As per reports, the updates on tensions in the Middle East as of Thursday (17 September) are as follows:
• Sweden: On Wednesday (16 September), Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs summoned Iran’s ambassador and ordered an Iranian embassy official in Stockholm to leave the country, citing activities deemed incompatible with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
• US: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Wednesday (16 September) stated that approximately 18 million barrels of oil transited the Gulf on Tuesday (15 September), while warning that US consumers may face short-term economic pressures as the ongoing US-Iran conflict contributes to higher energy costs.
• Yemen: On Wednesday (16 September), Yemeni government forces reportedly targeted Houthi military formations in Dhubab, located north of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, according to Yemen’s Information Ministry.
• US: On Wednesday (16 September), US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Tim Hawkins stated that US forces are complying with the laws of armed conflict in Iran and are targeting only military objectives. Responding to Iranian claims of civilian casualties, he further stated that US operations have not intentionally targeted civilians and contrasted the US approach with that of Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
• Lebanon, Israel: On Thursday (17 September), the Israeli military reportedly conducted multiple strikes across southern Lebanon, including attacks on al-Qantara and al-Mansouri south of Tyre. Additional explosions were reported near Bani Haiyyan, Kfar Tebnit, Beit Lif and Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, while artillery shelling and heavy machine-gun fire were also reported in areas near Haddatha, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA).
• US: On Wednesday (16 September), US Representative Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that he would place a hold on the US President Donald Trump administration’s proposed USD 2.8 billion sale of approximately 40,000 bombs to Israel, citing insufficient assurances that the weapons would be used in accordance with US and international law.
• Energy Markets: On Thursday (17 September), oil prices fell after reports indicated that Saudi Arabia was offering additional crude cargoes through Oman, easing concerns over regional supply disruptions. Brent crude is at approximately USD 104.59 per barrel and WTI at approximately USD 101.29 per barrel.
Categories: External Threats - Cross-border Attacks / Clashes
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