US-Israel-Iran War LIVE UPDATES | Iran tightens grip on Strait of Hormuz, may allow ships only of countries expel US and Israeli envoys
Iran has reportedly introduced a new condition for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most crucial oil transit routes. According to media reports, Iran’s military wing, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated that vessels from certain countries may be allowed to pass through the strait only if those countries expel the ambassadors of the United States and Israel from their territories.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically vital maritime corridor through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes each year, making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets.
However, a report by CNN has presented a slightly different claim. Citing an Iranian official, the report said Iran is considering imposing a “security tax” on oil tankers and commercial vessels passing through the strait, particularly those belonging to countries allied with the United States.
The official reportedly stated that Iran now holds significant influence over global oil prices due to its strategic position in the region. According to the source, the United States will have to wait and watch Iran’s next move.
The official further claimed that the global energy market has already become unstable due to the ongoing conflict and warned that Iran will continue its military campaign until US President Donald Trump announces defeat.
Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Iran, saying the United States would respond with overwhelming force if Tehran attempts to block oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking late Monday, Trump said any attempt by Iran to halt global oil supplies through the strategic waterway would trigger an American response “20 times stronger.” He added that military operations would continue until the opposing side is fully neutralised.
The US President also claimed that since the start of the conflict, the United States and Israel have jointly carried out strikes on more than 5,000 locations inside Iran.
Trump further stated that several key targets have deliberately not been attacked yet, leaving room for further action if necessary. According to him, the US and Israel have already gained a significant strategic advantage in the conflict, though military operations are still ongoing.
Pakistan has announced a series of cost-cutting measures as rising global oil prices linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States begin to affect the country’s economy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government will implement several steps to reduce expenditure. Government offices will now operate four days a week, while half of the employees will work from home. Schools across the country will also remain closed for two weeks starting later this week.
According to Geo News, foreign trips of ministers and government advisers have been suspended. Ministers will not take salaries for the next two months, while the pay of members of parliament will be reduced by 25%.
Fuel consumption in government departments will also be limited. For the next two months, official vehicles will receive 50% less fuel, and around 60% of government vehicles will remain off the roads. All government departments have been directed to cut their expenses by 20%.
Sharif said the decisions were necessary after global crude oil prices surged from around $60 to over $100 per barrel, largely due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Australia has announced plans to send military assistance to support security efforts in the Gulf region amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the country will deploy a Boeing E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft along with military personnel to the region. The aircraft, operated by the Royal Australian Air Force, will monitor airspace and assist with aerial security operations for approximately four weeks.
In addition, Australia will supply medium-range air-to-air missiles to the United Arab Emirates to help strengthen its defence capabilities.
Albanese said the decision was taken following a phone conversation with the UAE President, adding that Australia aims to cooperate with Gulf nations in maintaining regional security.
Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, has said that Iran currently holds the advantage in the ongoing conflict and will determine when the war comes to an end.
Speaking on Iranian state television, Gharibabadi stated that if United States and Israel are seeking a ceasefire, they must first guarantee that they will not launch further attacks and should acknowledge responsibility for their actions.
He also emphasised that Iran would not immediately accept a ceasefire simply because the opposing side demands it. According to him, the strategies planned by the US and Israel have not succeeded and their intended objectives were not achieved.
The Iranian official further claimed that Iran has inflicted significant damage on both countries during the conflict. He added that the ongoing war is also affecting global energy supplies and the international economy.
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Israel’s Ministry of Health has reported that 191 persons were hospitalised in the past 24 hours following Iranian counterattacks.
According to The Times of Israel, those admitted to hospitals include both soldiers and civilians.
Officials said one person is in critical condition, while three others are seriously injured.
Earlier, an Iranian missile strike on the central Israeli city of Yehud on Monday killed one person and injured two others.
Israel carried out overnight airstrikes targeting suspected nuclear laboratories in Tehran, the capital of Iran, according to a report by Channel 12. Sources cited in the report said the strikes focused on facilities believed to be linked to Iran’s nuclear programme. So far, Iranian authorities have not issued any official response regarding the reported attack.
PTC Web Desk: The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran entered its 11th day on Tuesday, with tensions continuing to rise across the Middle East. Amid the escalating situation, US President Donald Trump held a one-hour phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday night.
According to Trump, the discussion focused on the ongoing Iran conflict as well as the war between Russia and Ukraine. During the call, Putin reportedly expressed Russia’s willingness to help mediate and bring an end to the Iran war.
However, Trump said he suggested that Russia should instead prioritise efforts to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump noted that this was his first direct conversation with Putin since the Iran war began, at a time when tensions in the Middle East remain extremely high.
Trump also made a major claim regarding the military campaign, stating that the United States has sunk 51 Iranian vessels and targeted thousands of military positions in the past ten days of the conflict.
Five Iranian women footballers granted asylum in Australia
Meanwhile, a separate development related to Iran’s national football team has also drawn international attention.
After Iran’s women’s football team was eliminated from the AFC Women's Asian Cup, five Iranian players were granted humanitarian visas by Australia, allowing them to remain in the country for safety reasons.
Australia’s Immigration Minister Tony Burke confirmed that the players have been moved to a secure location under police protection.
The footballers granted visas include Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi. Officials said other members of the team could also seek similar protection if they choose.
The situation escalated after the Iranian team refused to sing the national anthem before a match against South Korea last week, triggering backlash from some groups in Iran who demanded strict action against the players.
Concern over their safety grew after the incident, prompting authorities in Australia to step in.
Supporters also gathered outside Gold Coast Stadium, where hundreds of people raised slogans such as “Save Our Girls” and urged authorities to ensure the players’ safety.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the humanitarian visas allow the athletes to live, work and study in Australia.
Trump had earlier said that the United States would also consider offering protection to the players if required.
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- With inputs from agencies
