Trump Issues Ultimatum to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to 'obliterate' Iranian power plants if the demand is not met. In response, Iran's military stated it would target U.S.-linked energy infrastructure across the region if its facilities are attacked. This escalation follows Iranian missile strikes on southern Israel that injured over 120 people, prompting Israeli military actions in Tehran.
Iranian Missile Strikes Injure Over 160 in Israel
Iranian missile strikes on the Israeli towns of Dimona and Arad, located near a nuclear facility, resulted in injuries to over 160 people, with 84 treated in Arad and 78 in Dimona, according to Israeli emergency officials. The strikes, which occurred late on Saturday, successfully bypassed Israel's advanced air defense systems, prompting an investigation into the failures. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported no damage to the nuclear research facility or increase in off-site radiation levels.
Iran Launches Missiles at Diego Garcia Base, Fails
Iran launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles at the UK-US military base in Diego Garcia, located in the Indian Ocean, but both missiles failed to reach their target, according to reports from Iranian news agency Mehr and the Wall Street Journal. One missile was intercepted by a US warship, while the other failed in flight. The UK Ministry of Defence condemned the attack as a reckless threat to British interests, coinciding with the UK government's decision to allow the US to conduct defensive operations from its bases in response to escalating tensions in the region.
Trump Postpones Xi Summit Amid Iran Conflict Escalation
President Trump announced the postponement of a planned summit with President Xi due to ongoing conflicts in Iran, as the U.S. increases its military presence in the Persian Gulf. The U.S. is temporarily lifting sanctions on Iranian oil loaded on ships, expected to add about 140 million barrels to the global market, while crude oil prices have surged over 50% since the conflict began, now exceeding $110 per barrel.
UAE and Bahrain condemn Iran, rally 22-nation coalition
The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain issued a joint statement condemning Iran's actions in the Middle East, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring safe passage for shipping in the Persian Gulf. This stance is now supported by a coalition of 22 countries, including the UAE, Britain, France, Germany, and Japan, which collectively called for Iran to cease attacks on vessels and respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Houthi Threats Disrupt Red Sea Maritime Traffic
Iran's Houthi allies in Yemen have intensified their military presence and threats in the Red Sea, significantly disrupting maritime traffic and global trade. Since late 2023, Houthi attacks have reduced oil transit through this critical route by 70%, forcing a shift to longer shipping routes and contributing to volatility in oil markets. The group has declared its readiness to respond to perceived threats, particularly in light of the U.S. military presence in the region, raising concerns about further escalation.
Israel Warns Iran's Missiles Could Reach London
Israel has claimed that Iran has developed ballistic missiles capable of reaching London, raising concerns about potential threats to the UK. The Israel Defense Forces stated that the Iranian regime poses a global threat, citing an attempted missile strike on the US-UK military base in Diego Garcia as evidence of Iran's capabilities. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that the UK will continue to provide defensive support against Iranian threats while emphasizing that it will not engage in a wider conflict.
