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THE NEAR EAST
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The Middle East has entered the third week of the war amid attacks and looking at the Strait of Hormuz

Israel and Iran have intensified their bombings as uncertainty about global energy transport grows. The US has temporarily opened the market for Iranian crude oil and has not clarified whether it will intervene in Hormuz.

BEIRUT (LÍBANO), 18/03/2026.- Vista e los destrozos causados en el centro de Beirut tras un bombardeo por parte de Israel poco después de que el ejército emitiera una orden de evacuación para el lugar. Al menos seis personas murieron y otras 24 resultaron heridas este miércoles en dos bombardeos israelíes contra edificios en Beirut, lo que eleva a siete el número de ataques ocurridos dentro de la capital desde el inicio de las hostilidades hace más de dos semanas. EFE / Edgar Gutiérrez
Israeli attack on Beirut. Photo: EFE

The Middle East has entered the third week of the war without any apparent de-escalation, intensifying attacks between Israel and Iran, with particular attention to the Strait of Hormuz.

In the early morning hours ofSaturday, Israel has launched further raids in Beirut  and Tehran. The Israeli Defense Forces have confirmed that the first attacks have been directed against the positions of the Shia Hizbullah group in several southern neighbourhoods of the Lebanese capital.

Hours later, Israeli forces have announced a new wave of bombing of "targets of the Iranian regime" in Tehran and other parts of the country, such as Isfahan.

Iran's response

Iran responds with a coordinated attack on U.S. and Israeli interests. The Revolutionary Guard claims to have bombed five U.S. military bases and succeeded in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq and Bahrain, and carried out more attacks in Tel Aviv and Haifa.

In this context, Iranian military spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi has warned that US and Israeli officials could attack "anywhere inthe world. "

Energy crisis

In parallel with the escalation of military tension, the US has taken steps to contain the economic impact of the war. The Treasury Department has temporarily authorized the purchase and saleof Iranian oil in maritime transport with the aim of stabilizing the price of energy and increasing millions of barrels to the international market.

Saman Ghodousi, spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Oil, has said that "the country has no surplus oil to supply other international markets "and has accused Washington of" trying to give hope to buyers and control market psychology. "

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he will intervene only if requested to do so by the allies to ensure the safety of the navigation, but that this possible operation will be "easy" for Washington.

On the other hand, Iran has tried to define its position on this strategic route. Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi has assured us that Tehran has not closed the strait, but has imposed restrictions on ships from countries involved in the attacks. He has also indicated that his country is prepared to ensure safe transit to some countries if there is prior coordination.

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Paris (FRA), 17/04/2026.- (L-R) Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France's President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz give a joint statement after an international summit to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, France, 17 April 2026. (Francia, Reino Unido) EFE/EPA/MICHEL EULER / POOL MAXPPP OUT
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The EU says the opening of Ormuz is good news but insists that travel must be free

"The imposition of tolls for transit would set a dangerous precedent," said the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. On the other hand, in the context of the crisis and convened by France and the United Kingdom, 50 countries and international organizations have met in Paris. They have announced the launch of a "neutral" maritime mission to "assist and protect" ships passing through the Persian Gulf.

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