Washington/ Tehran, March 19 -- With the Iran-US conflict shifting into an energy war on Thursday, widening military strikes, rising casualties, and growing fears of a global energy crisis intensified as key oil and gas infrastructure came under attack and prices surged worldwide.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington is pursuing "a clear set of objectives" in its joint operation with Israel against Iran, while refusing to set a timeline for its conclusion. He said the campaign remains focused on degrading Iran's missile capabilities and preventing nuclear weapon development.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany preferred not to intervene while fighting continues, stating that involvement would only be possible "once ...