The regional conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran has escalated into a “total energy and infrastructure war.” Following the strike on Iran’s nuclear heart, Tehran has retaliated with a de facto blockade and targeted strikes on the economic lifelines of its neighbors.
The Strike on Tehran’s Nuclear “Taleghan” Site
On Thursday, March 12, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a direct strike on the Taleghan facility near Tehran.
- The Facility: Israel alleges the site was used for the development of advanced explosives and sensitive experiments under the secret AMAD nuclear weapons program.
- Rehabilitation: Satellite imagery suggested Iran had recently “rehabilitated” the site following a previous strike in late 2024.
- Damage: While Israel claims “serious damage” to Iran’s nuclear knowledge centers, Tehran has officially denied any pursuit of nuclear weapons, maintaining the program is peaceful.
Bahrain’s 🇧🇭 Interior Ministry said early Thursday that fuel storage tanks at a facility in Muharraq governorate were targeted in an attack attributed to Iran 🇮🇷, adding that authorities have begun taking measures to handle the incident and secure the site.
The incident came… pic.twitter.com/3iswZ45qtz
— Saad Abedine (@SaadAbedine) March 12, 2026
Burning Tankers and Port Shutdowns
The Persian Gulf has become a “no-go zone” for energy exports following a wave of coordinated attacks on March 11–12.
- Iraqi Waters: Two tankers—the US-owned Safesea Vishnu and Greek-owned Zefyros—were struck by Iranian explosive-laden boats while anchored near Al Basrah.
- Casualties: One Indian crew member died; 39 others were rescued.
- Response: Iraq has suspended operations at all its southern oil terminals.
- Oman (Salalah): Multiple drones struck fuel storage tanks at the Port of Salalah, igniting massive fires. Operations have been “paused” indefinitely.
- Bahrain (Muharraq): Iran-linked strikes hit a fuel storage facility in Muharraq. Authorities ordered residents to stay home and close windows to avoid inhaling toxic smoke.
Iran Declares War on “Big Tech”
In a significant expansion of its target list, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), via the Tasnim news agency, has labeled the regional offices of American tech giants as military targets.
- The Targets: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, Oracle, and IBM.
- Rationale: Tehran claims these companies provide cloud infrastructure and AI technology used by the US and Israeli militaries.
- Locations: Threatened offices are located in Israel, Dubai (UAE), and Abu Dhabi.
Global Economic and Humanitarian Impact
- Oil Prices: Prices reached $120/barrel earlier this week, though they saw a temporary dip following news of a record 400-million-barrel IEA reserve release.
- Casualties: UNICEF reports that 1,100 children have been killed or injured in the first 12 days of the war, including over 160 girls killed in a single strike on a school in Minab.
“Targeting economic centers and tech giants belonging to the United States is now a legitimate response to their failure in military objectives.” — Khatam al-Anbiya, Iranian Military Command.
You May Like To Read: US Redeploys THAAD from South Korea to Israel Amid Escalating War with Iran
The Friday Stalemate
With Pakistan and regional neighbors declaring a 3-day weekend and energy conservation measures (like the 4-day workweek) to cope with the fuel shock, all eyes are on the UN Security Council. A fresh round of emergency talks is scheduled for today, but both Washington and Tehran have currently rejected calls for a ceasefire.
Check out our latest video:
