Prices at the pump now the highest since 2022. Meanwhile, Iran says desalination plant on Qeshm Island out of service after airstrike.
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Here’s the latest
• Energy costs: The average US gas price has hit $4 a gallon, the highest since 2022. Average prices at the pump are now higher than at any point during President Donald Trump’s two terms. Oil prices seesawed — Brent crude rose nearly 2% to $114.9 a barrel, having inched down on the previous day.
• Latest strikes: A desalination plant on Iran’s Qeshm Island has been taken out of service in an airstrike, semi-official state media reported, as cities across Iran were hit by fresh airstrikes. Meanwhile, a Kuwaiti tanker was attacked by Iran, and cars in central Israel caught fire due to falling missile fragments.
• US troops: As speculation mounts over a possible US ground operation in Iran, the USS Tripoli, believed to be carrying Marines, is in the Indian Ocean, said US Central Command. The Pentagon is set to hold a press briefing about the war later today.AllCatch Up
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In pictures: Rescue teams in central Israel inspect damaged sites
By Xenix News Photo Desk
These are the latest images we’re seeing from central Israel.
As we reported earlier, several cars caught fire after being struck by falling missile fragments, following an airstrike from Iran.
The damage appeared to be from a cluster munition, an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson told Xenix news.
Israeli security forces and rescue teams inspect a site struck by an Iranian missile in Petah Tikva, Israel on Tuesday. Ohad Zwigenberg/AP
People gather outside a house damaged by an Iranian missile strike in Bnei Brak, Israel on Tuesday. Oded Balilty/AP
A boy looks at a burnt car damaged by an Iranian projectile in Petah Tikva, Israel on Tuesday. Amir Levy/Getty Images
Ultra-Orthodox Jews stand inside a damaged house following an Iranian strike over Bnei Brak in central Israel on Tuesday. Ilia Yefimovich/AFP/Getty Images
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish children look at the damage inside a house following an Iranian strike over Bnei Brak in central Israel on Tuesday. Ilia Yefimovich/AFP/Getty Images
First responders assess the damage following an Iranian strike over Petah Tikva, Israel on Tuesday. Jack Guez/AFP/Getty ImagesRead more
Saudi Arabia and UAE intercept attacks as fire breaks out on Kuwaiti oil tanker
By Xenix news
Kuwaiti tanker struck off Dubai
Countries in the Persian Gulf, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have reported the interception of several missiles and drones today.
Take a look at what we know has happened in the region so far:
- A fire broke out on a Kuwaiti oil tanker off the coast of Dubai after it was hit by a “direct Iranian attack,” according to state-run Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). The fire was brought under control around 4:30 a.m. local time, the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said, adding that no oil leakage or injuries were reported following the strike.
- Saudi Arabia’s state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported in the early hours of this morning that four ballistic missiles launched toward the Riyadh region were intercepted and destroyed. Some hours later, debris from an intercepted drone fell on six houses in a neighborhood in the Al-Kharj Governorate, SPA reported, citing the country’s Civil Defense. The country has also shot down drones and missiles throughout the day, its defense ministry has said in updates posted to X
- In an update this morning, the United Arab Emirates’ defense ministry said it was “actively engaging” missile and drone threats. Debris from one interception landed on residential houses in Dubai, state-run Emirates News Agency reported, causing minor injuries to four people.
Xenix news Stephanie Halasz contributed to this reporting.Read more
Gas prices could top $5 if the war continues, analyst warns
By Matt
Pain at the pump could get worse before it gets better.
Gas prices have already topped $4 a gallon — for the first time since August 2022 — and some analysts warn record-high prices could be on the horizon.
“I think it’s going to go much higher,” Bob McNally, president of Rapidan Energy Group, told CNN in a phone interview.
McNally, a former energy adviser to President George W. Bush, said oil prices will likely keep rising if the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut by Iran.
“I wouldn’t bet my life on it, but there are good chances” gas prices take out the 2022 record high of $5.02 per gallon, McNally said.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 sent gas prices above $5 a gallon, contributing to the worst inflation in four decades.
Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, told Xenix news gas prices are not done rising and he expects at least another 10-cent jump in the coming days.
“What’s really scary is not what’s happening here in the US but that we’re already seeing rationing happening in less developed countries,” Lipow said.
Of course, oil and gasoline prices could crash back to earth if a settlement is reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease security fears in the region.
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