The US embassy in Baghdad was hit by a drone and rocket attack, at least one hit the diplomatic headquarters causing an explosion.
A column of black smoke rose from the embassy. Previously another drone had hit a hotel in the Iraqi capital where Italian staff were also staying, who were not involved in the explosion. The IDF launches a large wave of attacks against terrorist targets in Tehran and simultaneously in Beirut against Hezbollah infrastructure. Trump threatens a ‘very negative’ future for NATO if the allies do not help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but Europe withdraws. The tycoon’s anger: ‘Several leaders have offered their help, at least 7 countries are ready, I believe Macron will do it.
French President Emmanuel Macron has convened a new national defense and security council for this afternoon “on the situation in Iran and the Middle East”. The Elysée Palace announced it. This new defense council, which brings together ministers and officials responsible for security issues – the last meeting was held on March 10 – comes as Donald Trump is pressuring France to respond positively to his request for assistance in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
Explosions in Dubai and Doha after missile alert
Three explosions echoed in Dubai after a missile alert in the early hours of today. An AFP correspondent found this. The explosions followed an alert on mobile phones to residents, urging them to “immediately seek a place of safety” due to “potential missile threats”. Numerous explosions were also heard in Doha. Qatar, like several Gulf nations, has been targeted by drones and missiles in recent days as Tehran steps up its retaliation campaign for US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
Israeli planes bomb three neighborhoods of Beirut
Three neighborhoods in Beirut were bombed, Lebanese media reported, shortly after Israel announced attacks against Hezbollah in the Lebanese capital and on Tehran. Israeli planes bombed the neighborhoods of Kafaat and Haret Hreik, on the southern outskirts of the capital, and a raid hit an apartment on the upper floors of a residential building in Doha Aramoun, in the same area. “A series of raids and artillery shelling targeted southern cities at dawn,” the Lebanese National News Agency reported.
IDF, wave of attacks in Tehran and Beirut
The IDF announced in recent minutes that it had launched a large wave of attacks against terrorist targets in Tehran and simultaneously in Beirut against Hezbollah infrastructure. “The Israeli air force has launched a new wave of large-scale attacks against Iranian regime infrastructure in Tehran and, simultaneously, against Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut.” The IDF spokesperson announced this in a note.
Oil accelerates the race, Brent returns above 104 dollars
Oil prices accelerate their recovery, surging 4% on lingering concerns over crude supplies from the Middle East, where strategic energy infrastructure is under renewed attack. Brent oil futures exceeded 104 dollars a barrel, those of the WTI exceeded 97 dollars.