Both sides in Iran war ratchet up attacks as oil prices surge
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Israel killed Iran's intelligence minister and struck its offshore gas field as both sides escalate attacks on energy infrastructure.
How This Affects You
Oil price surges from regional energy infrastructure attacks will raise fuel and heating costs for American consumers and businesses.
AI Summary
Israel killed Iran's intelligence minister on Wednesday in an ongoing campaign targeting senior Iranian officials, while an Iranian offshore natural gas field was also struck—signaling an escalation in direct attacks on both nations' energy infrastructure. The dual strikes reflect a widening conflict that extends beyond military targets to economic ones, with both sides now explicitly threatening the region's oil and gas production. Oil prices have surged as markets react to the threat of sustained disruption to Middle Eastern energy supplies, a critical concern for global markets dependent on the region's petroleum exports. The targeting of energy infrastructure marks a significant shift in the conflict's scope, moving from personnel strikes to systematic pressure on the economic foundations that support regional economies. The strikes suggest the conflict is intensifying rather than de-escalating, with each side attempting to impose costs through both military and economic means.
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Lawmakers press U.S. intelligence officials on Iran war as new strikes jolt oil markets

Both sides in Iran war ratchet up attacks on energy facilities, as oil prices surge
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Iran & Middle East Conflict
Tracking the evolving military and diplomatic situation across the Middle East, including US-Iran tensions, Israeli operations, proxy conflicts, and the broader geopolitical implications for the region.
Economy & Markets
Monitoring the US and global economy including inflation, employment, Federal Reserve policy, trade tensions, market volatility, housing affordability, and the financial pressures facing American households.
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Global‘I don’t give a shit about Iran. I don’t want to pay higher gas’: Motor City motorists feel pinch as gas prices surge
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PoliticsExclusive: Gallego presses DOE on oil reserve as gas prices rise
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First Thing: Trump says US does not need Nato after strait of Hormuz rebuf | Clea Skopeliti
<p>Snub comes as Iran vows revenge for killing of Ali Larijani. Plus, judge orders reinstatement of Voice of America staff</p><p>Good morning.</p><p>Donald Trump has said the US does not need Nato after a number of the organization’s members <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/17/trump-us-president-nato-strait-of-hormuz-iran-middle-east">rejected his call to send their warships</a> to reopen the strait of Hormuz.</p><p><strong>How many people have been displaced in Iran?</strong> Up to 3.2 million people, according to the UN’s refugee agency. Here, Tehran residents <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/18/iranians-daily-life-under-air-attack">speak about their daily life</a> under bombardment.</p><p><strong>For the latest updates,</strong> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/mar/18/iran-war-live-updates-oil-prices-hormuz-trump-larijani-key-leader-killed-israel-strikes">follow our liveblog.</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us...
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