US-Israel-Iran War News Highlights: 'Trump failed across all fronts'—IRGC issues warning over potential military action against Iran

Tensions in the Gulf have escalated sharply as the United States and Iran exchange fresh attacks, raising fears of a wider conflict and disrupting global energy routes. The latest developments come amid a fragile ceasefire, now under strain as both sides intensify efforts to assert control over the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Missile and drone strikes have been reported across the region, with multiple merchant vessels in the Gulf experiencing explosions or fires. Iranian strikes also hit infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, including an oil port in Fujairah, marking a significant expansion of the conflict beyond direct US-Iran engagement.

The escalation follows a new initiative by US President Donald Trump, termed “Project Freedom”, aimed at reopening maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway, a vital global energy chokepoint, has remained largely inaccessible since hostilities began earlier this year. The US military claims it has secured limited passage, escorting merchant ships and destroying six Iranian boats that it says posed a threat to civilian vessels.

However, the situation remains highly volatile. Iran has warned that any foreign military presence in the strait would be treated as hostile, while also expanding its claimed maritime control area beyond the strait to include stretches of UAE coastline. Tehran has maintained that the US naval blockade itself constitutes an act of war.

Contradictory claims from both sides have made independent verification difficult. While the US asserts that safe passage has been partially restored, Iran denies such developments and has signalled continued resistance. Shipping companies have remained cautious, with many unwilling to risk transit through the contested waters without a clear resolution.

The crisis has already had global repercussions. Oil prices have surged amid fears of prolonged disruption to supply chains, and insurance costs for shipping through the Gulf have spiked significantly. The Strait of Hormuz handles a substantial share of the world’s oil trade, making stability in the region critical for global economic balance.

Diplomatic efforts continue in parallel, with Iran indicating that talks mediated by Pakistan are ongoing. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has stressed that there is no military solution to the crisis, even as hostilities persist.

This live blog tracks all key developments, including military movements, diplomatic responses, economic fallout, and regional security implications, as the situation unfolds in one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints.