Global oil prices have crossed $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022 as the conflict in the Middle East continues.   The surge has raised concerns about higher fuel costs around the world. Analysts say the rise could push petrol prices up in many countries.   US President Donald Trump said the increase is temporary. “The short-term price increase is a very small price to pay for world peace,” he said.   The UK government is also watching the situation closely. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to join an emergency meeting of G7 finance ministers to discuss the rise in oil prices and the possible impact on global markets. (PC: BBC)

The United States said it is not targeting Iran’s energy sector despite recent attacks on oil facilities near Tehran.   US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said American forces have no plans to strike Iran’s oil or gas infrastructure. “The US is targeting zero energy infrastructure,” Wright told CNN. “There are no plans to target Iran’s oil industry, their natural gas industry, or anything about their energy industry.”   Large fires were reported near Tehran after Israeli strikes hit oil storage sites on Saturday. Wright said the attacks were carried out by Israel. “These are Israeli strikes. These are local fuel depots,” he said.   Oil prices have surged amid the conflict. US benchmark crude rose 12 percent on Friday and 36 percent over the week.

Donald Trump said any decision to end the ongoing conflict with Iran will be taken jointly with Benjamin Netanyahu as the war enters its tenth day. Speaking to Israeli media, the US President said both leaders are in constant discussions and that he will decide “at the right time” after considering all factors. Trump also credited himself and the Israeli prime minister with preventing Iran from destroying Israel. The conflict began after joint US-Israeli airstrikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has since retaliated with attacks on Israel and US bases across the Middle East, escalating tensions across the region. (PC: X)

The Iranian Red Crescent Society has warned residents of Tehran about possible toxic or “acid rain” after Israel targeted several oil storage facilities in and around the Iranian capital. Explosions at the depots reportedly released large amounts of hydrocarbon compounds, sulfur and nitrogen oxides into the air, raising fears of chemical burns and respiratory problems. Authorities advised people to remain indoors even after rainfall stops, warning that evaporation from contaminated surfaces could worsen air toxicity. Residents also reported dark skies and oil-like droplets falling with rain following the strikes. The attacks came amid the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which has intensified across the region.

Chants opposing Mojtaba Khamenei were reportedly heard in Tehran shortly after he was appointed the new Supreme Leader of Iran. A 17-second video circulating on social media shows women shouting “Death to Mojtaba” in Persian from a residential building during the night, though the footage has not been independently verified. Mojtaba, the son of former leader Ali Khamenei, was selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts after his father was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Tehran. The leadership change comes amid escalating regional tensions, with Iran launching retaliatory missile attacks on Israel and US bases, raising fears of wider instability across the Middle East.

Qatar Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has condemned missile and drone strikes launched by Iran across Gulf countries, calling them a “dangerous miscalculation” and a “betrayal.” Speaking after multiple attacks targeted the region, he said Gulf nations had made clear they would not participate in wars against their neighbours. Despite efforts to maintain good relations with Tehran, Al Thani said the strikes had shocked the region and even hit civilian facilities. He warned the escalating conflict could destabilise the Middle East and trigger global economic consequences. While criticising Iran’s actions, the Qatari leader urged restraint and emphasised the need for diplomacy and negotiations to prevent the crisis from worsening.

Iran signalled that the family of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could remain in power as the country prepares to name a new supreme leader. Cleric Hosseinali Eshkevari said, “The name of Khamenei will continue,” suggesting support for Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son.   Eshkevari added that the vote had already been cast and the result would be announced soon. Another cleric said the Assembly of Experts’ secretary, Hosseini Bushehri, would formally declare the successor.   The announcement comes as fighting between Iran and Israel continues. Israeli strikes hit oil depots in Tehran, sending thick smoke across the city. Iran called the attacks a “dangerous new phase” of the conflict. (PC: NDTV)

Lebanon’s health minister says nearly 400 people have been killed in Israeli strikes across the country. Hospitals in southern Lebanon reported receiving injured people and bodies after an overnight attack on a village.   The strikes come as tensions widen across the region. The US Central Command urged people in Iran to remain indoors, accusing Tehran of launching attacks from civilian areas.   Residents in Tehran described heavy bombardment after oil depots were hit. One woman said, “You can smell the burning.”   Meanwhile, a member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts said there is agreement on who could replace Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though some obstacles remain. (PC: BBC)

The United States said energy supplies may soon resume through the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing conflict with Iran. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said a large oil tanker has already passed through the key waterway without problems. The strait is a major global route for oil and gas shipments. Fighting in the region had disrupted supplies and pushed oil prices higher. Brent crude rose about 30% last week, close to 100 dollars per barrel. Many Asian countries depend on Gulf oil and are feeling the impact. Iran, however, warned it could block ships passing through the strait, raising fears of further disruption to global energy supplies. (PC: Reuters)

Huge fires and thick black smoke covered parts of Tehran after Israeli strikes hit oil storage sites on Sunday.   The attacks targeted the Aghdasieh oil warehouse, the Shahran oil depot, and another facility in Karaj, according to Iranian authorities. Israel confirmed striking “fuel storage facilities in Tehran” linked to military infrastructure.   Residents said the smoke blocked sunlight across the city of more than 10 million people. Many switched on lights during the day to see through the fumes.   Some residents reported “black and oily” rain as the fires burned for hours.   Tehran governor Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian said fuel distribution in the capital has been “temporarily interrupted.”   Authorities warned that toxic fumes could cause breathing problems and urged people to stay indoors.