Gulf Infrastructure Targeted as U.S.-Iran Conflict Intensifies; War Costs Hit $11B

In the last 24 hours, regional Gulf allies have reported widespread disruptions following Iranian drone and missile strikes targeting airports, oil terminals, and fuel storage facilities. Major hubs including Dubai International Airport, Bahrain International Airport, and Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base were targeted, resulting in fires, injuries, and significant interruptions to global aviation. One death was confirmed following tanker strikes off the coasts of Iraq and Oman. In response, Saudi forces confirmed the interception of several ballistic missiles, while other Gulf nations have shuttered oil infrastructure and seaports to mitigate further damage. The economic and humanitarian toll of the conflict continues to mount. U.S. war expenditures reached $11.3 billion within the first six days of active operations, prompting President Trump to seek a $50 billion congressional appropriation. Meanwhile, humanitarian reports indicate approximately 1,350 Iranian civilian casualties following 12 days of U.S. and Israeli air strikes. In Washington, 46 senators have called for an investigation into strikes on civilian sites, including schools, while Tehran’s ambassador to Cyprus confirmed that the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was injured in the February 28 attack that killed his father. On the diplomatic and military fronts, Iran has invoked its right to self-defense at the UN Security Council, accusing the U.S. and Israel of illegal aggression. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has signaled a long-term commitment to the war, deploying heavy one-ton warhead missiles for the first time. As the conflict enters its second week, the disruption of Gulf energy exports is causing high volatility in global oil markets, complicating the Trump administration’s domestic economic messaging ahead of the midterm elections.