By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Iran Says 1,200 Civilians Killed Since US-Israel War Began
Iran’s Health Ministry said on Sunday that at least 1,200 civilians have died and about 10,000 people have been wounded since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, escalating a regional war that has now spread across several Gulf countries, according to Iranian officials.
Officials warned the death toll may rise as air strikes and missile attacks continue.
Iran Threatens Oil Shock if Attacks Continue
Meanwhile, an Iranian spokesperson warned the United States and Israel about global oil markets.
“If you can tolerate oil at more than $200 per barrel, continue this game,” the spokesperson said.
Analysts say such a surge would severely affect global energy prices and worsen inflation worldwide.
IRGC Claims It Can Sustain Attacks for Six Months
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said its forces have enough weapons and supplies to continue missile and drone attacks for up to six months.
The statement came as the conflict entered its ninth day.
Iran has launched repeated strikes against locations linked to US military operations in the Gulf region.
Drone and Missile Attacks Spread Across Gulf States
Several Gulf nations reported new attacks on Sunday.
Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry said its air defence systems intercepted 15 drones, including one targeting the diplomatic quarter in Riyadh.
In Kuwait, authorities reported that a strike damaged fuel tanks at Kuwait International Airport.
Meanwhile, Bahrain confirmed damage to a water desalination plant, raising concerns over critical infrastructure security.
Projectile Strike Kills Two Foreign Nationals in Saudi Arabia
Saudi civil defence officials reported that a military projectile hit a residential area in Al-Kharj, south of Riyadh.
The attack killed two foreign nationals, one from India and another from Bangladesh.
Authorities also confirmed 12 people sustained injuries in the incident.
The strike occurred near the Prince Sultan Air Base, a key installation used by United States forces.
Iran Says Strike Targeted Radar Systems
Earlier, the IRGC said it had targeted radar systems in Al-Kharj governorate as part of its response to US and Israeli attacks.
The area hosts major military infrastructure, including facilities supporting American forces.
Iran warned that it would intensify retaliatory strikes if attacks on its energy infrastructure continue.
Israeli Airstrikes Hit Iranian Oil Facilities
At the same time, Israeli warplanes launched strikes on five oil facilities around Tehran.
According to an Iranian state oil executive, the attacks killed several people and triggered large fires.
Heavy smoke reportedly spread across parts of the Iranian capital.
Arab League Condemns Iran’s Regional Attacks
The Arab League criticised Iran’s widening attacks across the region.
Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit described the strikes on member states as “reckless”.
He urged Tehran to reverse what he called a “massive strategic mistake.”
Growing Danger for Gulf Residents and Workers
Reporting from Doha, Al Jazeera correspondent Laura Khan warned that the conflict poses serious risks for civilians.
She said a projectile struck a residential site belonging to a maintenance and cleaning company.
“This is becoming extremely volatile and dangerous across the Gulf,” she said.
Khan also noted that over 200 nationalities live and work in Gulf countries, many employed as labourers.
As a result, the expanding conflict could affect millions of foreign workers across the region.
