“…If our oil and energy facilities are attacked, we will also target establishments supporting the United States” : Iran warns

• Iran–US war escalates

• Major US strikes on Iran’s economically crucial Kharg Island

Tehran / Washington / New Delhi / Tel Aviv – The United States carried out heavy bombing on Kharg Island, which is economically vital for Iran. Reports state that more than 15 explosions occurred on the island. Military bases, the Joshan Sea Base, the airport control tower, and a helicopter hangar were reportedly targeted in the strikes.

In response, Iran targeted American military bases in the Middle East. A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters stated that if the United States attacks Iran’s oil, economic, or energy infrastructure, Iran will retaliate immediately. He further warned that establishments across the region associated with or supporting the United States, as well as facilities owned by them, would also be targeted on a large scale.

The US military has ordered the deployment of 2,500 additional soldiers and a lethal naval vessel in the Middle East. As shortages of gas, fuel, and other essential commodities are already being reported worldwide, panic has begun to spread in several countries. The overall situation indicates that the conflict between Iran and the United States is intensifying.

With Iran having closed the Strait of Hormuz, pressure on the United States has increased significantly. Earlier, the US had directly warned Iran to reopen the route immediately or face serious consequences. Iran’s latest warning, however, indicates a further escalation of the conflict.

Importance of Kharg Island for Iran

Nearly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports are shipped from Kharg Island to other countries. The island houses major oil terminals, pipelines, storage tanks, and transportation facilities. Around 7 million barrels of oil are available here daily.

Iran’s sarcastic criticism of the US and Europe “The US, which once opposed Russia, is now pleading with the world to buy Russian oil”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi mocked the United States, stating that Washington had pressured India for months to stop importing Russian oil. However, now that the war against Iran has continued for nearly two weeks, the US is appealing to the world, including India, to purchase Russian crude oil.

Araghchi also accused European governments of supporting what he termed an ‘illegal war’ against Iran in the hope of securing US backing against Russia. According to him, Europe believed that supporting this war would ensure US assistance against Russia, which he described as ‘pathetic’.

In his post on X, Araghchi attached a report from the Financial Times, which noted that rising oil prices are significantly increasing Russia’s revenues.

Missile attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad

Iran launched missiles at the US Embassy in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. The attack reportedly caused significant damage to the helipad and radar systems.

Recently, the Iraqi Islamic Resistance had announced a large bounty on US military and intelligence personnel and claimed to have shot down a US aircraft. The US Embassy in Baghdad is considered one of the most secure diplomatic compounds in the world, and the incident is being seen as a major embarrassment for the United States.

Iran allows passage to two Indian LPG vessels through the Strait of Hormuz

Iran has permitted two Indian-flagged LPG carriers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This is considered a rare exception to Iran’s blockade, which has disrupted global energy supplies. The international news agency Reuters reported this development.

The Indian-flagged LPG tanker ‘Shivalik’ crossed the strait under the protection of the Indian Navy, while another vessel, ‘Nanda Devi’, is expected to pass shortly.

India’s diplomacy

Although Iran had declared that no supplies for the United States or its allies would be allowed through the Strait of Hormuz, India requested an exemption.

On March 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that he had discussed the matter with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian. India has also provided safe refuge to 183 Iranian sailors aboard a vessel that had arrived at an Indian port.

Sources indicate that an Indian crude oil tanker carrying Saudi Arabian oil, which passed through the strait around March 1, is expected to reach India soon.

Statements by Donald Trump

1. There are plans to launch more intense attacks on Iran next week.

2. Iran may possibly be receiving assistance from Russian President Vladimir Putin, perhaps because Russia believes the US is helping Ukraine.

3. If necessary, the United States will ensure the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The war under US leadership will succeed.

Remarks on regime change in Iran

Trump stated, “I truly believe Iran does not possess weapons. This is a major obstacle for them. A change in regime may happen, but perhaps not immediately.”

Netanyahu warns Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a warning to Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

“There is no life insurance for Khamenei. I cannot guarantee the life of any leader of terrorist organisations,” Netanyahu said.

Indigo increases airfares by ₹425

The impact of the war is now being felt on air travel as well. India’s largest airline Indigo has decided to introduce a new fuel surcharge on tickets.

From March 14, additional charges ranging from ₹425 to ₹2,300 will be levied on domestic and international tickets.

Increase in fares

Domestic flights: ₹425 increase
Middle East flights: ₹900 increase
Southeast Asia, China, Africa and West Asia: ₹1,800 increase
Europe flights: ₹2,300 increase

Reason for the additional fuel surcharge

Aviation Turbine Fuel (jet fuel) is the largest expense in air travel, accounting for nearly 40% of operational costs. Due to the war, prices of crude oil and jet fuel have risen sharply, prompting Indigo to increase ticket prices.

Earlier, on 10 March, Air India and Air India Express had also introduced a fuel surcharge.

Hamas statement – Iran should not target neighbouring countries

The Gaza-based militant organisation Hamas stated that Iran has the right to respond to American and Israeli attacks. However, it added that Iran should not target neighbouring countries and that unity among nations is necessary.