Ukraine intensifies offensive against Russian oil infrastructure

New bombings in Iran

A series of airstrikes hit parts of southern Iran on Thursday, just as the country prepared to pay tribute to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The explosions were recorded in the provinces of Bushehr and Sistan and Balochistan, as well as in the cities of Ahvaz and Chabahar.

So far, no country or group has claimed responsibility for these bombings. Hours earlier, the United States Central Command had reported the end of a military operation that impacted 90 strategic objectives, but avoided commenting on the new attacks.

Iran responded with a missile offensive against Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar. The anti-aircraft alarms were activated and the population sought refuge. Kuwaiti authorities reported at least one person injured, while defense systems intercepted projectiles at different points.

The escalation puts the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran at risk. President Donald Trump reiterated that the military conflict had ended and that negotiations for a permanent agreement would continue.

Tension in the Strait of Hormuz

The situation keeps the countries of the Persian Gulf on alert through the Strait of Hormuz, a route through which nearly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas trade transits. Iran insists on exercising exclusive control and even proposes charging fees to vessels. The United States recommends an alternative route through Omani waters. Maritime traffic has decreased significantly in recent days.

Israel did not claim responsibility for the attacks, although Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that his country is prepared to act again if it deems necessary. From Tehran, legislator Esmail Kousari accused the United Arab Emirates of collaborating with the United States and assured:

“He will pay the price”

With crossed threats, attacks without a confirmed perpetrator and the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, the Middle East faces a scenario of high tension despite diplomatic efforts.

The lawsuit against Precious Shipping

Three former employees of the Thai cargo ship Mayuree Naree filed a labor lawsuit against the operating company, Precious Shipping Co. The ship was hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11. The attack left three sailors dead and forced the rescue of the rest of the crew.

The complainants, identified as Ppadon Wongsuvan and Surades Manpuen, maintain that the shipping company decided to maintain the route despite growing tensions in the region. Through their lawyer, they claim that the company did not guarantee safe working conditions and then terminated their contracts before completing the agreed nine months.

The lawsuit highlights the lack of adequate protective measures. The sailors argue that sailing in a conflict zone exposed their lives to unnecessary risk, which led to the tragedy and their subsequent dismissal.

The incident has generated an environment of insecurity among maritime workers operating in the area. In addition, it highlights the need to review the security policies of shipping companies that transit through high-risk areas.

A majority of Jewish adults in the United States say they feel less safe since the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, according to a poll by The Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Study data

Nearly six out of ten respondents consider that anti-Semitism is a very serious problem in the country. A similar proportion says that they feel less safe today than before the start of the war in Gaza.

About three in ten said they or a family member experienced physical attacks, insults, online harassment or property damage in the past year because of their Jewish background.

The increase in the perception of insecurity occurs amid the conflict in Gaza, protests related to Israel and the increase in anti-Semitic incidents in the United States. The survey highlights the need to address this phenomenon and protect vulnerable communities.