Middle East Situation Update (April 6)

U.S.-Israel-Iran Conflict:
① Iran
1. Iran’s Foreign Minister spoke with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister to exchange views on regional developments.
2. Iran states it will respond proportionally to attacks targeting its infrastructure.
3. Iran’s military claims to have conducted drone strikes on Israeli vessels near Kuwait.
4. Iran reports strikes on petrochemical and energy facilities across Gulf countries, warning of further attacks on U.S. interests.
5. Iran claims to have used cruise missiles to attack Israeli ships near Jebel Ali Port in the UAE.
6. Iranian media: U.S. rescue operation resulted in 5 deaths and 8 injuries; several U.S. soldiers died during the rescue.
7. Iranian officials suggest opening the Strait of Hormuz conditionally: first compensate Iran’s war damages with past shipping taxes.
8. Joint Command of Iran’s Armed Forces: U.S. rescue mission for pilots “failed,” and the downed U.S. aircraft included a C-130 military transport plane and two Black Hawk helicopters.
② United States
1. U.S. media reports over 1,000 U.S. troops have been withdrawn from Bahrain.
2. U.S. media: rescued American pilots have been sent to Kuwait.
3. U.S. media reports destroy of two malfunctioning transport planes involved in rescue missions.
4. At the U.S. government’s request, “Planet Labs” has indefinitely suspended the release of satellite images related to Iran’s military activities.
5. Trump posted on social media on the 5th hinting at bombing Iran’s power plants and bridges on April 7.
6. Trump appears to have delayed the final deadline for Iran’s ultimatum to 8 p.m. Eastern Time on April 7.
7. Trump: Believes an agreement with Iran can be reached before the 6th. Will hold a joint press conference with the military on the afternoon of the 6th.
8. Some U.S. officials believe the war against Iran will enter a second phase, with Iran’s power plants and bridges becoming “legitimate military targets.”
9. According to Fox News: sources say the CIA carried out a “deception operation” before Iran’s bold rescue mission.
10. ABC News: Trump states that if no agreement is reached, the entire country of Iran will be bombed; currently, ground troops are not deemed necessary, but the possibility is not ruled out.
11. UK media: U.S. rescue operation in Iran nearly failed due to aircraft inability to take off.
③ Israel
1. Israeli military reports missile attacks from Iran targeting northern Israel.
2. Israel claims to have killed a commercial officer from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Oil Headquarters.
3. Since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, 6,833 Israelis have been hospitalized.
4. Sources: Israel and the U.S. have finalized a comprehensive list of strategic objectives.
5. Israeli Chief of Staff vows to intensify efforts against Hezbollah; disarming Hezbollah is the primary war goal.
6. Israeli media: Israel considers the likelihood of reaching an agreement with Iran very low and is preparing for potential large-scale strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure.
④ Other Developments:
1. Egypt raises electricity prices for high-consumption households and businesses.
2. Abu Dhabi’s large petrochemical facility Ruwes is shut down after an attack.
3. Bahrain’s oil storage facilities are hit by a drone attack causing a fire.
4. Lebanon proposes a ceasefire to Israel but has not received a response.
5. International Energy Agency Director: Continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz will double April’s oil and refined product losses.
6. Kuwait reports two power and desalination plants were attacked by Iranian drones, causing significant property damage.
7. India’s Foreign Minister has spoken with the foreign ministers of the UAE, Qatar, and Iran to discuss the latest Middle East developments.
8. Libya’s National Oil Corporation reports crude oil production has risen to approximately 1.43 million barrels per day, a ten-year high.
9. South Korea’s government statement: South Korea’s finance minister urges Gulf countries’ ambassadors in Korea to ensure the safety of Korean ships and crew near the Strait of Hormuz.
10. The statement also notes that Egypt’s Foreign Minister exchanged views and suggestions with U.S. Special Envoy Wittekov and regional counterparts on easing regional tensions.
11. Hezbollah claims to have hit an Israeli warship with missiles; Israel denies, stating the vessel was a British warship, which the UK also states was not attacked.
⑤ Strait of Hormuz
1. Iran’s Parliament reviews management plans for the Strait of Hormuz.
2. An Iraqi oil tanker carrying crude oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
3. U.S. media: The Iranian Speaker of Parliament appears to threaten to block shipping through the Strait of Mand.
4. Oman and Iran hold deputy minister-level talks to discuss ensuring passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
5. Iran’s Supreme Leader: Must continue to leverage the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a “strategic lever.”
6. After receiving Iran’s permission, 15 ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours.
Gaza Situation
1. Hamas armed wing spokesperson states that calls for disarmament are unacceptable.
#国际油价走高