The conflict involving Iran has intensified sharply, with the United States and Israel launching direct strikes on Iranian targets, followed by retaliatory missile attacks across Israel and parts of the Gulf. Now in its 21st day, the confrontation has seen both sides escalate military operations.
Tensions spiked after Israeli forces targeted Iran’s South Pars gas field, one of the world’s largest energy reserves. In response, Tehran launched strikes on Qatar and fired missiles towards Saudi Arabia, reiterating its threat to target oil and gas infrastructure across the Gulf region.
Qatar’s state-owned energy company reported “extensive damage” at the Ras Laffan Industrial City following an Iranian missile strike, raising concerns over wider disruptions to global energy supplies.
On the other hand, US President Donald Trump harshly criticised NATO allies on Friday for refusing to join efforts to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Israel war against Iran. In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote: “Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER! They didn’t want to join the fight to stop a Nuclear Powered Iran. Now that fight is Militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices. So easy for them to do, with so little risk. COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!”
Trump has repeatedly urged allies, none consulted before the February 28 strikes, to contribute naval forces for escorting tankers through the chokepoint, which handles ~20% of global oil trade (~21 million barrels per day pre-conflict).
Most NATO members, including key European states, have rebuffed direct involvement, citing the conflict's unilateral nature and lack of UN mandate. Germany, Britain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada issued a joint statement Thursday pledging "appropriate efforts" for safe passage, but stopped short of military commitments.
Also read: Why Iran is attacking Gulf energy infrastructure
Spain rejects US use of bases for operations
Spain explicitly denied permission for US forces to use joint bases at Rota (naval) and Morón (air) for strikes or support missions against Iran. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated the government would not authorize use "beyond the agreement or inconsistent with the United Nations," emphasizing compliance with international law.
Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed no bases were used, leading to US withdrawal of KC-135 tanker aircraft previously deployed there for refueling. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the "unjustified and dangerous" intervention, distancing Madrid from more supportive European positions.
Trump eyes Kharg seizure; US approves $16.5bn+ Gulf arms package
Trump continues signaling potential seizure or blockade of Iran's Kharg Island (~90% of exports, 1.3–1.6 million bpd loading capacity, ~30 million barrels storage). US strikes have hit over 90 military targets on the island while sparing core oil facilities. Exports fell from ~1.7 million bpd pre-war.
The US approved arms sales over $16.5 billion to Gulf allies: UAE (~$8.4 billion for AMRAAM missiles, drones, F-16 upgrades, counter-drone systems), Kuwait (~$8 billion for radars/missile defence), Jordan ($70.5 million for munitions/air support). Additional UAE deals: ~$7 billion (Patriot PAC-3 ~$5.6 billion, CH-47 Chinooks ~$1.32 billion).
IRGC spokesman killed, Iran claims F-35 shot down
IRGC spokesperson Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naini was killed in a US-Israeli strike near Tehran shortly after a defiant statement.
Iran claimed an air defence hit on a US F-35 over central Iran, with footage showing damage; the jet emergency-landed at a regional base (US investigating).
Broader conflict: Sustained strikes on Iranian sites, Iranian missile retaliation, ~17 vessels attacked since late February. Brent oil briefly hit ~$119/barrel (up 25–28%), with ~20% supply risk. Casualties exceed 1,900 (mostly Iran); early US costs >$11.3 billion in first six days. No ceasefire imminent amid attrition.
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