Watch: How the US-Israel war with Iran is jeopardising shipping
Watch: How the US-Israel War with Iran Threatens Global Shipping
The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital channel for transporting global oil reserves. BBC Verify’s Ben Chu has been tracking shifts in maritime traffic since the US-Israel conflict with Iran intensified, raising concerns about its economic implications. Produced by Jemimah Herd, with graphics by Sally Nicholls.
Jerusalem’s Emergency Alerts and Prisoner’s Account
The BBC’s Middle East correspondent, John Donnison, was live in Jerusalem when urgent warnings appeared on his phone. A British woman held in Iranian custody shared her experience of resilience in adversity, expressing difficulty staying hopeful while awaiting a 10-year espionage sentence alongside her husband.
“It was hard to remain positive in prison,” she said, reflecting on the emotional toll of detention during the ongoing crisis.
Lyse Doucet Investigates Iran’s Crackdown
Lyse Doucet, reporting from Iran for the first time since the suppression of nationwide anti-government demonstrations, described the lingering impact of the military response. The protests, now entering their 13th night, have become the largest in recent memory, driven by economic grievances.
Kurdish Prisons and Family Camps
Kurdish-administered facilities house approximately 8,000 individuals suspected of ties to ISIS, alongside around 34,000 family members in surrounding encampments. John Sudworth noted the sound of heavy machinery in the area, hinting at ongoing operations related to the protests.
Border Reports and Mortuary Evidence
Hugo Bachega, a BBC Middle East correspondent, covered the Iranian-Armenian border as internet access was cut following the deadly demonstrations. He emphasized the persistence of protest calls against Iran’s government. Meanwhile, BBC Verify analyzed distressing footage from Tehran’s morgue, revealing dozens of bodies that may offer insight into the situation within the country.
Protests Spread Across Iran
The demonstrations, now in their 13th consecutive day, have expanded significantly. A video verified by BBC Persian captured protesters chanting against the regime, with Thursday marking the most widespread activity since December 28. The unrest continues to challenge the government’s stability.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Although aid deliveries to Gaza resumed three months ago, the UN reported that the volume remains insufficient. Tom Fletcher, a UN humanitarian official, warned that 14,000 infants could perish within 48 hours if relief efforts do not escalate.
“Without immediate aid, the situation for children is dire,” Fletcher stated, describing the bleak conditions he observed during his recent visit to the coastal territory.
Protesters Reflect on the Struggle
As the protests persist, voices from the streets echo demands for change. In Manger Square, hundreds celebrated festive gatherings with music, dancing, and Santa-like figures handing out gifts—highlighting the contrast between joy and the underlying tension of the conflict.
Amid these developments, the movement against Iran’s leadership continues to gain momentum, with supporters urging further resistance against the authoritarian regime.