Iran war shock waves spread over entire Middle East and beyond
MANILA, Philippines — Almost every Middle Eastern country has been thrown into disarray, sustaining damage from missile strikes and drone attacks, with mounting casualties reported since the U.S. and Israel struck Iran on Feb. 28, according to an Associated Press report published March 6.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the conflict amid strikes that also claimed the lives of several Iranian leaders and civilians.
READ: Here’s how Iran war is affecting Mideast, beyond
But the repercussions of the Middle East conflict have spread elsewhere.
Airspace closures, blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and canceled flights have disrupted travel in the region.
The US State Department says it has evacuated nonemergency personnel and families in six nations. It has advised citizens from more than a dozen countries to leave. Governments from Russia to Germany and India also scrambled to run repatriation flights.
READ: 20,000 seafarers, 15,000 passengers stuck in Gulf — UN agency
The Philippines is among the countries that could be severely affected by the Middle East conflict, with nearly 2.5 million Filipinos working in the region at risk of becoming casualties.
Back home, their families, many of whom rely on their remittances, are likely to feel the economic impact of the escalating conflict, starting with a surge in oil prices.
READ: Gulf conflict poses direct economic risk to Philippines
On March 4, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said mass repatriation of Filipinos in the conflict-areas was not yet possible, advising them to stay put and stay safe.
But the Department of Migrant Workers, according to Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, would be ready for mass repatriation should the opportunity arise.
READ: Middle East crisis: DMW identifies land exit points for Filipinos
On March 5, the sixth day since the conflict started, the Philippines has so far evacuated only 299 Filipinos from the region, with 1,189 more requesting repatriation.
Meanwhile, Marcos sought emergency powers from Congress to reduce the excise tax on petroleum products once prices of oil and gas imports soar as a result of the conflict.
He will also discuss the Middle East conflict and other issues when he visits the United Nations headquarters on March 9 and 10, during which he is scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
READ: DFA projects Middle East war to last 4-8 weeks
Here are some stories on the Middle East conflict published by the INQUIRER.net on its Global Nation section:
Iran leader Khamenei killed in massive US and Israeli attack, Trump says
Iran after Khamenei: What happens next?
Trump demands role in choosing next Iran leader
US says 2,000 targets hit as Iran retaliates across Gulf
Mideast tensions: PNP to tighten security at US, Israel, Iran embassies
P13-B repatriation cost seen for Filipinos in war-torn region
Iran war chokes flows of oil and natural gas, highlighting energy security
Heavy attacks hit Tehran as Israel says war in ‘new phase’
US, Mideast countries seek Kyiv’s drone expertise vs Iran
Gulf defenses unprepared for Iranian drones, analysts sayTrump warns of longer Iran war as violence spreads
