Kuwait), Erbil (Iraqi Kurdistan), and the U.S. Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain.
Authorities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia reported intercepting drones and missiles.
Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi warned that Israeli and US officials could be targeted globally, including in civilian locations.
US allows limited Iranian oil trade
In a bid to curb rising fuel prices, the U.S. Treasury Department authorized temporary transactions involving Iranian oil currently in transit at sea.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move could release around 140 million barrels into the market.
Iran’s Oil Ministry spokesman Saman Ghodousi rejected the claim, saying the country “virtually has no surplus oil” and accusing Washington of trying to influence market sentiment.
Trump weighs Hormuz intervention
US President Donald Trump said Washington would intervene to guarantee navigation in the Strait of Hormuz only if requested by allies.
“If we are asked, we will help… but it should not be necessary once the threat from Iran is eradicated,” he said on Truth Social, describing such an operation as “simple.”
Trump added that the United States is “very close” to achieving its objectives alongside Israel, including weakening Iran’s missile capabilities and preventing it from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Iran signals openness to Japan
In an interview with Japan’s Kyodo news agency, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is willing to facilitate the passage of Japanese vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
He insisted Iran has not closed the waterway but has imposed restrictions on ships from countries involved in attacks against it.
Araghchi added that Iran could guarantee safe passage for countries like Japan, which relies on the Middle East for about 90 percent of its oil imports, provided there is coordination with Tehran. EFE
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