Follow real-time developments from the Iran conflict, including military strikes, Gulf shipping disruptions, energy markets and geopolitical fallout.
Trump Rejects Peace Deal as Israel Launches “Extensive Strikes” Across Western Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected early mediation efforts to end the conflict, stating that while Tehran appears eager for a deal, the current terms are “not good enough.” Trump indicated that the U.S. might launch further strikes on the Kharg Island oil hub, claiming the facility has already been “totally demolished.”
On the ground, the IDF has confirmed a massive new wave of air raids targeting regime infrastructure across western Iran. These strikes follow reports that the U.S. and Israel have successfully disabled approximately 80% of Iran’s offensive ballistic missile capabilities over the past 16 days of “Operation Epic Fury.”
Retaliatory drone and missile attacks from Iran continue to plague the region, with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain reporting fresh interceptions over Riyadh and Manama. Meanwhile, global oil prices have settled at their highest levels since 2022, with Brent crude trading above $101 per barrel as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to most commercial traffic.
Global Shipping Routes Paralyzed by Hormuz Blockade
The ongoing naval skirmishes and missile threats have forced a near-total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, paralyzing one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
Major global shipping conglomerates, including Maersk and MSC, have officially suspended all transit through the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. War risk insurance premiums for vessels attempting the journey have skyrocketed by over 400% in the last 72 hours, making the route economically unviable for most operators.
Vessels are now being rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, adding approximately two weeks to transit times between Asia and Europe. Supply chain experts warn this could lead to significant shortages in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and manufactured goods by next month.
Regional Ministries Release Conflicting Casualty Reports Amid Information Blackout
As the conflict enters its third week, obtaining accurate casualty figures remains incredibly difficult due to widespread communication blackouts and competing narratives from regional ministries.
Iran’s Health Ministry claims that over 2,400 civilians have been killed and thousands more injured in the coalition air strikes, particularly in the densely populated areas surrounding military installations in Isfahan and Tehran.
Conversely, the IDF states their operations are strictly targeted at IRGC infrastructure and weapon silos. They report having eliminated upwards of 1,800 combatants while minimizing collateral damage. Meanwhile, neighboring nations, including Iraq and Kuwait, have reported a combined total of 45 civilian casualties due to intercepted missile debris falling into residential areas.
Hormuz Crisis Continues to Threaten Global Oil Supply
Energy markets remain on edge as the Strait of Hormuz crisis continues to disrupt one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
The chokepoint normally carries roughly 20% of global oil supply, making prolonged disruption a major risk for energy markets and global inflation.
Shipping companies and insurers remain cautious as naval forces expand operations in the Gulf.
US Sends 2,500 Marines and Warships to Middle East
The United States is deploying roughly 2,500 additional Marines and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli to the Middle East as the Iran conflict intensifies.
The deployment aims to strengthen US military presence near the Strait of Hormuz and deter further attacks on shipping and regional bases.
Washington says the move is part of efforts to secure maritime routes and protect allied infrastructure across the Gulf.
Iran Warns Major UAE Ports Could Become Targets
Iran has warned that major UAE ports including Jebel Ali, Khalifa and Fujairah could become targets if they continue supporting US military operations in the region.
The warning comes as the Iran war enters its third week and tensions expand beyond Iran and Israel into wider Gulf infrastructure.
Regional governments have increased security around ports and oil facilities amid fears of further missile or drone attacks.
Iran Warns Major UAE Ports Could Become Targets
Iran has warned that major UAE ports including Jebel Ali, Khalifa and Fujairah could become targets if they continue supporting US military operations in the region.
The warning comes as the Iran war enters its third week and tensions expand beyond Iran and Israel into wider Gulf infrastructure.
Regional governments have increased security around ports and oil facilities amid fears of further missile or drone attacks.
UN Urges Safe Passage for Humanitarian Ships Through Strait of Hormuz
The United Nations has called on all sides in the Iran conflict to allow humanitarian cargo to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned that disruption of the strategic waterway is delaying critical deliveries of food and medical supplies across the region.
Aid agencies say shipping delays and rising insurance costs are already slowing relief operations across several Middle Eastern countries.
Commercial Shipping Through Hormuz Nearly Stops
Commercial tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly halted as military activity and vessel attacks make the route increasingly dangerous.
Shipping companies are holding vessels outside the Gulf while insurers reassess war-risk coverage and naval forces increase their presence in the region.
The strait normally carries around 20% of global oil supply, making the disruption one of the most serious threats to energy markets in decades.
India Seeks Safe Passage for 22 Ships Stranded Near Strait of Hormuz
India is negotiating with regional governments to allow safe passage for at least 22 vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz as the Gulf conflict disrupts shipping.
A small number of Indian LPG tankers have already been allowed to cross the chokepoint, but most vessels remain waiting for security guarantees.
The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20% of global oil and gas shipments, making any disruption a major risk for energy markets and global trade.
US Strikes Iran’s Key Oil Export Hub at Kharg Island
US forces have struck military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, the country’s most important oil export terminal and a critical hub for global energy markets.
The island handles roughly 90% of Iran’s crude exports, making it one of the most strategically sensitive energy facilities in the Middle East.
Analysts warn that further attacks on infrastructure around Kharg could significantly disrupt global oil supply and intensify the energy shock already triggered by the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
US Deploying Marines and Warships as Hormuz Crisis Escalates
The United States is sending additional Marines and warships toward the Middle East as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz intensify and commercial shipping faces growing risks.
According to U.S. defence officials, an amphibious ready group led by the assault ship USS Tripoli and a Marine expeditionary unit are moving toward the region to support operations aimed at keeping the strategic waterway open.
The deployment comes as Iranian drone and missile attacks on vessels and regional bases continue to disrupt navigation through the narrow Gulf chokepoint, which carries roughly 20% of global oil shipments.
Washington is considering escorting commercial tankers through the strait once Iranian mine and drone threats are reduced, though military officials warn that clearing the area could take weeks.
Global energy markets remain on edge as the conflict threatens one of the most critical maritime routes for oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
Trump Signals Possible International Naval Response to Hormuz Threat
U.S. President Donald Trump said multiple countries could deploy warships to the Persian Gulf if Iran attempts to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil chokepoint.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said nations heavily dependent on Gulf energy flows — including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom — could join U.S. efforts to ensure the waterway remains open.
Trump claimed Iran’s military capability had already been “destroyed” but warned Tehran could still attempt disruption through drones, sea mines or short-range missile strikes targeting vessels in the narrow shipping corridor.
He added that the United States would continue military operations along the Iranian coastline and against Iranian naval assets if necessary to keep the strait open.
The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20% of global oil supply, making any disruption a major risk for global energy markets.
LPG-carrying Indian ships cross the Strait of Hormuz safely
Two India-bound LPG carriers crossed the Strait safely and are heading toward Gujarat ports, offering short-term relief for India’s cooking gas supply chain.
Israel says it struck Iranian research and air-defence facilities
The reported strikes suggest the campaign is widening beyond launch sites toward deeper military and strategic infrastructure inside Iran.
US military releases video linked to Kharg Island strike
The footage highlights the strategic importance of Kharg Island, which has long served as a central hub in Iran’s crude export system.