Blast Rocks Tehran After Israeli Threat

Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time) said that the United States carried out a military strike against Iran under an operation named “Epic Fury”, claiming the action was aimed at eliminating threats posed by what he described as a “terrorist regime”.

The price of a barrel of Brent crude oil, the international standard, topped $100 a barrel early Thursday, just days after it spiked near $120. Oil prices shot more than 9% higher as supply concerns worsened with Iranian attacks on commercial shipping around the Strait of Hormuz.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that health systems across the Middle East are under severe strain as the conflict in the region enters its 13th day.

Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior said Iranian-linked attacks targeted fuel tanks at a facility in Muharraq Governorate, northeast of the country’s capital, Manama.

“Authorities are taking the required procedures,” the ministry said.

Iran targeted the world’s busiest international airport Wednesday and attacked commercial ships as U.S. and Israeli strikes rocked Tehran, while the United Nations' most powerful body demanded a halt to the Islamic Republic’s strikes on its Gulf neighbors that threaten global oil supplies.

The Lebanese Health Ministry reported the casualties in the coastal area of Ramlet al-Bayda. The strike hit a car along the seaside, where dozens of displaced families were sheltering in makeshift tents.

US President Donald Trump said that the International Energy Agency (IEA) has agreed to coordinate the release of 400 million barrels of oil from national petroleum reserves worldwide in a bid to reduce prices amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran.