Since the US and Israel launched the war, Iran has struck a slew of countries across the Middle East. Tehran claims it is targeting US interests in Gulf nations but residential buildings and airports have also repeatedly come under attack. The Iranian strikes have exploited the fragility of the global energy trade including infrastructure and transit routes. Spare capacity measures how much more oil production could quickly get brought back online, if needed. Meanwhile, Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was elevated to the country’s highest post over the weekend, an indication that further escalation is likely.

Source: CNN March 09, 2026 22:36 UTC