Israel's defense minister said on Wednesday that the war with Iran would last “as long as necessary,” adding that “many thousands” of soldiers of the Islamic republic's security forces have died since the start of the joint campaign with the US, writes the Financial Times.
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“This operation will continue without any time limit, for as long as necessary, until we achieve all our goals and finally win the campaign.” Defense Minister Israel Katz told senior military commanders. He emphasized that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump jointly establish war policy.
Trump suggested earlier this week that the war was “completely over” before backtracking somewhat.
Oil prices
Oil prices rose sharply after the US and Israel attacked Iran. On Monday morning, oil cost $119. per barrel and it was the highest level since 2022.
Oil began to fall in price the same day. On Monday evening, US President Donald Trump said that the conflict in the Middle East may end soon. Despite these words, there is no end to the conflict.
Wednesday evening Brent crude oil costs $92 and American WTI crude oil costs $87. This is much more than before the conflict, when prices were around $65-70.
Attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz
As a result of the conflict, oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz is virtually blocked. Iranian attacks on Wednesday hit at least three ships.
On Monday, Donald Trump called in an interview with Fox News that despite Iranian attacks on tankers, the ships should “show some courage” and sail through the strait because “there is nothing to be afraid of.”
As reported by AFP, the commander of the navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Alireza Tangsiri, stated on Wednesday on the X website that ship crews must obtain permission from the Iranian authorities before entering the Strait of Hormuz.
The Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree was hit by two missiles. 20 crew members were evacuated and three were reported missing.
Two other ships were also damaged: the Japanese-flagged container ship ONE Majesty and the bulk carrier Star Gwyneth. The crews of these ships were not harmed, Iran International reports.
Iran: oil will cost $200. per barrel
Iranian Army Headquarters spokesman Ebrahim Zolfakari said on Wednesday that the world should prepare for crude oil priced at $200. per barrel.
— Get ready for the price of a barrel of oil to be $200. The price of oil depends on regional security, which you have destabilized, he said, quoted by Reuters.
Iran wants to mine the Strait of Hormuz?
On Tuesday, CNN reported that Iran had begun to mine the Strait of Hormuz.
In turn, Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the American military had destroyed 10 Iranian inactive mine ships. He previously warned that a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would have “serious consequences.”
Source: Financial Times, PAP, Business Insider Polska
