At least three ships were hit in and around the Strait of Hormuz, further constricting a route that carries roughly a fifth of the world’s oil. The attacks, combined with ongoing U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian threats to maritime infrastructure, have effectively throttled tanker traffic and heightened global energy risk.
Source: The New York Times
U.S. and allies tap strategic reserves, but oil still surges past $100
Washington will release 172 million barrels from U.S. strategic reserves, part of a broader allied effort to blunt a wartime energy shock. Despite these moves, prices climbed above $100 a barrel as the near-closure of Hormuz and mounting attacks on shipping outweighed supply backstops.
Source: The New York Times
Probe indicates U.S. Tomahawk hit Iranian girls’ school, spotlighting AI targeting risks
A preliminary Pentagon assessment suggests a U.S. missile strike mistakenly hit an elementary school in Minab, killing at least 165–175 people, most of them children. Reporting indicates the site was on an AI-enabled target list and may have been misidentified as a military facility, prompting bipartisan calls for accountability and a review of targeting processes.
Source: The Washington Post
War widens in Lebanon as Israel pounds Beirut and Hezbollah escalates
Israeli airstrikes rocked Beirut and southern Lebanon amid intensifying clashes with Hezbollah, leaving more than 630 dead and driving at least 800,000 people from their homes. The escalation raises the risk of a larger regional conflict and further strains humanitarian capacity across the Levant.
Source: The Washington Post
Iran enforces 12th day of near-total internet blackout
NetBlocks data show nationwide connectivity in Iran remains around 1% of normal levels, severely limiting access to online services and information. The sustained shutdown impedes humanitarian coordination, curbs protest mobilization, and obscures independent reporting from conflict zones.
Source: Khaama Press
Japan to deploy homegrown longer-range missiles as counterstrike doctrine matures
Tokyo will begin fielding the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile for island defense and an upgraded Type 12 surface-to-ship missile on March 31. The move deepens Japan’s shift toward standoff deterrence amid rising regional tensions and could reshape security dynamics across the Indo-Pacific.
Source: The Diplomat
U.N. Security Council condemns Iran’s retaliatory strikes as diplomatic rifts harden
The Council overwhelmingly backed a resolution condemning Iran’s attacks, while a Russian proposal for an immediate cease-fire that did not assign blame was rejected. The vote underscores deep divisions among major powers as the conflict broadens and energy and security shocks ripple globally.
Source: The New York Times
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