Leaders killed, U.S. strikes and Iranian response: a month of Iran-U.S. war
A month after the beginning of U.S.-Israel strikes against Iranian targets, here are key developments in the war over the past 30 days.
USA vs Iran War: Over the past month, the contours of the confllct between Iran and Israel-U.S. alliance have shifted. Initially, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the joint attack on Iran was a pre-emptive action against the Gulf nation’s looming nuclear arsenal, which he said could hit the U.S. if he did not take actions to destroy Iran’s ballistic programme.
Many drew parallels between Mr. Trump’s statements and former President George Bush’s words justifying the 2003 war against Iraq. After that war, it was found that Iraq did not, in fact, possess such weapons of mass desruction as claimed by the U.S.
Other objectives included dismantling Iran’s armed forces, and “protecting Middle Eastern allies.” Though not officially listed as goals, a few other perceived U.S. stakes in the war include a hand in possible regime change, control over the Strait of Hormuz and cutting off Iranian support to regional proxies.
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Recently, Mr. Trump has talked of possible compromises to end the war with Iran, but both sides have not managed to reach a mutually acceptable ceasefire deal. As such, the war does not have a certain end date yet, a month after hostilities began. Here is a look at key developments, and how they affect India.
Fuel crisis
India’s energy security came under scrutiny on the heels of the war, with West Asian countries announcing oil production cuts and a crucial transit chokepoint’s operations being hobbled. The chokepoint – Strait of Hormuz – is responsible for 20% of oil being transported. West Asian oil-producing countries such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait have announced reduction in oil production as storage facilities began filling up with oil that could not be transported through the Strait.
Subsequently, oil prices have climbed since the start of the war, with Brent crude crossing $100 per barrel.
The government has maintained that it has enough reserves, calling reports of imminent shortage misinformation. It said that it had a cumulative stock for 74 days, including crude oil, petroleum and diesel.
Here is a slider taking you through relevant graphics for context.
