The US-Iran war continues for 12 days, the Strait of Hormuz has "become a battlefield," and multiple countries agree to release strategic oil reserves.

March 11th marks the 12th day of the military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. The Israel Defense Forces stated in a release that earlier that day, the Israeli Air Force deployed dozens of fighter jets to attack multiple targets, including the headquarters of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran’s military emphasized that their previous “tit-for-tat” responses are over, and from now on, they will implement a strategy of “continuous strikes.”

Meanwhile, escalating tensions in the Middle East have increased shipping risks through the Strait of Hormuz, causing international oil prices to soar. The International Energy Agency (IEA) issued a statement on the 11th, saying that 32 member countries have unanimously agreed to release 400 million barrels of strategic oil reserves to address the global oil supply shortage caused by the US and Israel’s military actions against Iran.

Israel and Iran Continue Fighting

Iran Says It Will Change Its Strike Strategy

Israeli Military Claims Airstrikes on IRGC Headquarters and Multiple Targets

On the evening of March 11th, local time, the Israel Defense Forces announced that earlier that day, the Israeli Air Force conducted a new round of airstrikes in Tehran and western Iran, involving dozens of fighter jets.

The statement said the targets mainly included the headquarters and command center of the IRGC, a military camp inside Imam Hossein University (a military academy of the IRGC), and multiple bases in Tehran used for storing and producing ballistic missiles. Additionally, Israel also targeted the Iranian Intelligence Ministry headquarters and domestic security forces.

Iran Has Conducted 40 Retaliatory Strikes

On March 11th, the IRGC launched rounds 37 to 39 of “True Commitment 4” military operations. Early on the 12th, Iran’s IRGC announced that they had carried out the 40th round of “True Commitment 4” operations.

During this round, Iran’s IRGC launched various missile types, and in coordination with Hezbollah in Lebanon, which deployed numerous attack drones and missiles, they struck over 50 targets across Israel from north to south within five hours. US military bases in Jordan and Saudi Arabia were also targeted by missile attacks. Iran further stated that “deadly strikes are ongoing.”

Iran Says It Will Change Its Strike Strategy

On March 11th, Iran’s IRGC announced that they had engaged in combat with Israeli targets over Tehran for several minutes. Footage captured by the state broadcaster showed continuous interception sounds from air defense systems over Tehran. That evening, the broadcaster’s reporters heard drones flying overhead, and Tehran’s air defense systems were activated again.

On the 11th, the Central Command of Iran’s Hatam ol-Anbia announced that Iran’s previous “tit-for-tat” responses are over, and they will now implement a “series of strikes” strategy. Iran’s military also stated that any ships belonging to the US, Israel, or their “hostile partners” are considered “legitimate targets” for Iran’s armed forces.

The Strait of Hormuz Has Become a Battlefield

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy transit route, carrying about a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil, as well as large quantities of liquefied natural gas and fertilizers. Current tensions in the Middle East have significantly increased shipping risks through the Strait.

US Claims to Destroy Iranian Navy Vessels

Iran Claims Attacks Ignored Warnings

On March 11th, US Central Command announced that US forces destroyed several Iranian naval vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump stated that day that the US had sunk 28 Iranian mine-laying ships and 58 Iranian naval vessels.

On the same day, Iran’s IRGC issued a statement saying that a ship flying the Liberian flag, owned by Israel, was hit and forced to stop after ignoring warnings. Another container ship, which insisted on illegally crossing the strait despite warnings, was also attacked by Iranian forces hours earlier.

Additionally, the Thai Navy reported that a Thai cargo ship was attacked in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, suffering severe damage. The attacker’s identity remains unknown.

French President Macron: The Strait of Hormuz Has Become a “Battlefield”

The G7 held an online summit on the same day to discuss the economic impact of the Iran situation. As the rotating chair, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the Strait of Hormuz has now become a “battlefield,” and amid Middle East tensions, G7 members should coordinate efforts to restore safe navigation through the strait.

Iran Insists It Maintains Control of the Strait of Hormuz

Reiterates That the US and Its Allies Have No Right to Pass

Early on the 12th, Iran’s Hatam ol-Anbia Central Command spokesperson declared that the Strait of Hormuz remains unquestionably under Iran’s control.

According to Iran’s reports on the 11th, the IRGC issued a statement asserting that the Strait is under strict control of the IRGC Navy, and “American invaders and their allies have no right to passage.” Iran’s IRGC Deputy Commander Fadavi also said that there are no US ships within 700 kilometers of Iran’s coast. He claimed that the US Navy has “fled” the area, knowing that Iran has developed specific plans to target and sink its aircraft carriers.

US Threatens to Attack Iranian Civil Ports in the Strait of Hormuz

On March 11th, US Central Command posted on social media that Iran’s navy has deployed ships and equipment at civilian ports, using these ports to “conduct military actions threatening international shipping.” They warned that “if civilian ports are used for military purposes, they will lose protection and become legitimate military targets,” advising Iranian civilians to avoid these ports.

Iran’s armed forces spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi responded that “if Iran’s ports and docks are threatened, all ports and docks in the region will become legitimate targets of Iran.”

Global Oil Prices Rise Significantly

Members of the International Energy Agency Agree to Release Oil Reserves

Affected by Middle East tensions, major oil-producing countries have been forced to cut production. Oil prices surged sharply on March 11th. By the close of trading, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for April delivery rose $3.80 to $87.25 per barrel, up 4.55%. London Brent crude for May delivery increased $4.18 to $91.98 per barrel, up 4.76%.

US Gasoline Prices Reach Over 21-Month High

On March 11th, the American Automobile Association reported that the average US gasoline price rose to $3.58 per gallon, the highest in over 21 months. Over the past week, gasoline prices increased by 38 cents, and over the past month, they rose by 64 cents—the largest weekly and monthly increases since March 2022.

Meanwhile, diesel prices increased even faster, rising 5 cents to $4.89 per gallon, with a total increase of 79 cents over the past week.

European Energy Import Costs Surge by €3 Billion

On March 11th, European Commission President von der Leyen told the European Parliament that the US and Israel’s military strikes on Iran have caused tensions in the Middle East, leading to a surge in European energy prices, costing Europeans an extra €3 billion in energy imports so far.

Von der Leyen emphasized that the European Commission is evaluating further measures to reduce energy bills, including capping natural gas prices. She also noted that while the EU has diversified fossil fuel sources in recent years, “that does not mean we are immune to price shocks.”

Members of the International Energy Agency Agree to Release 400 Million Barrels of Strategic Oil Reserves

The IEA issued a statement on the 11th, saying that 32 member countries have unanimously agreed to release 400 million barrels of strategic oil reserves to address the global supply disruptions caused by US and Israel’s military actions against Iran.

IEA Director Fatih Birol stated that the release will be implemented in phases according to each country’s circumstances and within an appropriate timeframe. The IEA will later announce specific plans for releasing the 400 million barrels and will continue to monitor global oil and natural gas markets closely.

Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Robert Habeck, announced on the 11th that Germany will release 19.51 million barrels of strategic oil reserves to help ease rising oil prices.

On the same day, Japan also announced it might start releasing national oil reserves on the 16th, marking the first time since 1978 that Japan has independently released its national oil reserves.

South Korea’s government stated early on the 12th that it will release 22.46 million barrels of oil reserves. In response to recent global oil price increases, South Korea is implementing price control measures.

US President Trump announced on the 11th that he would utilize the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help ease soaring oil prices caused by the Iran conflict. Trump said, “We will do this and then refill it. For now, we will make a slight reduction to lower oil prices.”

Clear Disagreements Among Parties

UN Security Council Fails to Pass Resolution to End the War

US President Claims Military Action Against Iran Is “Almost Over”

Israeli Defense Minister Says Military Action Has “No Time Limit”

On March 11th, US President Trump stated that there are “hardly any targets left to strike” inside Iran, and that the US military action against Iran is “about to end.”

However, US and Israeli officials said they have not received any internal orders to cease military operations.

Israeli Defense Minister Gantz said that the joint US-Israel military actions “have no time limit, until all our objectives are achieved.”

Iranian President Outlines Three Conditions for Ending the War

On the evening of March 11th, Iranian President Raisi posted on social media that he had spoken with Russian and Pakistani leaders, reaffirming Iran’s commitment to regional peace.

Raisi stated that the only way to end the current war, initiated by the US and Israel, is to recognize Iran’s legitimate rights, pay war reparations, and have the international community provide firm guarantees against future invasions.

UN Security Council Fails to Adopt Resolution Urging End to Middle East Conflict

On the afternoon of March 11th (early morning of March 12th Beijing time), the UN Security Council, with 4 votes in favor, 2 against, and 9 abstentions, failed to pass a resolution submitted by Russia aimed at urging an end to the conflict in the Middle East. Russia, China, Pakistan, and Somalia voted in favor; the US and Latvia voted against.

The draft resolution expressed sorrow over the “tragic loss of life” caused by ongoing hostilities, called for immediate cessation of military actions, and urged all parties to avoid further escalation in the region and beyond. It condemned attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, called for protection under international humanitarian law, and emphasized the importance of ensuring security for all countries in the region. The resolution also called for all parties to “return to negotiations without further delay” and to resolve the crisis through political and diplomatic means.