US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Baghaei, has delivered a resolute statement in response to Trump’s threats, underscoring the nation’s confidence in its values and principles.
“A nation guided by the principles of a ‘CIVILIZED’ society will ultimately triumph over the unyielding force of aggression,” Baghaei asserted in a recent X post.
“A nation that stands firmly behind its righteous cause will mobilize all its resources and capabilities to protect its rights and legitimate interests.”

A total of 11 Security Council members voted in favour of the resolution, while Pakistan and Colombia abstained from the vote. Although the resolution garnered the required nine votes to pass, it was thwarted by the veto power wielded by China and Russia, two permanent members of the council. This decision effectively blocked the resolution from being adopted. The proposed resolution initially sought to invoke Article 7, which would have granted member states the authority to use force to secure the Strait of Hormuz. However, Russia and China strongly opposed this provision, leading to prolonged negotiations and a subsequent revision of the language. The final version of the resolution, which was put to a vote, urged states interested in using the Strait of Hormuz for commercial maritime purposes to coordinate their efforts in a defensive capacity. This toned-down approach fell short of Bahrain’s expectations, which had hoped that it would be enough to persuade Russia and China to abstain from the vote and allow the resolution to pass. The veto cast by Russia and China has highlighted the deep divisions within the Security Council and underscored their unwavering support for Iran. Both Russia and China have maintained that the resolution was overly critical of Iran, justifying their decision to exercise their veto power.

A high-ranking Pakistani official revealed to me that optimism about a potential breakthrough in the conflict was palpable just hours before US President Trump’s social media post. However, a series of events unfolded rapidly, including an Israeli airstrike on Iranian railways, an attack on an Israeli consulate in Istanbul, and an assault on Saudi oil facilities. These incidents, coupled with Trump’s online statement, effectively derailed any prospects of de-escalation.

A statement from Kataib Hezbollah, a militant group with ties to Iran, has indicated that US journalist Shelly Kittleson will be released, following her abduction in Baghdad in late March. According to Reuters, the group’s conditions for her release are that she must depart Iraq immediately.

Oil refineries in Europe and Asia are now facing the daunting task of securing crude at record-breaking prices of nearly $150 per barrel for certain grades, significantly outpacing paper futures, as the escalating conflict between the US and Iran exacerbates the global supply shortage. The Iran-led closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to the shutdown of at least 12 million barrels per day of oil production, equivalent to roughly 12 percent of the world’s total supply, severely impacting the global oil market.

The recent surge in Brent oil futures to $119.50 per barrel in the previous month marks the highest level since 2022, although it still falls short of the 2008 record high of $147.50. The June delivery Brent contract is currently trading at this elevated price. The intense competition among Asian and European refiners to secure replacement oil supplies from other regions, such as Europe and Africa, has driven up prices for crudes with immediate delivery, resulting in some grades reaching record highs.

A high alert has been sounded by the Israeli military for all ships navigating or moored in the waters between Lebanon’s coastal towns of Tyre and Ras Naqoura, indicating a heightened risk of an imminent assault. All vessels are ordered to immediately re-route their course and steer clear of the Tyre area, heading northwards, according to military directives.

Reports are emerging of human barricades springing up around key Iranian power facilities, particularly in the southern regions. This development, coupled with President Trump’s ominous warnings, has prompted the Iranian government to adopt a stance of unwavering resolve. They have announced a temporary halt in diplomatic efforts, citing the unbridgeable chasm between their proposed concessions and the US’s demands. The Israeli factor is also playing a significant role in escalating the situation, as it continues to push the US towards a more hardline stance. The Iranian military has vowed to retaliate proportionally to any attacks on their power plants, leaving the situation at a critical impasse.

Reports from Israeli sources indicate a significant loss of life, with at least one soldier confirmed deceased and numerous others injured in a violent confrontation in southern Lebanon. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Reports have emerged of three Iranian missile warnings in the past two hours, with targets in both southern and central Israel. Eyewitnesses claim a possible impact site has been identified in Petah Tikva, a city housing several military-industrial facilities, one of which was previously hit this week. The prevailing sentiment in Israel is that any diplomatic concessions, such as those offered by mediators, would be unacceptable if they don’t result in the complete dismantling of Iran’s government and the collapse of its existing system. This stance is particularly evident in the words and actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has made his commitment to this war a defining aspect of his leadership. Consequently, there is little to no discussion of potential compromises, and instead, a strong emphasis on the need for decisive action. Strategists within Netanyahu’s Likud Party are even exploring more extreme scenarios, including the potential for widespread violence beyond mere infrastructure damage.

Kataib Hezbollah has made a significant announcement regarding the fate of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was taken by the group.
According to Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, a security official within the Iraqi armed group, the decision to release Kittleson was made in light of the national positions taken by the outgoing prime minister. However, this release comes with a stipulation: Kittleson must depart the country immediately.