The war in the Middle East is escalating as US President Donald Trump rejects a proposed deal with Iran, claiming the terms offered are still inadequate.
The conflict has brought the strategic Strait of Hormuz waterway to a near standstill, shaking up global oil markets and sending oil prices to nearly $100 a barrel.
Trump has called on other countries such as China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK to send warships to keep the waterway open, while stressing that a strong deal must include Iran's commitment to abandoning its nuclear program.
Iran's retaliatory attacks on Israel and Arab states in the Persian Gulf continued after the US attacked a military camp on Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export hub.
In the UAE, authorities shot down thousands of drones and hundreds of missiles, while Saudi Arabia and Bahrain also faced drone and missile threats from Iran.
Operations at major ports such as Fujairah were temporarily suspended by the attacks, raising concerns about global energy supplies.
The conflict has claimed more than 3,700 lives across the region since February 28, including thousands in Iran, hundreds in Israel, and 11 US service members.
While Trump claimed that Iranian military camps had been “100% destroyed,” he threatened to strike again if shipping lanes were disrupted.
Iran, meanwhile, insists that the Strait of Hormuz is only closed to enemy ships, while continuing to launch missile attacks on Israel.
Amid the chaos, Gulf states have been forced to limit oil and gas production, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar.
