Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday March 19, that Iran is being “decimated” and claimed it is unclear who is currently in charge, as Tehran escalated attacks on Gulf oil and gas facilities, rattling global markets.

 

 

 

Nearly three weeks into the war launched by Israel and the United States, Netanyahu said Iran no longer has the capacity to enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles.

 

 

 

Speaking at a press conference, he praised cooperation with U.S. President Donald Trump, saying, “We are winning and Iran is being decimated,” while adding that the war could end sooner than expected without giving a timeline.

 

 

 

Netanyahu also claimed internal instability in Iran’s leadership, referencing Mojtaba Khamenei and suggesting cracks within the country’s command structure.

 

 

 

As the conflict intensifies, Lebanon has seen rising casualties, with over 1,000 people reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes across southern and eastern regions, including parts of Beirut.

 

 

 

Amid the escalating violence, the European Union called for a halt to strikes on critical infrastructure such as energy and water facilities and warned against uncontrolled migration into member states.

 

 

 

Global energy markets have been shaken by Iran’s retaliatory strikes on key facilities across the Gulf. Missiles hit Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas complex following an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field, while attacks were also reported in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

 

 

 

Oil prices surged sharply, with Brent crude rising before easing, while European gas prices also jumped significantly amid fears of prolonged disruption.

 

 

 

Iran has warned of further escalation, vowing “complete destruction” of Gulf energy infrastructure if attacks continue. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there would be “zero restraint” if Iranian facilities are targeted again.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Trump said there is no set timeline for ending the conflict and reiterated that while the U.S. is involved, decisions on when to conclude the war would ultimately rest with him.