Iran14 March, 20262 min read
Israel Katz Says Iran War Entering Decisive Phase
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Israel Katz says the war with Iran is entering a decisive phase. Explosions and strikes across the region included Baghdad’s U.S. embassy attack and UAE energy facility.
Katz Declares Decisive Phase
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared that the war with Iran has entered a 'decisive phase.'
“The global and regional struggle against Iran, led by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is escalating and entering the decisive phase that will continue as long as necessary.”
Katz made this announcement in a televised address to senior military officials.
He framed the conflict as part of an intensifying global and regional struggle against Tehran.
The defense minister emphasized that this decisive phase would continue 'for as long as necessary.'
Katz highlighted the coordinated campaign led by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
His remarks came amid ongoing military operations and escalating regional tensions.
Israel views the current period as critical in the broader confrontation with Iran and its regional allies.
Kharg Island Strikes
Recent U.S. military strikes on Iran's Kharg Island have been central to the escalating conflict.
Israeli officials commended the operations against what Washington described as military facilities.
The strategic Kharg Island hosts Iran's main oil export terminal.
The island became the target of extensive U.S. precision strikes.
U.S. Central Command reported that over 90 Iranian military targets were destroyed.
Iranian semi-official media reported at least 15 explosions on the island.
Specific targets included an air defense facility, naval base, airport control tower, and helicopter hangar.
Iran maintained that oil infrastructure remained undamaged despite the attacks.
Regional Escalation
The conflict has rapidly expanded beyond direct Israeli-Iranian exchanges. Strikes and counterattacks are shaking cities across the Middle East. Critical infrastructure has become a target in the widening conflict.
“The Israeli defence minister's statement came on the day explosions rocked cities across the Middle East, with strikes on the US embassy in Baghdad and a major UAE energy facility with heavy strikes and counterattacks being reported across the region.”
Explosions have been reported at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. This marked the second attack on the diplomatic compound since February 28. A major Emirati energy facility in Fujairah was also hit.
Clouds of black smoke rose from the Fujairah site. This occurred shortly after Iran's military warned UAE civilians to avoid port areas. More than 15,000 targets in Iran have been hit by U.S. and Israeli forces in two weeks.
Human and Economic Impact
The human and economic costs of the escalating conflict have become increasingly severe. Millions have been displaced by waves of drone, missile, and aerial bombardment. This displacement affects multiple countries across the region.
Iranian authorities report more than 1,200 people killed in the fighting. The actual death toll may be higher given the intensity of military operations. The conflict has entered its third week with little sign of abating.
Oil prices have surged approximately 40% due to the conflict. Iran has established a chokehold on the vital Strait of Hormuz.
Ongoing threats to shipping and Gulf energy facilities continue. The economic disruption has sent shockwaves through global markets.
Iranian Operations Continue
Despite extensive U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian military and strategic targets, Iranian officials have maintained that key economic operations continue normally. On Kharg Island specifically, oil export and import operations remained undisturbed.
“Iranian officials said Saturday that oil operations on the island continued normally despite the strikes.”
The deputy governor of Bushehr province, Ehsan Jahaniyan, confirmed this. He stated that activities of companies on the island were ongoing. Iranian semi-official media emphasized that U.S. strikes targeted military facilities.
These reports stressed that oil infrastructure was not damaged. This suggests Iran maintains economic functions despite the military campaign. The ongoing operations indicate resilience under international pressure.