Zaidi takes power, Khudair confirmed as oil minister

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  Parliament has approved a majority of Cabinet posts as Ali al-Zaidi becomes Iraq's next prime minister and Bassim Khudair rises from deputy minister to oil minister. By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Sulaimani, Iraq | 13 May 2026 — Kurdish Policy Analysis Iraq’s New Government Is Born in Crisis: Can Ali al-Zaidi Survive Iraq’s Internal Power War?Baghdad finally approved a new government after months of political paralysis, but the rejection of key ministers, Kurdish tensions, militia pressure, and a collapsing oil environment reveal how fragile Iraq’s new order already is. Six months after Iraq’s elections plunged the country into political deadlock, Baghdad finally has a new government. But instead of signaling stability, the rise of Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi may mark the beginning of a far more dangerous struggle over Iraq’s future. Iraq’s parliament approved part of Zaidi’s cabinet in a dramatic parliamentary session marked by disputes, rejected nominees, and unresolved p...
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Iran War Enters Day 22: Trump Ultimatum, Missile Strikes Escalate, Oil Shock Looms


 

Iran War Enters Day 22: Trump Ultimatum, Missile Strikes Escalate, Oil Shock Looms

March 23, 2026

Pshtiwan Faraj

The conflict involving Donald Trump, Iran and Israel intensified on its 22nd day, marked by fresh missile exchanges, mounting civilian casualties, and growing fears of a prolonged global energy crisis.

Ultimatum Over Strait of Hormuz

Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding Iran fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure to comply would trigger U.S. strikes on Iranian power infrastructure.

Iran responded by threatening to target U.S. energy assets across the region if its own facilities are attacked, raising the risk of broader escalation.

Missile Reach and Strategic Messaging

Iran said it launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles toward Diego Garcia, a joint U.S.-UK base. The missiles did not hit the target, but the strike signaled Tehran’s expanding reach beyond the Gulf.

Strikes on Nuclear-Linked Sites

The U.S. struck Iran’s Natanz Nuclear Facility again, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, which said no radiation leak was detected.

Russia condemned the strike as a violation of international law, while the agency urged restraint to avoid a nuclear incident.

Retaliation Hits Israeli Cities

Iran responded with missile attacks on Dimona, home to Israel’s nuclear research center. Israeli air defenses failed to intercept at least one projectile, injuring dozens.

A second strike hit Arad, causing mass casualties and widespread damage to residential buildings. Israeli officials described the scene as severe.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said military operations would intensify in the coming days.

Conflicting Signals From Allies

While Trump suggested a potential de-escalation path, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said attacks against Iran would “significantly escalate,” highlighting diverging signals from key allies.

Global Oil Shock Scenario Emerges

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby told staff the company is preparing for oil prices to reach $175 per barrel and remain elevated through 2027, prompting route cuts and contingency planning.

The warning underscores growing concern that disruption in the Gulf could trigger a prolonged global energy shock.

International Response Remains Limited

Twenty-two countries, including major Western and Asian economies, condemned Iran’s actions in the Strait. However, officials signaled reluctance to deploy naval forces without a ceasefire agreement, reflecting limited appetite for direct military involvement.

Shipping Crisis Deepens

The International Maritime Organization said more than 3,000 vessels are stranded across the region, with the Gulf effectively gridlocked.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations has maintained its highest threat level, citing repeated attacks on commercial shipping since early March.

Rising Human Toll

Casualties continue to climb across multiple fronts. Iranian state media reported more than 1,500 deaths, including children. In Lebanon, over 1,000 people have been killed and more than one million displaced.

Israel has reported civilian fatalities, while the U.S. confirmed the deaths of 13 service members.

Outlook

With both sides signaling further escalation and the Strait of Hormuz still effectively constrained, analysts warn the conflict is entering a more dangerous phase with global economic consequences likely to intensify in the weeks ahead.

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