Iran launched missiles at Israel and several countries in the Persian Gulf on Friday, resulting in a fire at an oil refinery in Kuwait, LETA reported, citing AP.
At the same time, explosions were also reported in the Tehran area and in central Iran — around Isfahan. The United States announced its readiness to bolster its already significant military presence in the Middle East.
On the sixth week since the start of the attacks on February 28, when Israel and the U.S. began strikes against Iran, and Iran responded with strikes across the region, Israel, Bahrain, and Kuwait reported the approach of missiles on Friday.
Iranian drones struck the Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery in Kuwait, causing fires. The state company Kuwait Petroleum Corp reported that there were no casualties from the third attack on the facility since the war began, but firefighters continue to work.
Due to Iran's attacks on the energy infrastructure of the Persian Gulf region and its strict control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world's oil and gas passes in peacetime, oil prices have surged.
Amid rising fuel prices and concerns about supply disruptions, various countries around the world are implementing fuel-saving measures.
In Bangladesh, supermarkets and shops have been mandated to reduce their working hours, while government institutions are required to cut fuel and electricity consumption by 30%. The government has decided to suspend some training programs for employees and the purchase of new vehicles, vessels, and aircraft. Decorative lighting during holidays is prohibited.
In turn, Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen urged drivers to refuel in cities during the Easter holidays, as rural areas may face fuel shortages.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that American forces will continue to carry out powerful strikes against Iran in the next two to three weeks.
According to the U.S. Navy's Sixth Fleet command, the largest operational American aircraft carrier has left Split in Croatia and "remains ready for full mission support of national objectives in any area of operations."
It is still unclear where it is heading. The aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln remains in the Arabian Sea, while the U.S. aircraft carrier George H. W. Bush departed Norfolk on Wednesday and is heading to the Middle East.
