“Get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel," a spokesman for the Iranian Army warned the world on Wednesday (11 March), as attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz escalated. Meanwhile, 32 countries agreed to the largest ever release of oil reserves in an attempt to reduce prices.
‘$200 a barrel’ oil warning
Iranian Army Spokesman, Ebrahim Zolfaqri, warned the world to prepare for oil to climb to $200 a barrel on Wednesday. In words directed at Washington, he added: "The oil price depends on regional security, which you have destabilised."
His remarks came as three ships were reportedly struck in the critical Strait of Hormuz sea passage, including the Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree, which was seen smoking after being struck by an object.
Largest ever release of oil reserves agreed by 32 countries
Nations belonging to the International Energy Agency agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil in efforts aimed at bringing down the price of crude oil, which has soared since conflict broke out between Iran, the U.S. and Israel.
The proposed discharge is in excess of the 182 million barrels of oil that IEA nations put onto the market in two stages in 2022, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
New Iranian Supreme Leader’s health in the spotlight
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshian told Iranian news agency ISNA that Mojtaba Khamenei was in good health, despite earlier reports he had been injured during U.S.Israel airstrikes.
Earlier, an unnamed Iranian official told Reuters that the 56-year-old Supreme Leader was ‘lightly injured but continuing to operate’.
European Council President condemns Iran strikes
During a visit to Azerbaijan on Wednesday, President of the EU Council Antonio Costa said he “condemned in the strongest terms” the recent Iranian attack on Nakhchivan Airport.
Speaking at a press conference with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Costa added: “The European Union remains committed to working with all partners through dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and protect civilians.”
Member of Iranian national women’s football team returns home
A player from the Iranian women’s team has decided to go back to Iran, despite being granted a humanitarian visa in Australia.
The player was among five members of the team who sought asylum in Australia, after they were labelled “traitors” by Iranian state media for refusing to sing the Iranian national anthem at the start of a Women’s Asian Cup game last week.
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