US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

Amid an ongoing Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the UK is facilitating a virtual conference with approximately 40 nations to explore collective solutions for unblocking the critical waterway. The strait serves as a primary shipping route for 20 percent of the world’s oil and LNG supplies from Gulf producers during times of peace.

Iran, whose territorial waters encompass a significant portion of the strait, has effectively severed access to the waterway since hostilities against Iran commenced on February 28. The resulting blockade has driven global oil prices above $100 per barrel, representing a surge of roughly 40 percent from pre-war levels. This drastic increase has prompted countries, particularly in Asia, to implement fuel rationing and scale back industrial production.

Notably, the US has opted out of these talks, following a statement from Trump that the responsibility for reopening the strait lies with European nations. He advised them to “secure their own oil supplies.”

A Palestinian man lost his life following a fatal confrontation with Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of Khan Younis, according to reports from the Wafa news agency, which detailed the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.

A collective warning from over 100 US-based international law specialists has been issued regarding the ongoing conflict, citing deep-seated concerns over the possible infringement of international law.

According to a letter published by the Just Security Forum and endorsed by prominent academics, former government attorneys, and military legal specialists, the US military’s involvement in the war has raised significant red flags about potential breaches of international human rights law and humanitarian law, potentially even amounting to war crimes.

The letter draws attention to the mounting toll on civilians, environmental degradation, and escalating regional instability, underscoring the US role in the conflict. The experts have also taken issue with US officials’ talking points that prioritise military effectiveness over adherence to international norms, warning that such an approach could undermine global safeguards designed to protect civilians.

Critically, the letter expresses dismay over recent statements from senior US government officials labelling the rules governing military engagement as “outdated” and prioritising “deadliness” over “legality,” describing these remarks as profoundly disturbing and woefully shortsighted.

In a development following a statement by a Kremlin aide suggesting Russia’s potential access to the Strait of Hormuz, official news outlets have disclosed that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has held talks with his Iranian counterpart, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to address concerns surrounding safe passage through the strategically vital waterway.

In a statement, Hezbollah confirmed that its fighters had launched a barrage of artillery fire against a cluster of Israeli soldiers and armored vehicles stationed in the Lebanese town of Shamaa, located in the country’s southern region.

International Organization for Migration Director Amy Pope has sounded the alarm over the likelihood of protracted mass displacement in Lebanon, a country ravaged by conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Expressing deep concern, she noted that the current level of devastation is compounded by the threat of further destruction, which would persist even if the war were to cease immediately.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding Iraq’s position outside the realm of conflict, emphasizing the country’s commitment to regional stability. In a statement, the ministry clarified that:

In a significant move, Pakistan has now set the price of petrol at 458.4 rupees per litre, equivalent to $6.20 per gallon, marking a substantial 43 percent increase. Diesel prices have also been revised to 520.35 rupees per litre, or $7.03 per gallon. The decision was made by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, who noted that the crisis has a far-reaching impact, affecting not just the region but the entire globe.

The European Union’s foreign policy chief emphasized the bloc’s commitment to supporting United Nations efforts in establishing humanitarian corridors through the Strait of Hormuz to facilitate the passage of essential goods such as food and fertilizers. According to Kallas, the EU possesses the necessary tools to monitor and expedite transit, which could aid in this endeavor.

She underscored this point in a recent X post, highlighting the EU’s Aspides naval mission, which has successfully assisted 1,700 ships in the Red Sea and requires expansion. Kallas expressed her concern that the EU cannot afford to lose another critical trade route, following a meeting convened by the UK on the Strait of Hormuz.

Following an earlier alert from the Israeli military about a missile launch originating from Yemen, the Houthi movement has issued a statement through its affiliated media outlet Al Masirah, confirming attacks on Israeli targets.