Egypt struck for first time as US-Iran conflict pulls in more countries

Key Points:

• The U.S. Senate narrowly failed (49-50) to advance a resolution rebuking President Trump over the Iran war, marking the 13th vote on related war powers this year amid divided bipartisan support.
• Saudi Arabia announced the formation of a 14-country "Maritime Defense Alliance" to protect international shipping routes, with Saudi Arabia leading and hosting the alliance's headquarters; the initiative aims to enhance maritime security and global trade.
• China denied reports it plans to send shoulder-fired air defense missile launchers to Iran, emphasizing its role in promoting peace, while the U.S. expressed disappointment if China supplied weapons to Iran amid ongoing conflict.
• Iran warned European countries against allowing U.S. military use of their bases for attacks on Iran, with diplomatic discussions ongoing with Cyprus and Bulgaria, as Iran threatens consequences for participation in aggression against it.
• The U.S. resumed heavy strikes on Iran targeting IRGC sites after recent missile attacks, with Iranian forces declaring the Strait of Hormuz closed amid continued hostilities; these developments coincide with rising global oil prices benefiting companies like Shell.