Iran War Day 12: Hormuz Crisis, Persian Gulf Strikes, Global Reaction

Major events in the previous 24 hours

Attacks on commercial shipping

On 11 March Iranian forces or suspected Iranian drones hit at least three commercial vessels. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre reported that a bulk carrier was struck 11 nautical miles north of Oman, causing a fire and forcing the crew to evacuate. Media reports identify the ships as the Thai‑flagged Mayuree Naree, Star Bulk’s Star Gwyneth and a container ship (Express Rome). The IRGC claimed responsibility for attacks on the Mayuree Naree and Express Rome, accusing them of ignoring warnings. Another vessel was hit off Dubai, according to Al Jazeera and PBS.

Iranian drone strike on Dubai airport & threats to financial centres

Two Iranian drones exploded near Dubai International Airport, injuring four people; flights continued. Iran’s joint military command warned it would target banks and financial institutions in the Middle East, particularly in Dubai, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Iran also threatened to attack economic centres after alleging that an Iranian bank in Tehran was hit earlier in the day.

Destruction of Iranian minelayers

U.S. Central Command released footage showing 16 Iranian mine‑laying vessels destroyed near the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper later said the U.S. operation (code‑named Operation Epic Fury) has struck more than 5,500 targets in Iran, including over 60 ships and a ballistic‑missile manufacturing facility. Cooper emphasised that U.S. forces used artificial‑intelligence tools to accelerate targeting but that humans made final decisions.

U.S.-Israeli air and missile strikes on Iran

The U.S. and Israel continued heavy bombardment of Iranian military infrastructure. Al Jazeera notes that at least eight districts of Tehran were hit and that residential buildings in the capital were destroyed. ISW reports that U.S. strikes also targeted internal security institutions in western and north‑western Iran. NDTV cites Israeli military sources saying that about 170 bombs were dropped on IRGC facilities in Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz during the preceding 24 hours.

Iranian retaliatory attacks

Iran launched its 37th wave of retaliatory attacks, firing Khoramshahr ballistic missiles and drones in multi-layered barrages lasting more than three hours. The missiles targeted Tel Aviv, Haifa and West Jerusalem as well as U.S. bases in Erbil (Iraq) and Manama (Bahrain). Iran also fired missiles and drones at a U.S. base in Kuwait, according to Al Jazeera and PBS.

Attacks across the Gulf

Gulf states reported waves of incoming drones and missiles: Saudi Arabia intercepted missiles aimed at its eastern region and Prince Sultan Air Base, while Saudi defences later destroyed six ballistic missiles targeting the Shaybah oil field. Qatar intercepted missiles and put residents on elevated alert. The UAE said its air defences intercepted 26 drones, nine of which fell within its territory, and Kuwait reported shooting down eight Iranian drones. A major oil refinery at Ruwais in the UAE halted operations after a drone strike. Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia also reported aerial attacks.

Strikes in Lebanon and Iraq

Israeli warplanes bombed central Beirut, igniting fires in a residential building. Israel also carried out raids in southern and eastern Lebanon that killed at least 14 people, while Hezbollah rockets fired into northern Israel continued. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said 570 people had been killed in the country since fighting began. In Iraq, U.S. and Israeli strikes hit groups linked to the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF).

Human toll

Iran claims U.S.-Israeli bombing has killed over 1,300 civilians and damaged almost 10,000 civilian sites, including homes and healthcare facilities. Lebanon has recorded 570 deaths and over 667,000 displaced people. The U.S. Defence Department reports about 140 U.S. service members wounded and seven killed. Israel has reported 12 deaths.

Political & diplomatic developments

Many Gulf nations urged de‑escalation. Qatar’s foreign minister called on Iran and the U.S. to return to negotiations and said Iranian attacks on neighbours help no one. The U.N. Security Council prepared to vote on a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) resolution demanding that Iran halt its attacks on neighbouring states. Inside the U.S., Senate Democrats demanded public hearings on war goals while the White House acknowledged hitting more than 5,000 targets and opened an investigation into a strike on an Iranian girls’ school.

Energy market response

The International Energy Agency (IEA) announced that its 32 member countries would release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves – the largest collective release in IEA history. Brent crude traded near $90.96 per barrel, roughly $21 more than a year earlier. The GCC states of Germany and Austria (non-members) also said they would release reserves.

Shipping disruptions

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to about seven ships per day since 8 March, compared with the usual 100 daily transits. The Neptune P2P Group said five of the seven vessels that transited were linked to Iran. WCS reported that container lines have more than 138 ships carrying 470,000 TEUs stranded in the Persian Gulf and that carriers like MSC and CMA CGM have suspended bookings. Maersk suspended cargo booking into and out of ports in the UAE, Oman (except Salalah), Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Oil flows & Iranian exports

Iran has exported about 11.7 million barrels of crude during the war, all bound for China; this is roughly 1.22 million barrels/day, down from 2.16 million barrels/day in February. Some Iranian tankers are making “dark” transits by turning off AIS trackers. Tanker traffic via the Jask terminal on the Gulf of Oman resumed on 7 March when a tanker loaded ~2 million barrels.

Mojtaba Khamenei’s status

Rumours persist about the health of Iran’s new supreme leader. An adviser to Iran’s president said Mojtaba Khamenei was “safe and sound” despite reports of injury. Israeli intelligence sources told PBS that they believe he was wounded at the start of the war.

Inside Iran

• Civilian infrastructure targeted: Iranian officials accuse the U.S. and Israel of deliberately attacking civilian sites; nearly 10,000 civilian locations have been bombed and more than 1,300 civilians killed. Strikes hit residential districts in Tehran and other cities like Isfahan and Shiraz. Explosions triggered fires, and rescue teams have dug through rubble to find survivors.
• U.S.-Israeli attacks on military targets: The U.S. and Israel continue to target Iranian air bases, missile factories and internal security sites. ISW notes that the combined force is attacking Iranian internal security institutions in western and north‑western provinces. CENTCOM emphasises that Operation Epic Fury aims to destroy Iran’s ability to project power through the Strait of Hormuz and to suppress its ballistic missile infrastructure.
• Regime securitisation: ISW assesses that Iran is expanding surveillance and counterintelligence to prevent infiltration; it notes that the regime prioritised internal security and arrested hundreds after the June 2025 Iran–Israel war.
• Public unrest: Iran’s police chief Ahmad‑Reza Radan warned that those supporting the country’s enemies would be treated as “enemies”, not protesters.
• Environmental hazards: The World Health Organization warned of toxic “black rain” after strikes on oil depots caused thick smoke to mix with rain clouds.

Attacks outside Iran

Persian Gulf & Gulf states

• Shipping attacks: As noted above, Iranian missiles or drones struck three ships. The UKMTO recorded 17 incidents (13 attacks and four suspicious activities) between 28 February and 11 March.
• Drone and missile barrages: Gulf states faced waves of Iranian missiles and drones. Saudi Arabia intercepted missiles heading for its eastern region and key oil installations. Qatar and the UAE reported intercepting missiles and dozens of drones. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia said they downed Iranian drones. Oman shot down two Iranian drones.
• Strikes on oil infrastructure: Iran has attacked oil facilities in the UAE (Ruwais refinery), Saudi Arabia (Shaybah field), and other Gulf countries. These strikes have forced temporary shutdowns and contributed to high global energy prices.

Lebanon & Iraq

• Lebanon: Israeli warplanes bombed a residential building in central Beirut, injuring civilians, and conducted strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon killing at least 14 people. Hezbollah claimed numerous rocket attacks on northern Israel. Lebanon’s death toll reached 570, with over 667,000 displaced people.
• Iraq: Airstrikes hit locations linked to Iran-backed militias. Iraq’s prime minister protested to the U.S., saying Iraq should not be used as a launchpad for attacks. Iran also fired missiles at U.S. bases in Erbil and Manama.

Israel

• Missile defence & cyber concerns: Israeli media reported that all Iranian missiles fired at Israel were intercepted, although sirens sounded across Tel Aviv and central regions. The U.S. cautioned Israel against striking Iranian energy facilities without U.S. approval. Israel’s cybersecurity directorate warned of Iranian hacks targeting security cameras.

International reactions

• Calls for restraint and diplomacy: Qatar’s foreign minister urged Iran and the U.S. to de‑escalate and return to negotiations. The U.K., France and Germany issued a joint statement condemning Iranian attacks on regional states and urging negotiations. Canada and Australia publicly supported the U.S. operation, while Russia called the strikes an “act of armed aggression” and urged a halt to escalation. China said Iran’s sovereignty should be respected and called for dialogue.
• U.N. Security Council action: The GCC pushed a draft resolution demanding Iran stop attacks on neighbouring states, which the Security Council was scheduled to vote on.
• Domestic U.S. politics: Congressional Democrats demanded open hearings on war aims and criticised the administration for a lack of clarity. The White House confirmed hitting more than 5,000 targets in Iran and initiated an investigation into a strike that killed students at a girls’ school.

Humanitarian and economic impact

• Civilian casualties & displacement: Iran’s government reports over 1,300 civilian deaths; Lebanon reports 570 deaths, and Israel reports 12 deaths. Tens of thousands have been wounded, and more than 667,000 people are displaced in Lebanon. The U.S. evacuated over 43,000 Americans from the region.
• Fuel shortages and price spikes: The war has halted most shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to fuel shortages in some countries and price spikes. The WCS report says container and vehicle shipments have been severely delayed or rerouted, stranding 470,000 TEUs of cargo. NPR noted that gas prices have risen in the U.S. and that fuel costs have jumped by up to 40 % in countries like Egypt and Nigeria. Some governments have urged citizens to conserve energy, such as Thailand asking residents to use stairs.
• Economic measures: The IEA’s 400 million‑barrel reserve release aims to stabilise markets and signals expectations of prolonged disruption. Germany, Austria and Japan announced separate releases. Oil prices remain volatile, with Brent at roughly $90.96 per barrel.
• Iran’s exports & revenues: Despite attacks, Iran continues limited exports to China. Since the war began, it has shipped 11.7 million barrels (1.22 Mbd) through the Strait, down from 2.16 Mbd before the war. Several tankers undertake dark transits to avoid detection.

Analysis & outlook

The twelfth day of the Iran war saw an escalation in both military intensity and geographic scope. The U.S.-Israeli coalition is prosecuting a high‑tempo campaign aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities and controlling the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran is responding with frequent missile and drone salvos targeting Israel, U.S. bases and Gulf allies. The destruction of 16 Iranian minelayers and the claim of more than 5,500 targets hit suggest the U.S. is intent on neutralising Iran’s capacity to mine the strait and to produce ballistic missiles. However, Iran’s ability to launch dozens of missiles and drones shows that its arsenal remains formidable.

The regional impact is severe. Gulf states have been dragged into the conflict through attacks on their critical infrastructure, triggering flight cancellations, refinery shutdowns and energy market jitters. Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted, and shipping firms are suspending bookings. Civilian casualties continue to mount in Iran and Lebanon, and humanitarian conditions are deteriorating as health services are overwhelmed and toxic pollution spreads.

Internationally, reactions are mixed. Western allies like the U.K., France, Germany, Canada and Australia broadly support the U.S., while Russia and China criticise the strikes and call for restraint. Diplomats at the U.N. are pushing a resolution to stop Iranian attacks on neighbouring states, but the prospects for de‑escalation are uncertain. Domestic political pressure in the U.S. is growing, with lawmakers demanding clarity on objectives and timelines.

Overall, Day 12 shows no sign of a breakthrough. Iran appears determined to widen the conflict and inflict economic pain, while the U.S. and Israel vow to continue until Iran’s ability to project power is destroyed. The war has already produced significant regional destabilisation and global economic repercussions. Without a negotiated settlement, the fighting is likely to persist and could expand further, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a potential flashpoint for both energy markets and global security.