US-Israel-Iran War Highlights: Netanyahu Says Israel 'Crushing' Iran, Tehran Says Won't Close Hormuz

An Iranian attack killed a French soldier in Erbil in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, AFP said quoting President Emmanuel Macron.

A member of the armed forces “died for France during an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq,” Macron posted on X, confirming the first French military death in the Middle East war that began late last month when Israel and the United States struck Iran.

Macron added that several other soldiers had been wounded in the incident, which the French military earlier said was a drone attack on troops carrying out a training exercise.

A short while ago, the IDF completed several waves of strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut and southern Lebanon.

The IDF struck several Hezbollah command centers, from which Hezbollah terrorists operated to advance terror attacks against the State of Israel and its civilians.

The conversation between Modi and Pezeshkian came shortly after India supported a resolution in the United Nations Security Council condemning attacks carried out by Iran against Gulf countries and Jordan.

The resolution criticised what it called “egregious” attacks by Iran on members of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordan. It called on Tehran to immediately halt such actions and also condemned threats to close the Strait of Hormuz.

The strategic waterway is crucial for global energy trade, and disruptions there have already pushed oil and gas prices higher.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in the first direct communication between the two leaders since the conflict in the region began on February 28.

India has consistently emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomatic engagement to reduce tensions in West Asia. The conflict intensified after strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, followed by Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on Gulf countries. The region hosts a large number of Indian nationals, raising concerns for their safety.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the worsening situation in the region amid rising tensions.

During the conversation, Modi expressed deep concern over the escalation of the conflict and the loss of civilian lives, as well as the damage to civilian infrastructure.

He also highlighted that the safety and security of Indian nationals remains a top priority for India. The prime minister stressed the importance of ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted transit of goods and energy supplies.

“Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure,” Modi said on X.

“The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India’s top priorities. Reiterated India’s commitment to peace and stability and urged for dialogue and diplomacy,” he added. Read More

The UK Defence Secretary has warned that there are increasing signs suggesting Iran may have begun placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments.

Speaking on the situation, the defence chief said intelligence indicators were becoming “clearer and clearer” that Iranian forces could have started mining the strategic waterway.

“The Iranians may have started mining the Strait of Hormuz,” the UK Defence Secretary said, highlighting growing concerns about the safety of international shipping passing through the area, Bloomberg reporter Javier Blas said.

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, believes the conflict involving Iran could end within weeks as rising oil prices increase global pressure.

Jean Boivin, head of the BlackRock Investment Institute, said the current surge in oil prices may not be sustainable for long. Speaking to Bloomberg TV, he noted that the global economy would struggle to cope with crude prices staying above 100 dollars for an extended period.

“I don’t think the world can sustain months of $100+ and people will react to that,” Boivin said.

According to him, the timeline for the conflict ending is likely shorter than many expect. While it may not conclude in a matter of days, he said the situation is unlikely to drag on for several months.

“That’s why we think this is not days, for sure, but it’s not months either. Maybe a couple of months, but it’s not months. We’re in the realm of weeks,” he added.

Oil markets appear to be paying less attention to statements from the US administration as crude prices continue to climb. Analysts say investors are focusing more on the situation on the ground rather than political messaging.

Jordan Rochester, executive director at Mizuho Bank, said the outlook for global energy supplies is becoming increasingly uncertain. According to him, conditions in the market are worsening rather than improving.

He noted that markets are waiting for President Donald Trump to convincingly argue that the conflict involving Iran has ended. Until there is clarity, he warned that oil prices are likely to remain unstable.

Despite efforts by Trump to frame rising crude prices as beneficial for the United States, oil prices have climbed while stock markets have weakened. The President has previously said that higher oil prices could help the US economy, adding that the country would “make a lot of money”.

However, Rochester suggested that financial markets may soon begin to ignore attempts by the US administration to reassure investors. Instead, markets may focus more on real developments affecting energy supply.

The Energy Agency has also warned that the conflict involving Iran has created one of the biggest shocks ever seen in the oil market. Even after governments released some global reserves, fund managers believe there remains a significant supply shortfall.

Rochester said markets may eventually reach a point where the crisis is largely priced in and volatility begins to ease. For now, he said, that stage has not yet been reached.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that on Thursday raised concerns over the presence of the Iran Soccer Team at the World Cup, saying he believes it may not be appropriate for them to participate due to safety risks.

“The Iran Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” said Trump in a post on Truth Social.

US-Israel-Iran War News LIVE: Thailand has sought an apology from Iran after a Thai bulk carrier was struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, Bangkok’s foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Three vessels were reportedly hit in the strategic waterway near Iran. While two ships sustained damage, the Thai vessel caught fire, forcing its crew to evacuate.

According to Reuters, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the ship was “fired upon by Iranian fighters,” escalating tensions in the vital oil shipping corridor.

US President Donald Trump said the United States remains the world’s largest oil producer and benefits financially when global oil prices rise, but stressed that his primary concern is preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

In a post, Trump said the United States produces more oil than any other country and gains economically when prices increase. However, he said the larger issue for him as president is stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons, which he warned could threaten stability in the Middle East and beyond.

He added that he would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear arms under any circumstances and described it as a critical matter for global security.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and ongoing geopolitical strains in the region.

In his first message since becoming Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei said the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed, signalling a hardline stance amid rising regional tensions.

Khamenei also issued strong warnings directed at the United States and its allies, declaring, “We will not forgo revenge for the blood of the martyrs.”

He further emphasised the strategic importance of the waterway, stating, “The tool for closing the Strait of Hormuz must be preserved, and if necessary, other fronts must be opened.”

In another remark, Khamenei said Iran seeks peaceful relations with neighbouring countries but warned that military actions would continue against American forces in the region. He stated, “We believe in friendship with our neighbors, but we will target the American bases and will inevitably continue.”

Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme Security Council of Iran, issued a sharp warning in response to remarks by Donald Trump regarding potential strikes on Iran’s electricity infrastructure.

Referring to Trump’s statement, Larijani said, “Trump has said ‘we can take apart Iran’s electric capacity within one hour, but we have not done it.'”

He further warned that any such move would have wider consequences across the region, stating, “Well, if they do that, the whole region will go dark in less than half an hour and darkness provides ample opportunity to hunt down US servicemen running for safety.”

Responding to a question from ANI on measures being taken to prevent disruptions in household LPG supply, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, said the government is managing both demand and supply to maintain steady availability of LPG in the domestic market.

She said, “LPG supply in the domestic market depends upon the management of both demand and supply. The government is taking action on all fronts. As far as the supply is concerned, we are putting in efforts and we are trying to increase the domestic production of our LPG. At the same time, wherever imports are possible, that is also actively happening…The booking period has increased from 21 to 25 days for urban households. The second important thing is the prioritisation of the households. So, it is ensured that there is no shortage of supply for the domestic households.”

Sharma also said discussions have been held with officials from the Delhi government regarding additional supply through commercial cylinders. She stated, “A detailed discussion has happened with the chief secretary of the Delhi government, and it has been decided that the oil marketing companies will be releasing some commercial cylinders, 19 kg cylinders also. But then the role of state government or the union territory is very important, to ensure that the distribution happens in a transparent manner, in a prioritised manner…”