US/Israel-Iran War (Day 8): Demand for Russian oil increases as war enters second week.

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The war between the United States and Israel against Iran entered its eighth day and second week today (Saturday).

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At least 1,332 have been killed in the war, the majority of them in Iran.

We bring you major updates on the war on its seventh day.

Iran announces end to attacks on neighbours

Iran announced on Saturday morning that it would no longer attack neighbouring countries unless the US or Israel carried out attacks from there.

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Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, said this resolution was reached by Iran’s interim council on Friday, a further confirmation that the country is still undergoing regular governance despite the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US and Israeli strikes.

“In remarks carried out by Iranian media, the president also apologised to the neighbouring countries for the strikes that took place in the past days,” Al Jazeera reports.

Since the US and Israel launched an unprovoked war on Iran last Saturday, Iran has fired missiles at Israel and American interests in the Middle East, including bases, hotels and oil infrastructure.

Trump wants Iran to surrender

After the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint US–Israeli strike on Tehran last Saturday, attention has turned to the question of succession.

Reports have suggested that his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, may emerge as a leading candidate.

But Mr Trump said he intends to play a direct role in the selection of a new leader, while describing Mr Khamenei’s son as an unacceptable choice.

Mr Trump also said the US will not agree to stop military strikes on Iran without an “unconditional surrender.”

This, alongside the selection of an “acceptable leader”, is the major way to get the US to accept mediation as opposed to war, according to him.

“We and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before,” he said.

“Iran will have a great future. “Make Iran Great Again (MIGA!),” he added.

Ongoing US and Israeli military campaign

US and Israeli attacks on Iran have continued, and the war casualties are increasing. Iran has also continued to fire missiles at Israel.

At least 1,332 people have been killed in Iran since the attacks started, Al Jazeera reported.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the death toll was estimated at 1,239 a day earlier.

At least 12 people were killed in Israel from Iranian missile strikes.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that six US citizens have been confirmed killed. They died in an Iranian strike on a US military base in Kuwait during the conflict.

Strait of Hormuz closed

Iran has ensured the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, saying it is doing so for safety reasons.

“The strait is closed. If anyone tries to pass, the heroes of the Revolutionary Guard and the regular navy will set those ships ablaze,” the Iranian military had said.

On Friday, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) said no fewer than 3,000 vessels and 20,000 seafarers are stranded in the Middle East due to the war

The crucial Strait of Hormuz global shipping corridor marking the entrance to the Persian Gulf, is essentially closed due to the threat of strikes from Iran and elsewhere, the IMO declared.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, warned of the global “knock-on” effect from the closure of the sea lane responsible for 20 per cent of the world’s oil.

Iran may target EU interests

Meanwhile, as EU countries send warships and planes towards the Middle East, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, has warned European nations that they will become legitimate targets if they become involved in the US and Israel’s war on Tehran.

He warned on Friday that “If any country joins America and Israel in the aggression against Iran, they will also be legitimate targets for Iran’s retaliation,” he told France 24.

READ ALSO: WHO confirms 13 attacks on health facilities in Iran as US/Israel-Iran War continues

He said Iranian officials had been “negotiating in good faith” with the US, which decided to launch an attack mid-negotiation.

“Maybe we do not trust the Americans. Not only did they betray us, but they betrayed diplomacy,” he said.

Increased demand for Russian oil

Russia has said the US-Israeli war on Iran, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, prompted “a significant increase in demand” for Russian energy products.

This comes a day after the ⁠US Treasury issued a 30-day waiver allowing India to buy Russian oil currently stuck at sea.

With the Strait ‌of Hormuz shut, countries are scrambling for other sources of oil and liquefied natural gas.

According to Russia’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov, this has driven up demand for the country’s oil.

He also described Russia as a reliable supplier of oil and gas, ⁠in liquefied form.

“We are seeing a significant increase in demand for Russian energy resources in connection with the war in Iran. Russia ⁠has been and remains a reliable supplier of both oil and gas – including ⁠pipeline gas and liquefied natural ⁠gas,” he told reporters.

“It also remains capable of guaranteeing the continuity of all deliveries for which contracts have been concluded,” he added.