A senior spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces has warned that any attack on the country’s economic ports would trigger retaliatory strikes targeting “all docks, ports and economic zones across the Middle East.” The statement underscores the escalating military operations as the conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States continues to expand into neighboring countries.

The warning came as Iranian forces reportedly launched the 40th wave of strikes under Operation True Promise 4, targeting the US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain and Israeli positions. Iranian media reported that the Revolutionary Guards carried out coordinated missile operations alongside Tehran’s Lebanese ally, Hezbollah. Israel’s military said multiple waves of Iranian missiles were intercepted by air defenses while it conducted “wide-scale” strikes on Tehran and a Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut.

The conflict has significantly affected maritime and energy security. An attack on two oil tankers off the coast of Iraq killed at least one crew member, an Indian national, while 38 others were rescued. Separately, China imposed an immediate ban on refined fuel exports for March, including gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel, in response to potential domestic shortages linked to the ongoing conflict.

In the Gulf, tensions have spilled into civilian areas. Kuwait reported material damage after drone strikes at its international airport, while authorities in Dubai confirmed a “minor drone incident” in the Al Bada’a area. Saudi Arabia intercepted a drone approaching the district housing foreign embassies. Similar explosions were reported in Qatar’s capital, Doha, prompting authorities to instruct residents to remain indoors.

Citibank announced it would close branches in the UAE following threats from Iran targeting financial institutions in the region. 

The conflict’s human toll continues to rise. Unicef reported that more than 1,100 children have been killed or injured. The Pentagon confirmed that around 140 US service members were wounded during the first ten days of operations.

Energy markets have reacted sharply. Brent crude surged above $100 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate rose to $94.92, following strikes on regional oil infrastructure. The International Energy Agency reported a disruption of nearly 10 million barrels per day in crude and petroleum product output across Gulf states.

US President Donald Trump said Iran is near defeat, asserting that strikes could escalate to a point where the country would be “almost impossible” to rebuild. He added that the United States had knocked out 58 Iranian naval ships and emphasized that American forces would stay in the region to “finish the job.”

Meanwhile, internal unrest in Iran has intensified. Police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan warned that protesters aligned with foreign interests would now be treated as combatants. The Khatam Al-Anbiya operational command announced plans to target US and Israeli economic centers and banks in the region, urging civilians to maintain distance from such facilities.

Diplomatic measures are underway as countries respond to the regional escalation. Australia closed its embassies in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, as well as its consulate in Dubai. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned an attack on an Italian military base in Erbil, where no injuries were reported.

The war, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, shows no sign of de-escalation, with Iranian officials ruling out negotiations.