Iran war: What’s happening on day 61 as UAE exits OPEC?

Key Points:

• US President Donald Trump declared Iran to be in a “state of collapse” and urged a swift lifting of the US blockade, while Gulf leaders meeting in Saudi Arabia condemned Iran’s threats to close the Strait of Hormuz and called for restoring security and freedom of navigation.
• Iranian military officials claimed successful air strikes on enemy bases and warned of stronger retaliation if further aggression occurs, with tensions escalating as Yemen’s Houthis expressed support for Iran and threatened to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
• The United Arab Emirates announced its decision to leave OPEC after nearly 60 years, and Gulf Arab states pushed for deeper military integration amid concerns over Iran’s regional actions.
• Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed five people, including three emergency workers, drawing condemnation and accusations of war crimes amid ongoing hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah.
• Economic impacts include a surge in oil prices following geopolitical tensions, while US President Trump’s approval rating dropped to 34 percent amid growing concerns over the Iran conflict and domestic issues.