By Burnett Munthali
Tensions are escalating in the Middle East, with the US shutting down embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Lebanon following drone attacks, while Israel launches new strikes on Iran and Beirut.
This has sent oil and gas prices soaring, with Brent crude hitting $80 a barrel, as investors weigh the disruption to oil supplies coming through the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly a fifth of the world’s oil shipments pass.
The US has urged Americans to leave 14 countries in the region, citing serious safety risks, as the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran intensifies, with US embassies across the Middle East shifting into emergency footing.
The conflict has claimed hundreds of lives, predominantly in Iran, and raised concerns about the potential for prolonged warfare, with Iran responding to Israeli strikes by targeting US allies in the Gulf region.
The international community is urged to address this escalating crisis and facilitate de-escalation to restore regional and global stability, as diplomatic missions reduce and governments issue travel warnings.
The US Embassy in Beirut has halted its work until further notice, and the US has announced temporary closure of the Lebanon Embassy, citing ongoing regional tensions.
The situation remains volatile, with reports of explosions and airspace closures across the region, and global markets reacting to the escalating conflict.
