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US-Iran War Enters Third Week, Impacting Middle East and Global Economy
US Strikes Iranian Oil Facilities and Deploys More Troops to Middle East
The military confrontation between the United States and Iran has entered its third week. The US struck 90 military targets on Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export terminal, following warnings from President Donald Trump that further attacks would occur if Iran attempted to block the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has threatened retaliation, and the US Embassy in Baghdad was also hit by a missile, damaging a helipad. In response, the US has deployed an additional 5,000 troops, including 2,200 Marines, to the Middle East.
Israel Expands Operations in Lebanon, Casualties Mount
Israel is escalating its ground operations in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah with intensified air strikes. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, over 800 people have been killed by Israeli airstrikes, including more than 100 children. The UN Refugee Agency reported that approximately one million Lebanese citizens have been displaced. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they have struck over 150 Hezbollah command centers in the past two weeks. Meanwhile, a Lebanese-American citizen testified about losing four family members in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon.
War's Fallout Threatens Global Economy
The US-Iran war is having a significant impact on the global economy. Gas prices in the US have risen by $0.73 per gallon since the start of the war, reaching $3.67, while diesel is nearing $4.89 per gallon. This has led to increased transportation costs, with UPS and FedEx announcing new shipping surcharges. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 20% of the world's oil, is causing disruptions, including delays in fertilizer ingredient shipments, leading to upward pressure on food prices. President Trump urged countries including China, France, Japan, and South Korea to send warships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
*Source: YouTube: ABC News (2026-03-15)*
