US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

Iranian naval forces have issued a stark warning that the strategic Strait of Hormuz will be irreparably changed for the United States and Israel.
A recent social media post from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy declared that the strait will never regain its previous status, particularly for the two nations.
This statement follows closely on the heels of a key development in Iranian legislation, as the country’s parliament has approved a draft bill that would introduce transit fees for ships navigating the vital waterway.
According to Iranian media sources, the proposed legislation includes a requirement for passage fees to be paid in the national currency, a ban on US and Israeli vessels, and restrictions on countries participating in unilateral sanctions against Iran.
The comprehensive plan also encompasses provisions related to Iran’s sovereignty over the strait, the authority of its armed forces, maritime security, environmental concerns, and cooperation with Oman on legal matters.

A spate of property damage has been reported in Khan Arnaba, a Syrian town in Quneitra province, following the interception of an Iranian drone by Israeli air defenses. According to official sources, the incident resulted in material damage to several homes, but fortunately, no casualties were recorded.

The clock is ticking in the Gulf region as Trump’s ultimatum to Iran draws near, with a Tuesday, 8pm deadline set for the Strait of Hormuz to be fully reopened. Failure to comply, according to Trump, will unleash catastrophic consequences on Iran. This dire warning has sent shockwaves through the Gulf countries, which are bracing for potential fallout. Iran has previously hinted that if its energy infrastructure, power sites, and water facilities are targeted, it will retaliate by striking similar targets in the Gulf region. As the situation hangs in the balance, Gulf nations are on high alert, wondering what Trump’s next move will be and how they will respond to any Iranian counterattack. With a defensive posture thus far, the Gulf countries have emphasized their desire to de-escalate tensions, but the question remains: what will happen if Iran strikes back in response to any US aggression?

The price of Brent crude futures skyrocketed by $2.4, representing a 2.2 percent increase, to reach $111.43 per barrel by 10:15 PM GMT.
Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate crude futures experienced a significant boost of $3, translating to a 2.7 percent rise, and were trading at $114.57 per barrel.

According to a recent announcement by the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army, their air defence systems have been actively engaging and neutralizing incoming missile and drone threats.

The deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon by Israel has raised alarm among humanitarian groups. In recent weeks, the country has witnessed a systematic assault on the region’s bridges, with a total of nine key crossings over the Litani River being targeted. According to Israeli claims, the objective behind this campaign is to sever Hezbollah’s supply lines and impede the movement of personnel and equipment into the area. However, these bridges are essential to the Lebanese state and serve as vital lifelines for the thousands of civilians who have chosen to remain in the region despite forced evacuation orders from the Israeli military. As aid organisations grapple with the challenges of delivering essential supplies, including food and medicine, to those in need, their ability to reach civilians is becoming increasingly compromised. The destruction of these bridges has significantly hindered the movement of people in the area, exacerbating the difficulties faced by those attempting to access basic necessities.

Iranian officials have delivered a unified message today, with representatives from the Foreign Ministry, the parliament, and the IRGC speaking in tandem. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson outlined Iran’s response to the escalating situation, emphasizing the country’s resolve to counter any US aggression. He disputed the notion that Iran poses a nuclear threat to the US, instead highlighting the perceived danger posed by American actions, which he likened to a threat of genocide against the Iranian people. The IRGC commander further asserted that the Strait of Hormuz will never revert to its pre-war status, particularly for the US and Israel. He announced that Iran will establish a new order, imposing fees on ships to compensate for the devastation inflicted on the country. Despite the looming deadline, there is no indication that Iran is cowering under the pressure, as officials have consistently maintained their stance since the beginning, vowing to retaliate against specified targets with the necessary capabilities.

With Easter festivities unfolding globally, the somber backdrop of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran has prompted Christian leaders to appeal for an end to hostilities.

The UAE Defence Ministry has confirmed that the country’s air defence systems are actively countering missile and drone threats, with the unusual aerial sounds reported in the area attributed to ongoing intercept operations.

Rashid Al-Mohanadi, vice president of the Center for International Policy Research, observed that Gulf countries have exercised restraint in the face of escalating tensions with Iran. According to Al-Mohanadi, Gulf nations have unequivocally stated that their territories, waters, and skies will not be used as a launchpad for attacks on Iran. He noted that Tehran has failed to provide concrete evidence to contradict this assertion.

Al-Mohanadi pointed to Qatar as a prime example of Gulf restraint, citing the country’s experience of being hit by over 200 ballistic missiles despite its efforts to mediate the conflict and prevent further escalation. Instead of escalating the situation, the Gulf nations have chosen to exercise strategic prudence, Al-Mohanadi emphasized. He suggested that Iran’s strategy of applying pressure on multiple actors and causing maximum damage in an attempt to halt the war is not yielding the desired results.