Middle East crisis live: Trump says he wants to ‘take the oil’ in Iran and could seize Kharg Island ‘easily’

Key Points:

• Oil prices surged above $116 a barrel, rising over 50% since the war began, while global stock markets, especially in Asia, experienced sharp declines due to fears of prolonged conflict and inflation.
• The Middle East crisis escalated as Yemen’s Houthis entered the war and Israel expanded its military operations into southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict.
• The US is reportedly preparing for possible ground operations in Iran, with President Donald Trump expressing interest in seizing Iran’s oil export hub on Kharg Island, though indirect talks between the US and Iran continue via Pakistani intermediaries.
• Several incidents related to the conflict occurred, including the killing of an Indonesian UN peacekeeper in Lebanon, missile interceptions in Qatar and Bahrain, and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and electricity infrastructure.
• Diplomatic efforts are underway with Pakistan hosting talks between the US and Iran, while regional powers like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt seek to de-escalate tensions amid ongoing military confrontations.