KUALA LUMPUR – Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Dr. Alona Fisher-Kamm on Tuesday directly blamed Iran for the recent spike in oil prices, saying Tehran’s attacks on regional infrastructure have destabilised global markets.
“Iran attacked an oil field in Saudi Arabia without any provocation,” she said, as quoted by Khaosod English in Bangkok.
“Thais should be upset with Iran.”
Fisher-Kamm added that economic infrastructures, including oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz, have been affected.
“Iran is using all its tools or its cards. They don’t really care about the stability of the world… They don’t care about their own people. Why would they care about Thailand?”
Asked about the duration of the conflict, she said: “It will continue as much as necessary to eliminate the existential and permanent threat coming from Iran.”
Despite the hostilities, the ambassador expressed hope for a resolution.
“I wish that this war will be over. This is a gateway for peace and not an endless war.”
Fisher-Kamm described Iran as a “permanent and existential” threat to Israel, highlighting concerns over its nuclear programme, long-range missiles, and proxy organisations such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthi rebels.
“Iran is a danger to the stability and safety of the world… The fact that they have decided to attack Cyprus and Turkey [proves it],” she said.
On regime change, she stressed that the ultimate responsibility lies with the Iranian people. “This is a long process to be taken by the Iranian people. We are facilitating a process for regime change in Iran.”
She also pointed to the appointment of a new Supreme Leader, the son of the late leader, as evidence that Tehran remains committed to its current path.
When asked about the deadly attack on a school in Minab, which killed nearly 160 schoolgirls, Fisher-Kamm said: “Of course the girl’s school is not a target. We have our own rules. It will take what it takes to eliminate the threat.”
Not an enemy of the Iranian people
The ambassador emphasised that Israel’s conflict is with “the regime in Iran” and “not against the Iranian people.” She recalled that prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, relations were peaceful.
“The Iranian government has lost its legitimacy internally and externally,” she said, calling it a “fanatic regime” responsible for the deaths of “about 35,000 of its own citizens.”
Fisher-Kamm also defended the embassy’s decision to restrict Facebook comments, saying: “We are not against criticism, but we don’t have tolerance for fake news and hate messages. There is a huge difference between criticism and fake news and hatred.”
She reassured that around 50,000 Thai migrant workers in Israel have not expressed interest in returning home, citing confidence in the protection and Thai-language assistance provided by the Israeli government.
Israelis in Thailand
According to Khaosod, approximately 425,000 Israelis visited Thailand in 2025, representing 5% of Israel’s population.
“This is something really amazing… [They come here] because they feel safe here. Because they feel welcomed here. These people come here because they were looking for a peaceful place… Not because they want to import the conflict here,” Fisher-Kamm said.
However, Thailand is facing mounting challenges in hosting Israeli tourists, with local communities and authorities voicing concern over unruly behaviour and heightened sensitivities linked to the Israel–Palestine conflict.
Recent incidents have drawn widespread attention, including reports of Israeli visitors storming a hospital emergency room in Pai, a popular northern tourist town. The episode sparked anger among residents and prompted police to step up monitoring of Israeli communities across the country.
Thai police have confirmed that stricter enforcement measures are now in place, with offenders warned of swift legal consequences. Israeli security officials have also met with Thai counterparts to support efforts in curbing misconduct.
Oil market turmoil
Global oil prices, which spiked to levels not seen since 2022 amid US-Israel tensions with Iran, fell below US$100 per barrel on Tuesday after the G7 signalled readiness to release emergency reserves. Brent crude dropped 6.33 per cent to US$93.08 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate declined 6.39 per cent to US$88.71 per barrel.
Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management, said the market remained on edge, Bernama reported.
“Right now, the tape is balancing two forces: the known barrels missing from normal flows versus a declining geopolitical risk premium as the 'no end in sight' narrative cools. But the bigger backdrop has not changed. We are still in a war until a ceasefire or surrender flag is raised. In other words, the market may look calmer today, but it is still sitting on a powder keg.”
G7 finance ministers and the International Energy Agency (IEA) discussed options to mitigate volatility, including potential emergency releases. Meanwhile, BMI, a Fitch Solutions unit, indicated it may revise its Brent crude forecast upwards from US$67 per barrel to a range between US$70 and US$90 per barrel, depending on the duration of the conflict.
Iran’s perspective
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed renewed talks with the US, citing a “very bitter experience.” He insisted Iran’s actions are defensive: “We are facing an act of aggression, which is absolutely illegal, and what we are doing is the act of self-defence, which is legal and legitimate.”
The ongoing US–Israel conflict with Iran has already claimed more than 1,200 lives within Iran, with the wider Middle East also experiencing casualties among Israeli and US forces, as well as in Gulf states. The fighting began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets, and has since escalated, drawing in neighbouring countries.
Iranian casualties are estimated at between 1,230 and 1,255, including civilians such as schoolgirls and hospital staff. In response, Iran has carried out missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US military installations across the region.
The regional impact has been significant. In Israel, retaliatory strikes have resulted in at least 13 deaths. US forces have suffered between six and eight fatalities, with additional personnel injured. Meanwhile, Gulf states hosting US military bases have reported at least 14 deaths as a result of the escalating conflict.
On oil disruptions, Araghchi said: “This is not our fault. This is not our plan… the attacks have made the whole region insecure… This is why the tankers, the ships are scared to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.”
He attributed regional instability to US and Israeli actions and stressed that Iran is not responsible for broader consequences. - March 10, 2026
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