U.S. and Iran exchange threats - Tuesday, 10 March

U.S. and Iran exchange threats - Tuesday, 10 March
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivers remarks during the "Council for the Development of Quranic Culture" in Tehran, Iran, 24 February, 2026
Anadolu Agency

Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.

⦿ 19:52 GMT | UPDATE

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Thanks for reading and we'll be back tomorrow as usual. For a round-up of what happened today, see the article below.
⦿ 19:05 GMT | UPDATE

U.S. claim that oil tanker sailed through Strait of Hormuz 'false', IRGC Navy Commander 

X

Iranian naval officer Alireza Tangsiri has rejected a claim by the U.S. Energy Secretary, in a now deleted post on X, that the U.S. Navy successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday (10 March). 

Writing on X, Tangsiri said the claim was "utterly false," adding that any ship linked to the U.S. or its allies would be "halted by the net of Iranian missile and suicide drones." 

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright earlier said that the U.S. Navy had successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz.

It is unclear why Wright subsequently removed the remarks from social media. 

⦿ 18:48 GMT | UPDATE

Up to 150 U.S. troops injured so far in Iran conflict, sources 

Reuters

As many as 150 U.S. soldiers have been wounded in the Iran conflict so far, two sources told Reuters on Tuesday (10 March). 

Prior to Reuters' publication of the figures, the Pentagon had only disclosed that eight U.S. personnel had been seriously injured. 

In a statement after the publication of the figures, the Pentagon said it estimated approximately 140 U.S. service members had suffered injuries, adding that the majority were minor. 

"Since the start of Operation Epic Fury, approximately 140 U.S. service members have been wounded over 10 days of sustained attacks," Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell said. 

⦿ 17:29 GMT | UPDATE

Navy escorted oil tanker through Srait of Hormuz, U.S. Energy Secretary said in now deleted post 

Reuters

Chris Wright earlier posted on X that the U.S. Navy had successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters. In the since deleted post, Wright said the U.S. carried out the mission "to ensure oil remains flowing to global markets." 

It is unclear why Wright subsequently removed the remarks from social media. 

Earlier on Tuesday, IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri reiterated Iran's warning that no vesels "associated with the agressors" would pass through the 145km long sea passage. 

⦿ 17:17 GMT | UPDATE

British warship departs to Eastern Mediterranean more than a week after air base was attacked 

Reuters

HMS Dragon has set sail from Portsmouth, southern England, after a week delay. The British government made the decision to deploy the vessel after the UK's airbase in Cyprus was attacked by a drone overnight on 1st March. 

But delays meant a week passed before the vessel began its journey, with ships from France and Greece arriving before it. 

⦿ 17:06 GMT | UPDATE

No ship 'associated with the agressors' will sail through Strait of Hormuz, IRGC Navy Commander 

X

Iranian naval officer Alireza Tangsiri has reiterated Tehran's warning that it will target vessels that try to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in a post on X.

Translated, his statement reads: "At the beginning of the war, we declared—and we declare again— No vessel associated with the aggressors against Iran has the right to pass through #StraitofHormuz. If you have any doubt, come closer and test it."

⦿ 14:53 GMT | UPDATE

Pezeshkian warns adversaries they ‘know nothing of history’

Masoud Pezeshkian via X

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a defiant message, warning that those who believe they can destroy Iran are entertaining an “illusion”.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian said no power in history had succeeded in erasing the country.

“Through the trials of history, no power has ever succeeded in erasing this storied name,” he wrote, adding that aggressors have come and gone, but Iran has endured.

⦿ 14:20 GMT | UPDATE

'Black rain' falling in Iran is dangerous, World Health Organization warns 

Reuters

Speaking at a press briefing in Geneva, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said the rain was a 'respiratory' health danger and advised people to stay indoors. 

The acidic rain began falling in Iran after U.S.-Israeli strikes on oil refineries. 

⦿ 14:11 GMT | UPDATE

Netherlands moves Iran embassy staff to Azerbaijan 

Reuters

Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen has said the Netherlands will temporarily move its embassy staff in Tehran to Baku, citing safety concerns. 

"Due to increasing risks to the safety of our staff, it has been decided to temporarily relocate the activities of the Dutch embassy in Iran to Baku, Azerbaijan," Berendsen wrote on X.

⦿ 13:32 GMT | UPDATE

Targeting of food and water infrastructure 'needs to stop,' Qatari government spokesman 

Media Briefing

Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Majed Al Ansari, said:

"Targeting vital infrastructure, whether it be water desalination facilities, water tanks, food reserves, medicine reserves, or medicine production facilities—any kind of infrastructure that sustains people's lives—is a grave danger for the people of the region and beyond, whatever party is doing this.

"This needs to stop immediately. This region cannot take these kinds of attacks on its facilities."

⦿ 12:57 GMT | UPDATE

Tuesday will be 'most intense day of strikes' on Iran, U.S. Defense Secretary says

Reuters

During a media briefing at the Pentaon, Pete Hegseth said Tuesday (10 March) would "yet again" see the "most intense day of strikes" against Iran.

He added: "The most fighters, the most bombers, the most strikes. Intelligence more refined and better than ever. So that's on one hand. On the other hand, the last 24 hours have seen Iran fire the lowest number of missiles they've been capable of firing yet."

⦿ 12:35 GMT | UPDATE

Iran is 'badly losing,' U.S. Defense Secretary says 

Speech

Speaking at a Pentagon press conference, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran was isolated and "badly losing" in the conflict.

Hegseth added that the U.S. was achieving its objectives, which included destroying Iran's missile launchers, weapons stockpiles, as well as its navy and defence industrial base. 

⦿ 12:16 GMT | UPDATE

Azerbaijani aid convoy crosses border to assist Iranian communities

Azertag

Azerbaijani humanitarian aid trucks have crossed into Iran through the Astara state border checkpoint, delivering essential supplies to support local communities.

The convoy carries around 30 tons of food, including 10 tons of flour, 6 tons of rice, 2.4 tons of sugar, more than 4 tons of drinking water, and roughly 600 kilograms of tea, alongside about 2 tons of medicines and medical supplies.

The aid was organised following a phone call on 8 March between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to address the urgent needs of the Iranian people amid the ongoing crisis.

⦿ 11:55 GMT | UPDATE

Fire at site housing Abu Dhabi National Oil Company after drone strike

Reuters

The Abu Dhabi emirate's governemnt media office confirmed authorities were responding to the fire at the Ruwais Industrial Complex, adding that there were no injuries.

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company facilities can refine up to 922,000 barrels of oil per day.

⦿ 11:24 GMT | UPDATE

France has provided defence support to Middle East partners, minister says 

Reuters

French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin confirmed that France had provided air defence materials to a number of allies in the Middle East, according to French broadcaster Franceinfo. 

⦿ 11:21 GMT | UPDATE

Tehran says over 1,300 fatalities in ongoing conflict

Iranian officials say more than 1,300 people have been killed in the country since the start of the war.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani reported that the toll has reached 1,332, including 206 women and children. She also claimed that dozens of health centres have been targeted in the ongoing strikes.

⦿ 11:17 GMT | UPDATE

Iranian drones, missiles downed by Israel in Syria

Syrian media reports that Israeli air defences have intercepted an Iranian drone in the village of Jleen.

Al-Ikhbariya TV also said Iranian missiles were shot down over Quneitra province, marking a repeat of similar incidents earlier this week.

⦿ 11:12 GMT | UPDATE

Qatar issues elevated alert, vows to counter Iranian aggression

Qatar has issued an “elevated” threat level alert, urging residents to remain indoors amid growing regional tensions.

The country’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majid al-Ansari, said Qatar remains committed to defending itself, dealing with Iranian aggression as a top priority. While the government continues to support diplomacy, al-Ansari emphasised that any attack would be responded to appropriately.

He added that there has been only one contact between Qatar’s Prime Minister and Iran’s Foreign Minister since the start of the conflict. Communication channels remain open, but Qatar is focused on de-escalation.

Al-Ansari also said the country has taken measures to protect vital facilities, warning that attacks on energy infrastructure could have consequences beyond the region.

⦿ 10:21 GMT | UPDATE

Türkiye and Iran discuss airspace breach, investigation underway

Anadolu Agency

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in a phone call regarding recent violations of Turkish airspace.

Fidan described the incursions as “unacceptable” and stressed that Türkiye will continue taking all necessary measures to protect its airspace. He also called on all parties to avoid actions that could threaten regional security or endanger civilians.

Araghchi, meanwhile, said that the missiles targeting Turkish airspace did not come from Iran and confirmed that a full investigation would be carried out.

⦿ 10:14 GMT | UPDATE

Iran slams EU chief over remarks on Iranian freedom

Esmaeil Baghaei via X

Iran has criticised the European Union following a speech by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling for freedom and dignity for the Iranian people.

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, responded to a video of von der Leyen’s remarks, saying, “Please spare the hypocrisy. You’ve made a career out of standing on the wrong side of history - green-lighting occupation, genocide, and atrocities, and now laundering U.S./Israeli crime of aggression and war crimes against Iranians.”

Baghaei further accused EU leaders of remaining silent “in the face of lawlessness and atrocity,” labelling their inaction “nothing less than complicity.”

⦿ 09:56 GMT | UPDATE

Syrians flee Lebanon as Israeli strikes continue

More than 80,000 Syrians have returned from Lebanon to Syria since 2 March as they try to escape ongoing Israeli strikes, the UN refugee agency reports.

UNHCR spokesperson Celine Schmitt told Syria’s SANA news agency that many families crossed the border quickly, often leaving behind personal belongings, and are staying with relatives.

So far, the agency has received no requests for emergency shelter.

⦿ 09:25 GMT | UPDATE

Iran’s internet blackout among worst globally recorded

NetBlocks via X

Iran’s ongoing internet blackout has become one of the most severe nationwide shutdowns ever recorded according to the global internet monitoring group NetBlocks. The organisation says the disruption is now the second-longest internet shutdown in the country’s history after the blackout imposed during protests earlier this year.

NetBlocks estimates that repeated outages mean Iran has effectively spent around a third of 2026 offline so far, highlighting the scale of government-imposed restrictions on connectivity. 

⦿ 8:35 GMT | UPDATE

Iranian missile attack hits German field camp at Jordanian airbase

Spiegel

The German section of the Jordanian airbase al-Azraq has been hit during an Iranian missile attack, according to information obtained by Spiegel.

The strike reportedly involved ballistic missiles and occurred at the base where German forces operate a field camp.

It is currently unclear whether the base itself was struck directly by a missile or whether debris from intercepted projectiles fell onto the German section of the installation.

There has been no immediate confirmation of casualties or the extent of any damage.

⦿ 8:30 GMT | UPDATE

European stocks rise on hopes of Middle East de-escalation

Reuters

European markets moved higher on Tuesday as hopes of easing tensions in the Middle East lifted investor sentiment.

The STOXX Europe 600 index rose about 1.9% in early trading after Donald Trump said the conflict with Iran could end soon.

Falling oil prices weighed on energy stocks but supported the broader market, while shares in Volkswagen and Persimmon gained after positive company updates. Investors are also watching for comments from Christine Lagarde of the European Central Bank later in the day.

⦿ 8:23 GMT | UPDATE

G7 energy ministers to discuss oil price stability

Reuters

Energy ministers from the Group of Seven will meet on Tuesday to consider coordinated steps to stabilise oil prices following the escalation of the Iran conflict.

The talks could include the possible release of strategic reserves, according to Valdis Dombrovskis, a senior official at the European Commission.

Speaking after a meeting of eurozone finance ministers, Dombrovskis said the G7 countries - the United States, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and France - had agreed to coordinate their response if market disruptions worsen.

The group's finance ministers held an emergency meeting on Monday after a sharp spike in global oil prices and stock prices plummeting in the fall out of the Middle East crisis. 

⦿ 8:10 GMT | UPDATE

Israel “ahead of schedule” on Iran war goals, ambassador says

Reuters

Israel is "ahead of schedule" in meeting its war objectives in Iran, according to Joshua Zarka, Israel’s ambassador to France who echoed U.S. President Donald Trump on the same matter.

Speaking to French TV station BFMTV, he said the campaign aims to weaken Iran’s leadership so the Iranian people can shape their own future.

Zarka also said the government of Lebanon has not yet disarmed Hezbollah and added he was unaware of any Israeli decision to negotiate an end to the conflict with Beirut.

⦿ 8:00 GMT | UPDATE

Azerbaijan sends humanitarian aid to Iran amid ongoing conflict

Azertag

Azerbaijan has begun delivering up to 30 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Iran as fighting continues involving the United States and Israel.

The shipment follows a phone call between Azerbaijan’s president, Ilham Aliyev, and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian.

⦿ 7:31 GMT | UPDATE

U.S. Patriot system deployed to Türkiye amid Iran conflict

Reuters

Türkiye has announced the deployment of a U.S. Patriot air defence system to its southeastern Malatya province as part of NATO measures to strengthen its ally’s defences amid missile threats linked to the ongoing Iran conflict.

The Kurecik NATO radar base in Malatya, which provides crucial data for the alliance, recently helped identify two Iranian ballistic missiles heading toward Türkiye.

In a statement, Türkiye’s defence ministry said it would continue to cooperate with NATO and assess regional developments, emphasising the importance of alliance support in responding to escalating threats.

⦿ 7:24 GMT | UPDATE

Over 10,000 Chinese nationals return from Gulf amid Iran conflict

Reuters

China’s Foreign Ministry says more than 10,000 nationals have safely returned from Gulf countries as the Iran conflict disrupts travel and daily life.

Beijing has organised flights and land routes to evacuate citizens, while calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging all parties to de‑escalate tensions.

⦿ 6:58 GMT | UPDATE

Pakistan unveils fuel-saving austerity measures

Reuters

Pakistan has unveiled sweeping austerity measures aimed at conserving fuel as the conflict in the Middle East drives energy pressures higher.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced in a televised address on Monday that all schools will close for two weeks from 16 March, while universities and colleges will move to online learning immediately.

⦿ 6:40 GMT | UPDATE

U.S. Vice President Vance and Secretary of War Hegseth attend transfer of fallen soldier’s remains

Reuters

U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attended a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Monday. The ceremony honoured the remains of U.S. Army Sgt. Benjamin Pennington, who died on 8 March from injuries sustained during an attack at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on 1 March.

During the solemn event, both Vance and Hegseth saluted as military personnel carried the transfer case, reflecting the United States’ long-standing tradition of paying respect to service members who have fallen in the line of duty. The ceremony was also attended by senior officials and military representatives.

Vance, Hegseth attend return of seventh U.S. troop killed in Iran war, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, U.S., 9 March 2026.
Reuters
⦿ 6:30 GMT | UPDATE

Israeli military warns residents south of Litani River

Reuters

The Israeli military has ordered civilians south of the Litani River in southern Lebanon to evacuate immediately, signalling imminent strikes.

Residents were urged to move north for their safety, with the army warning that staying near Hezbollah positions or equipment could be deadly.

⦿ 6:24 GMT | UPDATE

Airstrikes near Kirkuk leave 4 dead and 12 wounded

Source

Airstrikes have struck the headquarters of the Iran‑backed Hashd al‑Shaabi militia near Kirkuk in northern Iraq, killing four fighters and injuring 12 people on Tuesday.

The attack targeted the group’s base just outside the city, amid escalating regional tensions.

⦿ 6:00 GMT | UPDATE

Germany temporarily withdraws embassy staff from Iraq

Reuters

Germany has temporarily pulled staff from its embassy in Baghdad amid heightened security risks linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

A foreign ministry spokesperson said, "the personnel of the German embassy in Baghdad has now been temporarily relocated from Iraq because of the threat situation."

Although the embassy remains reachable, its legal and consular services have been severely limited for some time due to the security situation.

Speaking in Nicosia, Southern Cyprus, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said he had discussed the regional situation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Both officials condemned what Wadephul described as Iran’s indiscriminate attacks across the region and urged Tehran to halt them.

⦿ 5:54 GMT | UPDATE

Iran responds to ceasefire talks

Reuters

Iran says several countries, including China, Russia and France, have reached out about a potential ceasefire.

Deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi told state TV that Tehran’s main condition is an end to any further aggression against the country saying that no talks would hold while Iran was still under attack.

⦿ 5:25 GMT | UPDATE

China and Hong Kong shares jump on Middle East peace hopes

Reuters

China and Hong Kong stocks rose on Tuesday, rebounding from recent lows as investors cheered signs the Middle East conflict could ease. China’s CSI300 Index reached 1.1%, the Shanghai Composite gained 0.4%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 1.6%.

The gains followed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump predicting a quick end to the conflict, which helped risk sentiment across Asia and pushed oil prices lower. China’s exports also grew faster in January-February, keeping the economy on track for a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2026.

Energy shares lagged, with onshore energy down 3.6% and the CSI Coal Index falling 2.5%, after China raised retail fuel prices. Technology stocks led the rally, with Hong Kong tech majors up 1.4% and Tencent jumping nearly 6%.

Analysts said the Iran conflict is unlikely to hit the global economy as hard as Russia’s war in Ukraine did in 2022.

⦿ 4:53 GMT | UPDATE

UAE condemns drone attack on consulate in Erbil

Source

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned a drone attack on its consulate in Erbil.

Iraqi Kurdistan’s counter-terrorism service said three drones were downed in the city on Monday, with debris from one falling near the consulate. No casualties were reported.

The UAE called the attack “unacceptable,” while Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry also condemned the targeting of the diplomatic mission.

⦿ 4:40 GMT | UPDATE

Democratic senators push for immediate Iran war hearings

Reuters

Six Democratic senators, including Cory Booker and Chris Murphy, have called for urgent public hearings on the U.S. war in Iran, demanding top Trump administration officials testify under oath.

The senators aim to accelerate oversight, protect American troops, and clarify the war’s objectives.

They have requested hearings next week with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State/Acting National Security Adviser Marco Rubio.

Democrats warn they may disrupt normal Senate business if Republicans resist, citing the war as the largest U.S. military engagement since Afghanistan.

Recent polls show widespread public disapproval, with only 29% of Americans supporting the attacks. Protests against America and Israel joint strikes in Iran also sparked protests across various American cities over the weekend.

⦿ 4:28 GMT | UPDATE

Oil prices fall after Trump predicts Middle East de-escalation

Reuters

Oil prices fell sharply on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump predicted a possible end to the Middle East conflict, easing fears of prolonged global supply disruptions.

Brent crude dropped $4.17, or 4.2%, to $94.79 a barrel, while U.S. WTI crude fell $3.81, or 4%, to $90.96, after both contracts earlier lost as much as 11%. Prices had surged past $110 a barrel on Monday, following supply cuts by Saudi Arabia and other producers amid the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

Markets were further calmed after a call between Trump and Vladimir Putin, in which proposals for a quick settlement were discussed.

Analysts caution, however, that geopolitical risks remain, with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps warning it would block oil exports if attacks continue.

⦿ 4:23 GMT | UPDATE

Egypt hikes fuel prices by up to 17% amid Middle East energy crisis

Reuters

Egypt has increased domestic fuel prices by up to 17%, the Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum announced on Tuesday, citing the impact of global energy market disruptions linked to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Diesel rose 3 Egyptian pounds to 20.50 per litre, while gasoline increased by up to 16.9%: 80 octane now 20.75 pounds, 92 octane 22.25 pounds, and 95 octane 24 pounds (around $0.39–0.46 per litre, based on $1 = 52.7400 Egyptian pounds).

This is the first price hike of 2026, following increases of 10.5–12.9% in October, after which the government pledged a one-year freeze.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly had earlier warned of “exceptional measures” if global prices rose further.

Global oil and gas markets have been hit by attacks on energy facilities and shipping in the Gulf, causing production stoppages from Qatar to Iraq. Analysts warn domestic prices could remain under pressure.

Egypt has been implementing IMF-backed reforms since 2016, including subsidy cuts and social safety net expansions, with an $8 billion programme signed in March 2024.

⦿ 4:16 GMT | UPDATE

Nearly 700,000 displaced as Lebanon conflict enters second week

Reuters

Escalating hostilities in Lebanon have forced almost 700,000 people from their homes over the past week, the United Nations reported on Monday, as the war between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah enters a second week.

The conflict erupted after Hezbollah opened fire to avenge the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, sparking a major Israeli offensive. Lebanese authorities report nearly 500 deaths so far, with the toll rising by around 100 a day.

On Monday, Israeli airstrikes caused plumes of smoke to rise over Beirut’s Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs and across the hilltops of southern Lebanon. Security sources said strikes targeted five branches of the Hezbollah-run financial institution Al-Qard Al-Hassan, following Israel’s announcement that it would act against the group’s infrastructure.

Hezbollah responded with missile launches deep into Israel, triggering air raid sirens across central Israel and its commercial hub Tel Aviv, while interception blasts were reported as far as Jerusalem

⦿ 4:10 GMT | UPDATE

Canada and Qatar leaders call for diplomatic efforts to prevent Middle East war

Reuters

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held talks with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Monday, focusing on diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East.

A statement from Carney’s office said the two leaders “underscored the importance of intensifying diplomatic engagement to avoid a wider conflict with global consequences.”

The discussion reflects growing international concern over recent military actions and heightened regional tensions, with both leaders calling for measured dialogue and coordination among key stakeholders.

⦿ 4:08 GMT | UPDATE

Woman killed and eight injured in Iranian attack on Manama residence

Reuters

The Interior Ministry of Bahrain has reported that an Iranian attack on a residential building in Manama has killed one person and injured at least eight others.

Officials said the victim was a woman, with the injured including both men and women, though no further details on their condition were immediately available.

The ministry described the strike as “blatant,” underscoring rising tensions in the region following recent escalations. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, with residents being evacuated and local authorities securing the surrounding area.

The attack comes amid a broader surge in regional hostilities, as Iran’s actions have increasingly targeted civilian and infrastructure sites across the Gulf.

⦿ 3:51 GMT | UPDATE

Iran says countries expelling U.S. and Israeli envoys could gain Strait of Hormuz access

Reuters

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards has declared that any Arab or European country expelling the ambassadors of the United States and Israel will gain full authority to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media reported on Monday.

The announcement comes amid a growing crisis in the Middle East that has effectively halted shipping and energy exports through the vital waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows, making it a key chokepoint for international trade.

Hundreds of vessels remain anchored on both sides of the strait as markets closely monitor the situation for any indication that traffic may resume.

⦿ 3:46 GMT | UPDATE

U.S. hits over 5,000 Iranian targets since 28 February 

Reuters

The United States says it has carried out strikes on more than 5,000 Iranian targets since launching operations against the country on 28 February, according to a fact sheet released by United States Central Command on Monday.

The military said the campaign tagged "Operation Epic Fury" has also destroyed or damaged 50 Iranian vessels, highlighting the scale of U.S. operations in the region.

Meanwhile Iran says it has launched around 1600 drones and missiles in retaliatory attacks, with majority of them targeted at mainland Israel. 

⦿ 3:43 GMT | UPDATE

Erdoğan warns Iran over airspace violations

Reuters

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has issued a stern warning to Iran over repeated violations of Turkish airspace.

Speaking to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during a phone call, Erdoğan said such incursions “cannot be justified” and stressed that striking countries in the region benefits no one.

A statement from the Turkish presidency, released early Tuesday, said Erdoğan emphasised Türkiye’s efforts to “open the door for diplomacy” as a means to help end ongoing conflicts in the region.

⦿ 3:33 GMT | UPDATE

Trump says “too soon” to talk about seizing Iran’s oil amid conflict

Reuters

U.S. president Donald Trump has told NBC News that it is “too soon to talk about” seizing Iranian oil as the war with Tehran continues, though he stopped short of ruling the idea out entirely.

In a phone interview on Monday, Trump declined to say whether he would like the United States to take control of Iran’s oil reserves, but acknowledged that the prospect has been discussed among some commentators and policymakers, pointing to the recent situation in Venezuela as a precedent.

“We’ve got people talking about that, but it’s too soon to talk about that,” he said, underlining that the conflict is still unfolding.

⦿ 3:30 GMT | UPDATE

Australia to send missiles, surveillance aircraft to Middle East

Reuters

Australia will deploy a military surveillance aircraft to the Middle East and supply medium-range air-to-air missiles to the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Tuesday.

Speaking after a request from the UAE, Albanese said the support aimed to help Gulf nations defend themselves against what he described as unprovoked attacks from Iran.

He confirmed that no Australian troops would be sent on the ground in Iran, with the assistance limited to defensive capabilities in the region.

⦿ 3:22 GMT | UPDATE

Iranian women footballers granted asylum after Australian police extraction

Reuters

Five Iranian women footballers, including team captain Zahra Ghanbari, have been granted asylum in Australia after being secretly extracted from their hotel by Australian police, Interior Minister Tony Burke confirmed on Tuesday.

The players sought protection following threats from Iranian government minders, who had labelled the team "wartime traitors" for refusing to sing their national anthem during an Asian Cup match. The extraction took place on Monday evening, and the women remain under police protection at a secure location.

The minister confirmed that offers of asylum remain open for other members of the squad still on the Gold Coast.

The five women are Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali Alishah, Mona Hamoudi, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh, and 21-year-old Fatemeh Pasandideh, most of whom are teammates at the Bam Khatoon club, Iran's record-winning women’s football team.

⦿ 3:12 GMT | UPDATE

South Korea says it cannot stop U.S. redeploying weapons

Reuters

South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung has said Seoul cannot prevent U.S. forces stationed in the country from moving some weapons out of the region, amid reports that American military equipment could be redeployed to the Middle East.

President Lee said on Tuesday that while the South Korean government had voiced its opposition, it was ultimately not in a position to block such decisions by U.S. Forces in Korea.

“There appears to be a controversy recently over U.S. Forces in Korea shipping some weapons out of the country,” Lee said, adding that the move would not weaken deterrence against North Korea.

The comments come after South Korean foreign minister Cho Hyun said last week that U.S. and South Korean militaries were discussing the potential redeployment of some U.S. Patriot missile defence systems currently based in South Korea for use in the Middle East conflict.

⦿ 3:06 GMT | UPDATE

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards threaten to halt regional oil exports

Reuters

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned they could block oil exports from across the region if U.S. and Israeli strikes continue, vowing that Tehran would ultimately decide how the war ends.

According to Iranian state media on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Iran would not allow “one litre of oil” to be exported from the region should attacks by Washington and Israel persist.

The remarks underline rising tensions in the Middle East and came shortly after U.S. president Donald Trump suggested the conflict could soon come to an end.

At the same time, hardline factions in Iran staged a show of loyalty to the country’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, signalling continued defiance as the confrontation escalates.

⦿ 2:47 GMT | BREAKING

Trump warns U.S. would hit Iran ‘20 times harder’ over Hormuz oil flow

Reuters

Donald Trump has warned that the United States would respond with far greater force if Iran attempted to stop oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Writing on social media on Monday, the U.S. president said Tehran would face severe consequences if it disrupted the vital shipping route.

“If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far,” Trump said.

He added that the U.S. could target sites that would make it “virtually impossible” for Iran to rebuild, warning that “death, fire, and fury will reign upon them”, though he said he hoped such a scenario would not occur.

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