Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Iran’s Islamic Republic is “very close” to collapse, even as Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a list of demands to end the ongoing conflict with the United States. Netanyahu made the remarks while visiting Israeli troops on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, saying Israel’s “main task” was to bring down what he called Iran’s “terror regime.” He added that Israel was “very close” to achieving this and predicted that Iran’s regional alliance would eventually fall apart.
The IRGC, meanwhile, stated that the war could end if Washington halted its threats and met Tehran’s conditions. These include:
- Ending US military action and threats
- An Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon
- Lifting the blockade on Yemen
- Releasing $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets
- A pledge not to interfere in Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes
The conflict has had immediate global economic consequences. Brent crude surged nearly 3% to $100.72 a barrel, while US benchmark crude rose to $95.25. Rising crude prices have pushed up fuel costs across the United States: average gasoline prices climbed to $4.22 a gallon, and diesel hit $5.94. Higher jet‑fuel costs have forced airlines to reduce flights and increase fares.
Markets also reacted after the US military said it had struck five Iranian tankers following attempted missile attacks on a US Navy warship. Attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement triggered fires at Saudi oil facilities, adding to supply fears. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which previously carried around one‑fifth of global oil, has been severely disrupted.