US and Israel carry out heaviest strikes on Iran as oil flow threat raises stakes
Mar 10th 2026
The Pentagon calls the action the campaign's most intense, Iran threatens to block Gulf oil shipments and markets are reacting to the risk that oil disruption could force a quick end to the war.
- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday would be the "most intense day" of strikes inside Iran, with more fighters, bombers and strikes than before.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned they would block oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz unless U.S. and Israeli attacks stop.
- President Trump warned of much harsher strikes if Iran halts oil flow while also saying the war could end soon.
- Brent crude surged toward $120 a barrel on Monday then eased to about $92 as traders bet the disruption will be brief.
- At least 1,332 Iranian civilians have been killed since the air strikes began, according to Iran's UN ambassador.
- Iran has named hardliner Mojtaba Khamenei as supreme leader and large pro-government rallies have followed the appointment.
- A source said Israel is trying to inflict maximum damage before a possible window for further strikes closes.
Articles
- Hegseth threatens Iran with ‘most intense day of strikes’ www.theglobeandmail.com
- US missile hit military base near Iran school, video analysis shows www.bbc.co.uk
- Iran warns it will hit US, Israeli infrastructure if its own is targeted thehill.com