The United States is preparing to announce a multinational naval coalition to escort commercial vessels through the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by the The Wall Street Journal. The move follows rising tensions after strikes involving Iran, Israel, and the US disrupted shipping in the strategic waterway, through which about 20% of global oil passes. Donald Trump has urged several countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom to deploy warships for the mission. However, many nations have been cautious about committing forces, highlighting the challenges in forming the coalition as regional hostilities continue. (PC: AP)

Iran has launched the Sejjil-2 ballistic missile for the first time since the war with Israel began on February 28. Iranian outlet PressTV said the missile was fired during attacks on Israeli and US targets. The Sejjil-2 is a two-stage, solid-fuel medium-range missile with a range of about 2,000 kilometres. It can carry a payload of around 700 kilograms. The missile is sometimes called the “dancing missile”. The name refers to its ability to manoeuvre at high altitude and evade air defence systems. Development of the missile began in the early 1990s. Its first test launch took place in 2008, followed by several additional tests. (PC: NDTV)

The UK is examining “all options” to help secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said.   Speaking to the BBC, Miliband said reopening the key oil route was “a priority for the world”. He said Britain was working with allies, including the US, on possible steps.   Miliband did not confirm whether the UK would send ships or drones to the region. He said the government was looking at ways to help reopen the passage.   Iran has effectively blocked the strait during its conflict with the US and Israel. Several ships have reportedly been attacked near the narrow waterway. Around 20% of global oil normally passes through the route. (PC: BBC)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video dismissing rumours that he had been killed in an Iranian strike. In the clip posted on X, Netanyahu is seen ordering coffee at a cafe and joking about the viral claims. Referring to the rumours, he said, “I am dead for coffee,” using a Hebrew phrase meaning he loves something very much. He also addressed online claims that a recent press conference video was created using artificial intelligence. Some posts alleged he appeared with six fingers. In response, Netanyahu briefly raised both hands toward the camera to show he had ten fingers. Earlier, his office said the viral reports about his death were “fake news” and confirmed he was safe. (PC: India Today)

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has announced the release of emergency oil reserves to stabilise global markets amid the ongoing US-Iran war. Governments have agreed to make about 116.6 million barrels of oil available from industry stocks. The move aims to ease supply concerns as tensions rise in the Middle East. At the same time, Israel denied reports that it is running low on missile interceptors used in its air defence systems. Meanwhile, the conflict continues across the region with missile and drone attacks reported in several areas. Security concerns have also affected global events, including the cancellation of the Argentina-Spain Finalissima match in Qatar.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused some European Union allies of “blackmail” over a Russian oil pipeline dispute. The EU wants Ukraine to repair the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Ukraine says the pipeline was damaged by Russian air strikes in January. Zelensky argued that reopening the pipeline would weaken sanctions on Russia during the war. Hungary has blocked new EU sanctions on Moscow and a €90 billion loan for Ukraine until the pipeline is restored. Zelensky said Ukraine should not allow Russian oil transit while sanctions remain in place. The dispute highlights growing tensions within the EU. (PC: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani has claimed that members linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s network may be planning a 9/11-style attack to blame Iran. In a post on X, Larijani said he had heard of a conspiracy to stage a major terrorist incident and falsely accuse Tehran. His statement comes as tensions rise during the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Larijani said Iran strongly opposes terrorism and has no conflict with the American public. The September 11 attacks in 2001 killed nearly 3,000 people in the United States. The claim has not been independently verified and comes amid growing war tensions.

Iran on Sunday launched the Sejjil-2 missile during the ongoing war with Israel and the United States. It is the first time the missile has been used since the conflict began on February 28. The Sejjil-2 is a solid-fuel ballistic missile with a range of about 2,000 kilometres. It can carry a payload of around 700 kilograms. The missile is nicknamed the “dancing missile” because it can move at high altitude and avoid defence systems. The war has now entered its 16th day. Reports say more than 2,000 people have died, most of them in Iran. Fighting continues as both sides launch strikes and increase military presence.

Loud blasts were reported in parts of Dubai after fresh Iranian missile and drone strikes during the ongoing Middle East conflict. Sounds were heard in the Marina and Al Sufouh areas, officials said. Iranian attacks also hit Kuwait’s international airport with drones, though authorities reported no injuries. Operations at the UAE’s Fujairah oil terminal stopped after a strike, with thick black smoke seen rising from the site. One Jordanian national was reported injured. Dubai’s media office said several threats were intercepted by air defence systems. Iran has launched more than 1,800 missiles and drones at the UAE since the war began on February 28. (PC: NDTV)

Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, a key military facility that hosts U.S. warplanes and personnel, amid the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict. Reports indicate that several U.S. aerial refuelling aircraft were damaged in the strike, though no fatalities were reported. Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also warned residents across Gulf countries to stay away from oil ports and strategic facilities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned that U.S. companies in the Middle East could be targeted if Iran’s energy infrastructure is attacked. The attacks mark a major escalation, raising fears of a wider regional war and threatening global oil supplies. (PC: X)