US envoys rush to Israel amid attacks on Iranian oil facilities
US special envoy Steve Witkoff (photo: Getty Images)
US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to arrive in Israel on March 10 for talks amid the ongoing war, The Times of Israel reports.
According to media sources, the visit comes amid tensions between Israel and the United States over yesterday's Israeli strikes on Iranian oil facilities.
A senior US security official said that Israel had notified Washington in advance about plans to target oil infrastructure, but did not indicate that the strikes would be so extensive.
"We don't think it was a good idea," the official says, adding that the US military expected a largely symbolic strike and was surprised by the operation's scope.
The source also noted that American officials are concerned that striking infrastructure supplying civilian areas in Tehran could backfire, strengthening the Iranian regime and turning public opinion against Israel and the United States.
Meanwhile, an Israeli security official said that the attacks on fuel depots were partly aimed at signaling to Tehran that attacks on civilian sites should be redirected toward Israel.
Earlier on March 8, US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated that the United States would not strike Iran's energy infrastructure.
Iran operation, impact on energy prices
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions and destroy the country's missile arsenal.
As of March 8, hostilities have been ongoing for over a week, now targeting not just military sites but also energy infrastructure. Other problems have emerged as well.
Iran has effectively blocked maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of global oil supplies pass.
As a result, shipping in the region has almost come to a halt, with volumes dropping by 75%. Many oil tanker operators are reluctant to risk going to sea.
Fuel prices have spiked as a result, with India and Iran already raising their oil prices. Experts predict that oil could soon reach $100 per barrel—and that may not be the limit.
