Attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure continued into Day 25 of the conflict on Tuesday, undercutting US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a five-day pause on targeting power facilities.
Fresh strikes reported across key gas installations suggest that, on the ground, momentum remains firmly with military escalation rather than restraint.
The latest incidents, detailed by Tehran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, point to a widening focus on crippling Iran’s energy backbone. At the same time, the effects of the conflict are spilling beyond Iran’s borders, with infrastructure disruptions reported in Kuwait and deadly strikes in Iraq, underscoring the increasingly regional nature of the war.
Even as Washington signals openness to diplomacy, including claims of ongoing talks and a temporary pause in attacks, messages from Tehran and its allies remain sharply at odds.
With military planning intensifying, political signalling diverging and no clear pathway to de-escalation, the conflict is entering a more volatile and unpredictable phase.
Iran names ex-IRGC commander Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as top security chief; Lebanon expels Iranian ambassador
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, former IRGC brigadier general and secretary of Iran’s Expediency Council, appointed secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, replacing Ali Larijani, killed in airstrike.
Iranian state TV confirmed the appointment on Tuesday.
Lebanon declares Iran’s ambassador persona non grata, to leave by Sunday; embassy to be headed by charge d’affaires.
Lebanese government accuses Iran and IRGC of operating alongside Hezbollah, risking involvement in war with Israel.
Israel says some airstrikes have targeted IRGC officials in Lebanon.
Reliance buys 5 million barrels of Iranian oil after U.S. sanctions waiver
First Iranian crude import by India since 2019, Reuters reported.
Bought from NIOC at ~$7 above Brent; delivery TBD.
U.S. 30-day waiver covers oil loaded by March 20, discharged by April 19.
Follows 40 million barrels of Russian crude imports under temporary waiver.
Other Asian refiners eye Iranian oil; Sinopec opts out.
Trump pushes Iran deal, Israel sceptical
Donald Trump appears keen to secure a deal with Iran to end hostilities, Israeli officials said, as per Reuters.
Officials doubt Iran will accept likely US demands on nuclear and missile curbs.
Trump said talks were “very good and productive” toward a “complete resolution”.
Iran denied any negotiations took place.
Benjamin Netanyahu said Trump sees scope to leverage military gains into a deal safeguarding Israel’s interests.
IRGC warns Israel of unlimited retaliation
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned Israeli forces in the north and Gaza will be targeted “without any limit” if civilians are attacked.
Statement, via IRNA, ties retaliation directly to strikes in Palestinian territories and Lebanon.
Signals sharp escalation in rhetoric amid widening regional conflict
Key takeaways from PM Modi’s Rajya Sabha speech
Narendra Modi said the West Asia war has triggered a global energy crisis, disrupting India’s trade routes and supplies of fuel and fertilisers.
Ships, including those with Indian crew, are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz; attacks on commercial vessels are “unacceptable”.
India has condemned strikes on civilians and critical infrastructure.
Around one crore Indians in Gulf countries remain a key concern.
Modi said he has spoken with leaders across West Asia, Iran, Israel and the US, pushing for de-escalation and opening of Hormuz.
India is working diplomatically to ensure safe passage of its ships.
Govt is sourcing oil and gas from all possible avenues; efforts to continue in coming days.
Economic fundamentals remain strong; govt prepared for short-, medium-, long-term impact.
Adequate fertiliser supplies ensured; farmers will be protected.Global economic impact significant; recovery may take time.
Strikes hit Iran’s gas infrastructure
Tehran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported damage to key gas facilities in Isfahan.
Offices linked to a gas company and a pressure reduction station were among the sites hit.
A separate strike targeted a pipeline supplying a power plant in Khorramshahr.
The attacks risk disrupting both gas distribution and electricity generation.
Analysts see the strikes as a direct attempt to strain Iran’s domestic energy network.
Kuwait power grid hit by falling debris
The Kuwait Ministry of Electricity and Water said seven transmission lines were knocked out.
Damage was caused by debris from intercepted projectiles.
The incident highlights spillover risks beyond immediate conflict zones.
Authorities are working to restore the affected power lines.
No casualties have been reported, but infrastructure vulnerabilities are exposed.
US weighs deployment of Rapid Forces
Senior officials are considering deploying troops from the 82nd Airborne Division.
The Immediate Response Force, about 3,000 soldiers, can deploy within 18 hours.
Officials described the planning as precautionary, with no orders yet issued.
U.S. Central Command has declined to comment on the plans.
The move reflects growing readiness for possible escalation on the ground.
Kharg Island emerges as strategic target
Military planners are examining options to seize Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub.
Control of the island would significantly impact Iran’s oil revenues.
About 2,500 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit could lead an assault.
The unit is already moving toward the region, increasing operational flexibility.
Any such move would mark a major escalation in U.S. involvement.
Marines and Paratroopers: US two-phase plan
Damage to Kharg Island’s airfield complicates immediate large-scale deployment.
Marines could be deployed first to repair infrastructure and secure the area.
Combat engineers would play a key role in restoring runway operations.
Air Force transport aircraft could then begin moving troops and supplies.
Paratroopers from the 82nd may reinforce positions after initial landings.
Indian efiners eye costly Iranian oil
Traders have begun offering Iranian crude to Indian refiners at a premium of $6–$8 per barrel over ICE Brent, reflecting tight global supply rather than any sudden generosity.
The shift follows a temporary sanctions waiver announced by Donald Trump’s administration, allowing limited transactions for oil already at sea.
India, which has avoided Iranian crude since 2019 under U.S. pressure, is now reassessing options as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz squeeze supplies.
Refiners face urgency, with roughly a month to secure shipments of crude and LPG from nearby Iran to offset shortages at home.
The irony is hard to miss: oil is available again—but at a premium, and with strings attached.
Amazon AWS Bahrain region hit by drone disruption
Amazon said its Amazon Web Services Bahrain region was disrupted due to drone activity linked to the ongoing conflict.
The company is migrating customers to alternate regions, though it has not disclosed the extent of damage or recovery timeline.
AWS, a key profit driver, underpins major global websites, businesses and government operations, amplifying the impact of disruptions.
This marks the second hit to AWS infrastructure in the region in recent weeks, following earlier outages in Bahrain and the UAE tied to the conflict.
Source Name : Economic Times