Lebanese fear another occupation as Israel threatens to use Gaza tactics in the south

Amidst renewed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel has expanded its military targets in Lebanon to include bridges over the Litani River. Israeli forces have already destroyed a bridge on the southern Lebanese coastal highway over the Litani River, a strategic location. This strike severed a key connection between Nabatiyeh and the al-Hujair valley. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has characterized Israel's targeting of bridges as a potential prelude to a ground invasion. The conflict has led to displacement of Lebanese civilians seeking shelter in Beirut.

Following renewed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli forces struck the Qasmiyeh Bridge in southern Lebanon, a vital crossing over the Litani River. Lebanese President Aoun condemned the attack, viewing it as a potential precursor to a ground invasion and an attempt to create a buffer zone along the Israeli border. The Israeli Defence Minister stated the strategy of targeting bridges and homes near the border aimed to neutralize threats, similar to tactics used in Gaza. These actions followed Hezbollah's rocket fire into Israel in response to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The Israeli army chief indicated the operation against Hezbollah was just beginning and would be prolonged.

Israeli forces struck the Qasmiyeh bridge in southern Lebanon on Sunday, a key route connecting the south to central Lebanon. This action follows a statement by Israel's defense minister that Israeli forces were instructed to destroy crossings over the Litani river used by Hezbollah for reinforcements. The strikes have raised concerns among Lebanese citizens that Israel intends to isolate southern Lebanon, potentially hindering the return of displaced families. The ongoing conflict has already displaced over a million people, raising fears of a humanitarian crisis. The BBC is reporting on the situation from Lebanon.

The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned on Monday that a prolonged Middle East war could trigger an energy crisis exceeding the combined impact of the 1970s oil shocks and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Fatih Birol stated the world is losing more oil daily than during those previous crises, threatening global economic stability. The warning comes as the conflict continues into its fourth week, with Israel launching fresh strikes. US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by Monday evening or face military action. The IEA fears that if the conflict escalates, no country will be immune to the resulting economic consequences.

The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) stated that a war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz would create an energy crisis equivalent to the combined impact of the 1970s oil shocks and the Ukraine invasion fallout. This assessment suggests a potentially severe disruption to global energy markets. The Iranian government is threatening to lay mines across the entire Gulf if its coasts are attacked. Former CIA chief Leon Panetta criticized Donald Trump's approach to Iran, calling it a message of weakness. The situation is ongoing, and further developments are being monitored.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol stated that the current energy crisis, triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran, poses a "major threat" to the global economy. Speaking in Australia, Birol said the crisis surpasses the combined impact of the 1970s oil shocks and the energy fallout from the Ukraine war. He noted a significant reduction in global oil and LNG supplies due to the conflict, with the Strait of Hormuz closure and attacks on energy facilities causing substantial damage. The IEA has proposed measures for governments to reduce energy consumption and coordinated the release of oil from emergency stockpiles. Birol expressed concern that the scale of the crisis had not been fully understood.

Since the start of the conflict with Iran three weeks ago, President Trump has made numerous contradictory statements regarding the war's duration and U.S. objectives. These statements, made between March 1st and March 23rd, range from anticipating a four-to-five-week conflict to declaring the war "very complete" and "won." While he expressed a desire to avoid a ceasefire, he also suggested continued bombing if talks fail. These shifting positions have emerged as Iran retaliated with strikes following attacks by the United States and Israel that began on February 28th. The conflicting statements were made to various news outlets, on social media, and during press conferences. The reason for the shifting positions is not stated in the article.

In March 2026, during the fourth week of the US-Israeli war on Iran, the Trump administration is sending contradictory messages regarding its strategy. Despite weeks of air strikes and the killing of Iranian leaders, Iran has retaliated against Israel and Gulf countries and imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil prices to surge. This has led to pressure on Trump, prompting him to allow the sale of sanctioned Russian oil and pressure allies to police the strait. Trump has threatened to "obliterate" Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened, but also stated the US is "winding down" military operations. Analysts suggest Trump initiated the war without a clear objective and misjudged Iran's response, leading to an expanded conflict across the Middle East.

The Litani River, a 90-mile waterway in Lebanon, is becoming a focal point in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel's renewed offensive in Lebanon has brought the river's strategic importance back into focus. The river's location and potential use as a natural boundary could determine the extent and spread of the fighting. Control and access to the Litani River have historically been significant factors in regional conflicts, and this current escalation is no different. The river's fate could significantly influence the future trajectory of the Israel-Hezbollah war.

Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, the US has temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil already at sea, aiming to stabilize rising oil prices caused by the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The license permits the purchase of Iranian oil loaded onto vessels before 5:01 am GMT on Friday, with the exemption lasting until April 19th. This move coincides with reports of Israeli attacks on Tehran and Hezbollah targets in Beirut, as well as Iranian missile fire towards a US-UK military base in Diego Garcia. Meanwhile, Donald Trump indicated he is considering "winding down" the war with Iran, suggesting other nations should take responsibility for policing the Strait of Hormuz.

In a speech in Washington, DC on March 20, 2026, US President Donald Trump stated that there were no Iranian leaders remaining with whom to negotiate. He claimed the US-Israeli war on Iran was progressing "extremely well." The President's statement comes as global oil prices are reportedly increasing significantly. The article does not provide further context as to why President Trump believes there are no Iranian leaders left to talk to, or what specific actions constitute the US-Israeli war on Iran. The report focuses on President Trump's claims and the concurrent rise in oil prices.

In March 2026, President Trump sent mixed signals regarding the ongoing U.S. and Israeli war against Iran. While suggesting he was considering winding down the conflict, his administration confirmed the deployment of additional troops to the Middle East. Simultaneously, the U.S. eased sanctions on some Iranian oil exports, a move intended to lessen the economic impact on global energy markets. These actions, taken within a few hours, created confusion about the administration's strategy and long-term goals for the war, which was in its fourth week. Critics suggest the contradictory messages highlight a lack of clear direction in the conflict.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is advising member countries, including Australia, the UK, and the US, to implement emergency measures to curb oil demand due to supply disruptions caused by Middle East conflict. These measures aim to combat soaring oil prices and potential fuel shortages. The IEA recommends reducing highway speed limits, encouraging work from home and public transport, limiting car access in cities via number plate restrictions, and promoting carpooling. These actions are designed to reduce reliance on road transport fuels, which constitute a large portion of oil consumption. The IEA has already released oil reserves and is considering further releases, but emphasizes demand restraint as a crucial emergency response.