Israel's recent strike on Tehran's oil infrastructure has dramatically intensified regional tensions, prompting Iran to appoint a hardline new Supreme Leader—the son of the Ayatollah killed in the opening phase—and fueling fears of wider war. A senior Israeli military official stated the campaign aims for decisive victory within three weeks, though the U.S. reportedly disapproves of the operation. Meanwhile, Iraq’s Kurdish Deputy Prime Minister, in his first Western media interview since the conflict began, firmly rejected any Kurdish participation, asserting that Kurds are not 'guns for hire' and will remain neutral despite pressure from multiple sides. The conflict has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz: over 120 commercial vessels—including tankers and container ships vital for food and energy supplies—are stranded, with carriers suspending new bookings. Attacks on maritime assets and uncertainty around U.S. naval escort proposals have heightened concerns about a global energy crisis and cascading supply chain failures.