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.
