By Jon Gambrell and David Rising
Dubai, March 27
Israel launched a wave of strikes on Iran early Friday ahead of a planned United Nations Security Council meeting to discuss attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure, while Iran and the United States appeared at a diplomatic impasse, setting the stage for more potential escalation as the first month of the Middle East war neared its end.
Israel’s attack Friday on targets “in the heart of Tehran” came after the country said it would be “intensifying” its strikes on Iranian weapons production facilities, but there was no immediate information on what was hit.
Smoke also rose over Beirut, although Israel did not immediately report hitting the Lebanese capital, while air raid sirens sounded in Israel as the military said it was working to intercept Iranian missiles. Iran kept up its attacks on its Gulf Arab neighbours, with incoming drones and missiles reported in both Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
The United States has been pushing Iran to start talks on a 15 point proposal for a ceasefire, but at the same time has ordered thousands more troops to the region, possibly in preparation for a military attempt to wrest the Strait of Hormuz from Iran’s tight grip.
After Wall Street’s worst day since the war began, Asian shares mostly fell Friday over growing doubts about the chances of de-escalation. Oil prices rose again, with Brent crude at USD 107 a barrel in morning trading, up more than 45 per cent since Israel and the United States attacked Iran on February 28 to start the war.
Iran’s control over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns of a global energy crisis and appears part of a strategy to pressure the United States by affecting the world economy. A Gulf Arab bloc said Iran is now charging ships tolls for safe passage through the waterway.
US envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington has delivered a 15 point action list to Iran for a possible ceasefire, using Pakistan as an intermediary. The list includes limits on Iran’s nuclear programme and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran rejected the offer and proposed its own five point plan, including reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over the strait.
As diplomatic efforts continued, US ships carrying about 2,500 Marines moved closer to the region, while at least 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne have also been deployed.
The United Nations Security Council scheduled closed consultations on Iran in New York on Friday. Russia had requested the meeting on US Israeli attacks on civilian infrastructure, which the United States, holding the presidency, agreed to schedule.
The death toll continues to rise. More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran, according to the Health Ministry. Eighteen people have died in Israel, along with at least three Israeli soldiers in Lebanon and 13 American troops. Additional deaths have been reported in the West Bank and Gulf Arab states.
Authorities said more than 1,100 people have died in Lebanon. In Iraq, where Iranian backed militias are involved, 80 security personnel have been killed.
