Iran’s latest military escalation is backfiring on the global stage as new strikes and widening regional fallout expose what a former Israeli consul general in New York called a critical miscalculation by Tehran.

Ambassador Ido Aharoni, who served as consul general of Israel in New York, joined FOX Business’ “Mornings With Maria” on Wednesday to discuss the broader implications of Iran’s recent actions and the shifting dynamics across the Middle East.

An Iranian flag lies amid rubble and debris in Tehran. (Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images)

“Iran made a terrible mistake attacking Cyprus, thus bringing in the European Union,” Aharoni told host Maria Bartiromo.

He said Iran’s decision to expand its targets is drawing in new international pressure and raising concerns far beyond the region.

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“Iran is presenting a threat to the entire world,” Aharoni said.

The former consul general argued the U.S. and Israel’s ongoing military campaign is reshaping deterrence and exposing the regime’s vulnerabilities.

“For the first time since 1979, Iran is being punished for its motivation, for its ideology, not just for their actions… This sends a very powerful message throughout the region,” Aharoni said.

“This is how you restore deterrence… This is exactly what is being done.”

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He said Iran’s long-term position is weakening as a result of Operation Epic Fury. 

“They’re not going to be the same regional power that they were before or after this. It will take them decades to rebuild the infrastructure that was destroyed,” Aharoni explained.

Aharoni underscored that Iran’s actions are impacting its own population as instability grows.

“The Iranians are the number one victims of their own regime,” Aharoni said.

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The Trump administration is working to lower gas prices as motorists continue to pay more at the pump since the outbreak of the Iran war, Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday, noting that the increase is temporary. 

Vance was at the Engineering Design Services, Inc. manufacturing plant in Auburn Hills, Michigan, where he was asked about rising gas prices.

“Gas prices are up, and we know they’re up,” Vance said. “We know that people are hurting because of it, and we’re doing everything that we can to ensure that they stay lower.”

Vance said prices will eventually start to decline. 

AMERICANS HIT WITH SOARING ELECTRICITY BILLS AS PRICE HIKES OUTPACE INFLATION NATIONWIDE

 Vice President JD Vance speaks onstage at Engineering Design Services, Inc. on Wednesday in Auburn Hills, Michigan.  (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images / Getty Images)

“The president said this, and I certainly agree with it. This is a temporary blow,” he said. “What happened under the Biden administration is that gas prices were high for four years. Gas prices are higher right now, and frankly, they’re not even as high as they were during certain parts of the Biden administration.”

Prices have steadily risen following U.S. and Israeli attacks against Iran in recent weeks. 

As of Wednesday, the average price for a regular gallon of gas was $3.84, up from $2.92 a month ago, according to AAA.

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A diesel fuel pump at a Chevron gas station in Seattle, Washington, US, on Monday, March 9, 2026. (M. Scott Brauer/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

In recent weeks, the administration has worked with its allies to release hundreds of millions of barrels of oil from petroleum reserves in an effort to put downward pressure on prices, Vance said. 

Many U.S. allies are “suffering” much more than many Americans, Vance said. 

“So as much as we’ve got to focus on getting these gas prices down, the reality is, overseas they’re feeling it far worse than we did because we’ve taken the steps to protect our energy economy.”

Once military operations against Iran conclude, prices should decrease to previous levels, said Vance. 

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“We promise that when this conflict draws to a close, when this operation draws to close, we’re going to see those energy prices come back down to reality, because that’s what the president promised to do,” he said. “He delivered an energy-dominant agenda. It’s made us much more secure in the face of these things. But yeah, we’ve got a rough road ahead of us for the next few weeks, but it’s temporary.”

The U.S. produces more oil than any other country, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). As of 2023, the latest data available, the U.S. produces 1roughly3 millions barrels per day, followed by Russia and Saudi Arabia.

BARCELONA, Spain — FC Barcelona hosts Newcastle United on Wednesday in the decisive second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie at Spotify Camp Nou, with the aggregate score level at 1-1 after a tense 1-1 draw at St James’ Park last week.

Kickoff is set for 6:45 p.m. CET (5:45 p.m. GMT, 1:45 p.m. ET, 10:45 a.m. PT), an earlier-than-usual slot for European midweek action. The match promises high stakes as Hansi Flick’s Barcelona seeks to leverage home advantage against Eddie Howe’s resilient Newcastle side, which punched above expectations in the first leg.

The first encounter on March 10 saw Newcastle take a late lead through Harvey Barnes in the 86th minute, only for Lamine Yamal to equalize from the penalty spot in stoppage time (90+6′). That dramatic finish kept the tie alive, with Barcelona’s young star rescuing a point in a match where the hosts dominated possession but struggled to break down Newcastle’s organized defense.

Barcelona enters as clear favorites. The Catalans boast one of Europe’s most potent attacks, led by Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and the explosive Yamal. Flick’s side has shown attacking flair in the Champions League this season, scoring in every group-stage and knockout match while maintaining high pressing intensity. At home, Barcelona’s record remains formidable, with the Camp Nou crowd expected to create a cauldron atmosphere.

Newcastle, meanwhile, has impressed with defensive solidity and counter-attacking threat. Eddie Howe made five changes for the second leg, including Sandro Tonali’s return to midfield, signaling intent to disrupt Barcelona’s rhythm. Anthony Gordon, back from injury, leads the line alongside Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga, aiming to exploit any gaps in Barcelona’s high defensive line.

Predicted lineups reflect tactical battles:

**Barcelona (4-2-3-1):** Joan García (GK); Joao Cancelo, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Gerard Martin; Pedri, Marc Bernal; Fermín López, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal; Robert Lewandowski.

**Newcastle United (4-3-3):** Aaron Ramsdale (GK); Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall; Jacob Ramsey, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton; Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes.

Injuries and suspensions remain minimal, though Newcastle monitors fitness for key players like Tonali after a recent concern.

Predictions favor Barcelona progression. Analysts at Sports Mole, SportsGambler and others project a narrow home win, with common scorelines including 2-1 or 3-1 to Barcelona (aggregate 3-2 or 4-2). Betting markets list Barcelona at around -172 to win, reflecting a 63% implied probability. Many foresee both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals, given Barcelona’s attacking output and Newcastle’s direct style — the sides have combined for high-scoring games in recent European outings.

Key battles include Yamal vs. Newcastle’s full-backs, where the teenager’s pace and dribbling could prove decisive. Lewandowski’s movement against Newcastle’s center-backs, and midfield duels involving Pedri and Tonali, will shape possession and transitions.

Barcelona’s edge stems from home form and depth, with Flick emphasizing control and clinical finishing. Newcastle’s “superpower” atmosphere at St James’ Park helped them last week, but Camp Nou’s intensity and Barcelona’s quality should tilt the balance.

The winner advances to the quarterfinals, a massive boost for either club’s season. For Barcelona, progression would validate Flick’s project amid La Liga title challenges. For Newcastle, an upset would mark historic European progress.

Where to watch live stream and TV coverage:

– **United States:** Paramount+ (exclusive English-language streaming), with options on CBS channels in select markets.

– **United Kingdom:** TNT Sports 2 (TV), with streaming on discovery+.

– **Spain:** Movistar+ and other pay-TV platforms.

– **Canada:** DAZN.

– **Other regions:** Check UEFA.com or local broadcasters; international streams available via Paramount+ in many territories.

Fans without cable can access Paramount+ (U.S.) or equivalent services, often with free trials. Live updates and highlights will stream on UEFA’s official platforms post-match.

As kickoff nears, anticipation builds for a potential classic. Barcelona’s firepower at home makes them the side to beat, but Newcastle’s grit could force extra time or penalties if they frustrate the hosts early.