Iran’s southwestern energy hub, at the heart of conflict and water security
The US has carried out repeated air and naval strikes across Iran to degrade Tehran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on US bases and Gulf allies, and the IRGC has warned civilians near US forces to stay away; the exchanges have closed much of the strait and pushed oil prices higher.
The United States has escalated strikes against Iran, while Iran and its IRGC retaliate with missiles and drones targeting Gulf bases and shipping. The renewed hostilities threaten global energy flows as both sides threaten further action and diplomatic talks remain fragile. The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the crisis.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at 74, Qatar's Amiri Diwan has announced. He has been credited with transforming Qatar into an energy and diplomatic power by expanding LNG production, founding Al Jazeera, building sovereign investment vehicles and stepping down voluntarily in 2013 to hand power to his son.
Iraq’s prime minister travels to Washington to deepen economic ties as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and fighting between the US and Iran intensifies. Oil output, IMF talks, and potential US investment are on the table while Iran-backed groups push back against disarmament. Diplomatic prospects hinge on stabilizing energy flows and expanding state control over weapons.
The United States has intensified strikes against Iran to degrade its ability to threaten civilian shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded with missiles and drones against Gulf states and threats to close the strait. The interim US-Iran truce appears increasingly fragile as both sides escalate.
Kuwait and Gulf states have seen a latest wave of strikes on power and desalination plants, triggering electricity rationing as Iran targets civilian infrastructure. Desalination supplies about 90% of Kuwait’s drinking water, relying on energy-intensive cogeneration. Authorities warn that continued attacks could deplete strategic water reserves and intensify water scarcity.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified as US and Iranian strikes resume, targeting military and shipping assets across Iran, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain. Iran claims attacks on US bases and allied facilities; CENTCOM reports strikes aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping. Oil markets react to the disruption.
The US has completed a two-hour "heavy wave" of strikes across Iran, hitting Revolutionary Guard command centres, missile and drone facilities and coastal surveillance sites after Tehran fired ballistic missiles at US forces. Iran has launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes on US assets and allied facilities in the region; Jordan reported intercepting missiles with no casualties.
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated as Saudi Arabia and the US have mounted strikes against militant groups in Iraq, while Egypt faces its first drone attack at a Mediterranean port. Interceptions of Iranian missiles have continued in Jordan, Kuwait reports Iranian strikes on a Chinese company building, and Pakistan is mediating new talks to de-escalate. The conflict has intensified despite renewed negotiations.
The United States has announced a new wave of sanctions aimed at Iran’s economy, describing them as the most severe financial measures yet. Tehran warns of retaliatory moves, and markets react as the rial hits record lows amid heightened tensions. Officials from both sides signal a broad confrontation that could redraw energy routes and international trade.
Brent crude has climbed toward $97 a barrel after renewed exchanges of strikes between the United States and Iran over the past week. US strikes have hit sites along Iran's southern coast while Iran has attacked US-linked vessels and bases in the region; shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains constrained and US pump and diesel prices have risen.
A strike in Kuhestak, Hormozgan province has hit a house hosting a wedding, killing at least four people — including children — and wounding dozens. Iranian authorities and the Red Crescent have documented the attack and asked the International Criminal Court to investigate. US officials say they are investigating and deny deliberately targeting civilians.
Iraq has closed two border crossings with Iran after drone attacks origin were traced to Iraqi territory; Saudi Arabia has shut the East-West pipeline as a precaution amid Houthi advances in Yemen. Crude prices have surged above $100 a barrel as shipping lanes tighten and regional tensions escalate.