Middle East War Escalates, Threatens Global Oil

0:00It's March 22, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Durham News Today, local news powered by AI. Tensions between the United States, Iran, and Israel spiked this weekend as both sides traded threats to expand the Middle East war now and its fourth. Week. Iran and Hezbollah launched fresh missile strikes across Israel, hitting areas near secretive nuclear research sites in the Negev Desert and Wounding, over 175 people. The attacks came right after President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its power plants. Iran has effectively blockaded the strait, a vital route for one-fifth of the world's oil, halting tankers and driving up global energy prices. In response to Trump's warning, Iran's parliament speaker bowed to target American and Israeli energy infrastructure and desalination plants across. The region if attacked, meanwhile Gulf states like Saudi Arabia helped intercept incoming

1:01Iranian barrages. Israeli leaders visited the damaged southern town of Iraq, calling it a miracle no one was killed there despite the heavy strikes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war goals are nearly met but urged more international backing. Casualties mount with over 500 dead in Iran, 15 in Israel from direct hits, plus others in the West Bank and Gulf. As Balak claimed a rocket strike that killed one Israeli civilian in the north, while Israel ramped up operations in southern Lebanon, targeting. Bridges and Horms used by militants. Fears grew over nuclear sites after Iran retaliated for strikes on its Netanyahu facility, though no radiation leaks were reported. As strikes continue in threats escalate, the conflict shows no quick end, rattling economies and drawing in more regional players.