The situation became even more precarious for the Moammar Gaddafi regime in Libya overnight. Anti-government forces claimed control of Benghazi, Libya’s second-largest city and a critical port for the national economy. Military bases are also reported to have come under rebel control, and that may mean that the military has abandoned the Gaddafis:

Despite a brutal crackdown over the weekend, unrest is growing in Libya as anti-government protesters seized military bases and demonstrations spread to the country’s capital of Tripoli overnight.

The protesters claimed control of the country’s second-largest city. Oil prices rose again in Asia this morning over the situation in the region. Companies and countries prepared to evacuate their staff and citizens.

Hospital officials and human rights groups reported more than 200 people have been killed and thousands wounded since the unrest started about a week ago.

Moammar’s Gadhafi’s son, Saif al-Islam, insisted in a televised message delivered Sunday that his father is still in the country and in control.

The news from Iran looks grim for the regime as well. The country that started to rebel first appears to have joined last in this round. ABC shows footage in this clip of Iranians swarming police vehicles and dragging officers out of them.

In Libya, it appears that Saif al-Islam Gaddafi got his answer to the ultimatum delivered last night. He warned of a bloody reprisal by the regime if protestors did not cease. Now that the rebels have called Gaddafi’s bluff, he has to wonder whether the “five million” in his military will respond to his call, or join the protestors in ridding themselves of Libya’s petty dynasty.

Speaking of which, where is Col. Moammar? If he was still in Libya, wouldn’t he be the man to put on television and rally the army to the regime?