US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

A second assault on the vital Karaj highway bridge has been confirmed by Iran’s Fars news agency, as the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of a previous attack. According to Fars, the latest incident unfolded amidst ongoing rescue efforts to assist those injured in the initial strike, which occurred while emergency responders were still on the scene. Authorities in Alborz province have issued a warning to the public to steer clear of the affected area, following earlier reports of a US-Israeli operation that resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left numerous others injured.

A high-level gathering of the UN Security Council is currently underway, focusing on collaborative efforts between the UN and Gulf nations to ensure stability and security in the Middle East region. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Stocks on the US stock exchange plummeted in response to a sudden spike in oil prices, which occurred shortly after US President Donald Trump delivered a prime-time address from the White House on Thursday evening.

Approximately half an hour into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average had dropped by 1.0 percent, reaching a value of 46,108.16.
The S&P 500, a widely diversified index, declined by 0.9 percent, settling at 6,516.01, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index lost 1.3 percent, closing at 21,556.30.
In a televised address from the White House on Wednesday, Trump stated that the US was nearing its goals but cautioned that further military action could propel Iran into a state of severe economic and social regression.

GCC Secretary-General Jassim al-Budaiwi strongly denounced recent Iranian aggression, labeling it a brazen infringement on the sovereignty of Gulf nations.

Al-Budaiwi emphasized the pressing need for an immediate halt to these attacks, and for the swift restoration of peace, stability, and tranquility in the region. He also underscored the importance of safeguarding global energy markets, international supply chains, and the security of air and maritime navigation.

In a stern warning to Iran, al-Budaiwi reaffirmed the inherent right of GCC member states to defend themselves in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. He made it clear that GCC nations will take all necessary measures to protect their sovereignty and ensure their security.

China’s top diplomat has cautioned that the stability of the Strait of Hormuz is inextricably linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, with the waterway unlikely to achieve stability as long as hostilities persist. According to reports, Foreign Minister Wang Yi made these remarks during a phone conversation with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, in which he also urged an immediate halt to the fighting.

In a statement to the UN Security Council, Jassim al-Budaiwi underscored the commitment of Gulf states to avoiding conflict and resolving regional tensions through diplomatic means.

Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, has issued a pressing appeal for the creation of a ‘humanitarian corridor’ through the Strait of Hormuz to facilitate the transportation of vital fertilizers and other essential goods. This urgent measure aims to avert a looming food catastrophe in Africa, where Tajani emphasized the critical importance of securing the passage of these critical supplies.

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Kezem Gharibabadi, as reported by the official IRNA news agency, Iran is currently developing a joint agreement with Oman to oversee maritime traffic in the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz.

The intricate dance of global markets, encompassing stocks, commodities, and more, has far-reaching consequences for individuals, businesses, and entire economies. In a comprehensive explanation, Al Jazeera’s Ama Boateng sheds light on the significance of these markets and how their fluctuations affect everyday life.

In a swift response to a potential threat, Qatar’s Defence Ministry announced that its armed forces successfully thwarted an aerial assault involving multiple drones originating from Iran. According to a social media statement, the ministry credited divine intervention for the successful interception and neutralization of all incoming drones.