International Energy Agency (IEA) chief Fatih Birol has said that energy production across the Middle East, heavily damaged by the ongoing Iran war and subsequent attacks, could take about two years to return to normal levels. Speaking to a Swiss media outlet, Birol explained that the recovery timeline will vary by country, with some nations requiring more time than others to restore their energy infrastructure.

Birol noted that Iraq, for example, will need significantly more time than Saudi Arabia to resume pre-war production levels. He emphasized that, overall, the region’s energy output is expected to take roughly two years to reach the levels seen before the conflict began.

The IEA’s assessment highlights the scale of disruption caused by the conflict and underscores the challenges facing regional energy recovery efforts.

Lebanese television channel Al Jadeed reported that a potential tripartite phone conversation is being arranged between Israel, Lebanon, and the United States to discuss a possible ceasefire. According to the report, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to represent Washington in the talks. Diplomatic sources said mediators are attempting to establish contact between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

The report noted that Rubio had earlier hosted the first meeting in decades between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington on Tuesday. However, there has been no official confirmation of the planned phone call. An Israeli minister told local media that Netanyahu would speak with Aoun, while Lebanese officials privately stated they were unaware of any such plan.

President Aoun said in a statement that a ceasefire with Israel would serve as a “natural gateway” for future direct negotiations, though he made no direct comment on the reported phone call.

The Middle East, particularly the Persian Gulf region, holds the world’s largest oil and gas reserves due to unique geological conditions formed over millions of years. The area contains more than 30 supergiant oil fields, each with at least five billion barrels of crude oil, and produces two to five times more oil per well than top fields in the North Sea or Russia. These vast hydrocarbon resources have made the region both a blessing and a source of geopolitical tension, as global energy markets react sharply to regional conflicts.

Geologists attribute this abundance to the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which created folded and fractured rock structures ideal for trapping hydrocarbons. The region’s limestone formations, rich in organic material from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, serve as high-quality source and reservoir rocks. Saudi Arabia’s Ghawar field and the South Pars–North Dome gas field are among the largest examples.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, despite over a century of extraction, the Arabian Peninsula and Zagros Mountains may still hold around 86 billion barrels of undiscovered oil and 9.5 trillion cubic meters of gas, with new drilling technologies offering potential for increased production.

Several Gulf countries have shown interest in supporting Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative to bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table. The move comes amid ongoing regional tensions that analysts say have significantly affected security and energy infrastructure across the Middle East. Concerns have grown over the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.

Kuwait, which relies almost entirely on oil exports through the strait, faces particular vulnerability as about 90 percent of its national income comes from the energy sector. A spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed that Doha has already held discussions with Pakistan and the United States on the issue and is maintaining direct contact with Iran. Recent days have also seen multiple telephone conversations among Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Analysts believe Gulf countries want the ceasefire to hold and tensions to ease through diplomatic engagement. They expect more active regional diplomacy in the coming days to strengthen Pakistan’s mediating role.

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continued despite a US naval blockade that began Monday evening local time. According to reports up to Tuesday night, 25 ships crossed the strait while 13 others remained in the area. Among the vessels were four tankers, including Liberia-flagged 'Christiana', US-sanctioned 'Rich Starry' and 'Murlikishan', and Panama-flagged 'Peace Gulf'. Some of these tankers reportedly halted near the blockade line between Gwadar Bay and Ras al Hadd.

The blockade, ordered by US President Donald Trump after failed Iran-US talks in Islamabad, extends from Gwadar Bay to Oman’s Ras al Hadd. As a result, around 2,000 ships are trapped inside the Persian Gulf, with about 400 waiting to enter. Shipping tracker Tanker Traffic reported that several vessels are using false Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals to conceal their identities.

The situation has raised concerns about potential disruptions to global energy supply and economic stability, as noted by warnings of rising oil prices and possible global recession linked to the Iran conflict.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to hold direct talks at a designated time and place following discussions in Washington. The agreement was reached after a trilateral meeting in the United States, according to a Reuters report citing the U.S. State Department. The development marks a significant step toward easing tensions along the border between the two countries.

The understanding emerged after diplomatic efforts led by the United States, which hosted the meeting involving representatives from Israel and Lebanon. The talks are viewed as part of a broader initiative to reduce hostilities and promote stability in the region. The U.S. role in facilitating the dialogue underscores its continued involvement in Middle Eastern diplomacy.

Observers consider the upcoming direct talks an important move toward de-escalation, though the exact schedule and venue have not yet been disclosed.

Talks between the United States and Iran collapsed after more than 20 hours of negotiations in Islamabad, sparking renewed fears of conflict across the Middle East. US Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that the differences between the two sides were too deep to resolve for now. Soon after, President Donald Trump ordered an immediate naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any ship paying tariffs to Tehran would be seized and threatening to cut Iran off from future oil revenues.

The breakdown of talks has heightened uncertainty in an already volatile region. Citizens from Doha, Tel Aviv, Tehran, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia expressed anxiety about the prospect of renewed warfare. In Israel, a recent survey showed only 10 percent viewed the conflict with Iran as a success, while 32 percent saw it as a failure. In Iran, brief hopes for peace quickly faded, with many fearing an inevitable return to war.

In Lebanon, disputes over whether the country was included in the ceasefire agreement have led to intensified Israeli attacks. Observers warned that the collapse of negotiations could have global repercussions if peace efforts fail to regain momentum.

Maritime intelligence agency Lloyd’s List reported that ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz has once again come to a stop following the U.S. President’s announcement of a blockade plan. The report said vessels navigating the vital Middle Eastern waterway either halted or turned back immediately after the declaration. Until Sunday, limited traffic, including oil tankers, had continued despite risks in the area.

According to Lloyd’s List, ship movement had slightly increased on Saturday as some shipping companies attempted to move their vessels out of the Gulf region amid hopes of a possible ceasefire. However, the U.S. blockade announcement dramatically changed the situation, leading to a complete halt in maritime activity. At least two ships that were leaving the strait reportedly turned back.

The report warned that the disruption in one of the world’s most critical maritime routes could have significant consequences for global energy markets and trade.

The United States military, under President Donald Trump’s directive, is set to begin a naval blockade around Iran starting Monday morning, according to the US Central Command. Iran has warned that while the Strait of Hormuz will remain open to civilian vessels, no military ships will be allowed to pass. The blockade follows a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, after which Iran effectively closed the strait, a route that carries about 20 percent of the world’s energy supply, triggering global energy instability.

In response, Gulf countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia are moving to secure alternative routes. Qatar has lifted all maritime restrictions, while Saudi Arabia announced that its east-west pipeline, previously damaged by Iranian attacks, is now fully operational. This pipeline can transport up to seven million barrels of oil daily, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz entirely. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s Manifa oil field is ready to supply an extra 300,000 barrels per day.

Amid the ongoing crisis, Gulf nations are relying on new strategies and alternative routes to sustain their economies, as uncertainty over the Hormuz Strait continues.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif called Israel a “devil” and a “curse for humanity” in a post on social media platform X, accusing it of continuing to kill civilians in Lebanon despite ongoing ceasefire discussions. He alleged that Israel was committing genocide in Lebanon following its actions in Gaza and Iran, and said those who created Israel on Palestinian land should “burn in hell.”

In response, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Asif’s comments, describing them as a call for Israel’s destruction. The statement said such remarks were intolerable, particularly from a government that claims to act as a neutral mediator for peace.

The exchange comes as Israel continues airstrikes in Lebanon despite diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan to broker a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Lebanese authorities reported intensified Israeli attacks since Wednesday, killing at least 303 people and injuring 1,150, while the health ministry said 1,888 have been killed and 6,092 injured since March 2.

From Tuesday night to early Wednesday, the Gulf region experienced one of its most alarming nights in modern history as missile sirens and explosions disrupted normal life from Kuwait to Abu Dhabi. The brief two-week ceasefire has raised uncertainty about whether the Iran war has truly ended or merely paused. The conflict has turned long-discussed security risks into reality, exposing the vulnerability of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global energy supply passes.

Over the past six weeks, multiple attacks similar to the earlier Aramco refinery strike have hit oil facilities, airports, and data centers across Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. The war has severely affected tourism in Dubai and challenged Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification plans. The region’s ambition to become an artificial intelligence and data hub has also suffered setbacks as technology firms now view Europe as safer.

Foreign professionals, a key part of Gulf economies, are reportedly preparing to leave amid growing insecurity, threatening housing and local businesses. Gulf states are reconsidering their reliance on U.S. protection and exploring new security partnerships with European countries.

Israel launched extensive airstrikes in Lebanon less than 24 hours after a conditional two-week ceasefire was announced between Iran and the United States. The attacks killed at least 182 people, prompting Lebanon-based armed group Hezbollah to fire rockets into northern Israel in retaliation. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned that continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon would provoke a severe response.

The ceasefire, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump and confirmed by Israel, Iran, and mediator Pakistan, has quickly come under strain. Disputes have emerged over whether Lebanon is covered by the agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the assault as the largest strike on Hezbollah since the war began, while Iranian officials accused Israel of violating three clauses of the ceasefire proposal.

Talks between Iran and the United States are scheduled to begin on April 10 in Islamabad, focusing on the ten-point ceasefire plan and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. Conflicting reports continue over whether the vital waterway remains open or closed.

The United States, Israel, and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with Pakistan acting as mediator. The agreement aims to ease heightened tensions in the Middle East, and Tehran announced that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will now be possible. The ceasefire declaration has brought a temporary calm to the region after a period of escalating conflict.

Islamic scholar and As-Sunnah Foundation chairman Shaykh Ahmadullah expressed hope that the ceasefire would become permanent, praying for relief from oppression and aggression worldwide. He made the remarks in a post on his verified Facebook page on April 8.

Bangladesh welcomed the temporary halt in hostilities, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs issuing a statement urging all parties to respect the ceasefire and work constructively toward a durable peace. The statement commended the diplomatic efforts behind the agreement and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s belief that all disputes should be resolved peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy.

Israel is reportedly preparing to strike Iran’s energy installations but is waiting for a green light from the United States before taking action. According to a Reuters report citing a senior Israeli defense official, the attack could occur within a week, raising fears of escalating regional tensions.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran that it has 48 hours to reach an agreement to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz or face severe consequences. On his Truth Social account, Trump reminded that he had earlier given Iran a ten-day ultimatum to reach a deal or reopen the strait. He said time was running out and that strong measures could follow within 48 hours.

Trump had previously threatened to order strikes on Iran’s power plants, particularly its largest facility, if the strait was not reopened. Although he later said constructive talks were underway and temporarily suspended possible attacks, the extended deadline is set to expire on Monday night. Iran’s military command has dismissed Trump’s warnings as desperate and unbalanced.

The Israeli military announced on Saturday that it plans to strike an area near the main border crossing between Syria and Lebanon, warning local residents to evacuate immediately. The attack will target the Masnaa crossing, which Israel claims Hezbollah is using for military purposes and weapons smuggling. The warning follows continued Israeli operations across Lebanon since March 2, when Hezbollah joined the Middle East conflict in support of Iran.

A Lebanese security source told AFP that the crossing is being evacuated in response to the Israeli threat. Meanwhile, Syria’s General Authority for Borders and Customs said the crossing, known as Jdeidet Yabous on the Syrian side, is used only for civilian purposes and not for military activity. Syrian authorities have temporarily suspended traffic through the crossing for safety reasons.

The Masnaa crossing is a key trade route between Lebanon and Syria and serves as a vital land gateway for Lebanon. Israel previously struck the crossing in October 2024 during an earlier conflict with Hezbollah, after which it remained closed until repair work began following a ceasefire.