Middle East crisis live: Trump pausing strikes on Iran energy sites; Houthis say ‘no reason’ to halt Red Sea shipping
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- US President Donald Trump criticized NATO, the UK, and Australia for their lack of support in his stance against Iran, singling out Australia as particularly disappointing.
- Vietnam's trade ministry temporarily waived the environmental tax on fuel to reduce soaring petrol prices by more than 25%, citing the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz as a key factor.
- India cut special excise duties on petrol and diesel significantly to alleviate the impact of rising fuel prices linked to the Iran war.
- An Israeli strike targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, with ongoing clashes reported as Israel pushes to establish a defensive buffer zone in south Lebanon.
- Global markets experienced declines amid the Iran conflict, with Wall Street suffering its worst day since the war began, and Asian markets also falling, reflecting diminished hopes for a ceasefire.
