Israel faced a fresh wave of missile attacks from Iran on Friday, with the military confirming its air defence systems intercepted most of the projectiles. Some damage was reported in Tel Aviv, including a train station hit by shrapnel, while emergency services noted destruction to homes and vehicles from an unintercepted cluster missile. There were no immediate casualties. The assault followed weeks of escalating hostilities between Iran and a US-Israeli coalition, which began over a month ago with joint strikes on Iranian targets. These actions have since triggered retaliatory attacks across the Middle East, disrupting global energy markets and inflaming regional tensions.
US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the American military had not yet begun "destroying what's left" of Iran's infrastructure, adding, "Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!" after claiming Iran's tallest bridge was destroyed. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded, stating that attacks on civilian structures would not force Iran's surrender. Former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif urged Tehran to negotiate a peace deal by offering to limit its nuclear programme and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief. The waterway, through which 20% of global oil and gas flows, has been largely blocked since the war began.
Attacks have increasingly focused on energy infrastructure. A drone strike ignited fires at Kuwait's national oil company refinery, while Abu Dhabi shut a gas complex after a fire caused by falling debris from intercepted missiles. Dubai's Catholic churches suspended masses over safety concerns ahead of Easter. Israel has struck over 3,500 targets in Lebanon, where Hezbollah militants are active. Lebanon's health ministry reported 1,345 killed and 4,040 wounded, including 53 healthcare workers. Oil prices reached $110 a barrel before markets closed. Egypt imposed evening closures on businesses to reduce soaring energy costs.
Trump's threat to destroy Iran's power plants follows a pattern of escalation, not strategy, and offers no path out of a war already distorting global energy markets. With oil past $110 and Egypt rationing electricity, the fallout is no longer confined to the Middle East. Zarif's call for a negotiated end suggests even former Iranian officials see the current course as unsustainable. For Nigerians, this means continued pressure on fuel prices and economic instability driven by decisions made thousands of miles away.
