Middle East: New Attacks, Deaths in Lebanon & Oil Price Surge

A new wave of attacks struck the Middle East overnight. The escalating conflict is raising concerns about wider regional instability.

The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that at least seven people were killed in a new Israeli strike in central Beirut overnight on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

“The Israeli enemy’s attack on Ramlet al-Bayda in Beirut has resulted in a preliminary death toll of seven and 21 injured,” the Health Ministry said in a statement.

Since the latest conflict erupted, internally displaced people have sought shelter outdoors along the Ramlet al-Bayda beachfront.

The Israeli military (IDF) launched a widespread wave of attacks, stating they targeted “terror infrastructure” belonging to Hezbollah across Lebanon.

“Over 30 minutes, the IDF attacked ten Hezbollah headquarters in the Dahieh area, including intelligence headquarters, a headquarters for the Radwan unit, and several command centers,” the IDF wrote on Telegram overnight.

According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, 570 people have been killed since Lebanon became involved in the conflict on March 2, 2026.

Two Tankers Ablaze

Two foreign tankers loaded with Iraqi fuel oil were attacked in Iraqi waters on Wednesday evening, according to a representative from Iraqi port authorities to Reuters.

Iraqi state TV reported that one crew member from the foreign vessels died in the attack on Thursday.

They cited Farhan al-Fartousi, the director-general of Iraqi ports, who confirmed the incident to Reuters.

“38 crew members from the two affected ships have been evacuated and are safe. Searches are still underway for missing persons,” he said.

A military base in northern Iraq’s Kurdish region was also targeted in an attack, according to AFP. Italy’s defense ministry said no one was injured.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the soldiers took shelter in bunkers during the attack and are all safe, according to NTB.

Oil Prices Surge Past $100

The attacks near the Strait of Hormuz are fueling fears of disruptions to oil and gas supplies. The Strait is a vital route for oil transport, and the unrest is driving prices higher.

The price of Brent crude oil rose more than 9 percent overnight, trading above $100 a barrel. This comes four days after the price was near $120.

The price increase comes despite a recent historic release of 400 million barrels of oil from global emergency reserves by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The United States alone is contributing 172 million barrels to try to dampen prices.

Toxic Smoke in Bahrain

Authorities in Bahrain issued an urgent warning to residents in the Muharraq district following a large Iranian attack on fuel storage facilities overnight on Thursday.

The attack has caused a large fire near the country’s main airport. Residents in the Hidd, Arad, Qalali, and Samaheej areas are being asked to keep windows closed due to toxic smoke, according to AFP.

Trump: ‘Total Defeat’

President Donald Trump said that Iran is nearing a “total defeat.” He also warned that U.S. Forces could escalate attacks to such a degree that the country would be “almost impossible” to rebuild, according to AFP.

“They are practically at the end of the road,” Trump told reporters in Washington on Wednesday.

He added:

“We can hit parts of Tehran and other places in a way that would develop it almost impossible for them to rebuild their country. That’s something we don’t wish.”