Iran vows not a ‘single drop’ of oil or gas will pass strait of Hormuz as US carries out ninth night of strikes - Middle East crisis live

Key Points:

• US forces have conducted a ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iran, targeting multiple cities to degrade Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, amid rising US military casualties totaling 17 dead and over 420 wounded.
• Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has retaliated with ballistic missile strikes on US military targets in Kuwait and Jordan, claimed attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, and warned that the strait will remain unsafe as long as US “aggression” continues.
• The conflict has escalated regional tensions with air raid sirens sounding in Bahrain and Kuwait responding to hostile Iranian drones, raising fears of a broader Middle East war involving US allies and prompting Israel to threaten a full-force response if attacked.
• The ongoing hostilities have caused a spike in global oil prices, with Brent crude briefly surpassing $91 a barrel, and have drawn international concern, with ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in Manila to discuss the crisis and urge both sides to resume diplomatic talks.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for other countries to help protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while also stating that the US remains open to a genuine diplomatic solution if Iran is willing to comply.