Dubai: Iran and the United States hardened their positions as diplomacy aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the Middle East war appeared to be faltering.
Tehran moved to formalise control over the crucial Strait of Hormuz while Washington prepared for the arrival of US combat forces in the region that could be used on the ground in Iran. Industry analysts say Iran is running a “de facto toll booth regime” in the strait, with some ships reportedly paying in Chinese yuan to transit the waterway that carries about 20% of traded oil and natural gas in peacetime.
A US amphibious assault strike group anchored by USS Tripoli, carrying roughly 2,500 Marines, drew closer to the Middle East. At least 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne have also been ordered to the region. The movements do not guarantee President Donald Trump will use ground forces to compel Iran to reopen the strait; US planning reportedly includes options such as seizing Kharg Island or other oil facilities near the strait.
US Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper said US forces have struck more than 10,000 targets since the campaign began on Feb. 28, destroying 92% of Iran’s largest ships and more than two-thirds of its missile, drone and naval production facilities. “We’re not done yet,” Cooper said in a video message. “We are on a path to completely eliminate Iran’s wider military apparatus.”
Key developments and reports:
– Oil and markets: Oil prices rose amid uncertainty over de-escalation. Brent crude climbed to about USD 98.72 a barrel and US benchmark crude to about USD 92.16, after Tehran dismissed a US ceasefire plan and Washington delayed a threatened deadline to strike Iranian power plants to force reopening of the strait.
– Israel missile strike response: An Israeli paramedic arriving at a missile strike scene in Kfar Qasim described “chaos” and said five people inside a home were injured and evacuated in mild condition. Israel warned of a third barrage of missiles incoming from Iran.
– UAE casualties: Abu Dhabi authorities said two people were killed and three wounded by shrapnel from a ballistic missile interception.
– Live-fire alerts: Missile and drone alerts sounded across the Gulf and UAE. Saudi Arabia intercepted multiple drones over its Eastern Province; Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE reported working to intercept incoming Iranian fire. Dubai phones received a missile alert.
– Strikes near Isfahan: Activists reported heavy strikes around Isfahan, a city hosting major air bases and some previously targeted nuclear-related facilities.
– Australian travel restrictions: Australia temporarily restricted some Iranian Visitor (Subclass 600) visa holders from travelling to the country for six months amid concerns they could be unable or unwilling to return to Iran due to the war.
– Thailand fuel prices: Fuel prices surged after Bangkok lifted a diesel price cap and reduced subsidies; diesel rose roughly 18%.
– Strait of Hormuz tolls: Shipping intelligence firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence said Iran’s Revolutionary Guard requires transit manifests, crew details and destinations, routing information to local commands for sanctions screening and “geopolitical vetting.” At least two vessels reportedly paid transit fees settled in yuan.
– Sirens in Israel: Sirens sounded across central Israel, including areas around Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and in the occupied West Bank, after Iran launched missiles toward Israel. Hezbollah rocket fire continued overnight in northern Israel.
– UAE energy executive calls it “economic terrorism”: Sultan al-Jaber, head of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., condemned Iran’s actions as “weaponising the Strait of Hormuz” and called it economic terrorism that raises costs for consumers worldwide.
– Iranian parliamentary bill: Iranian media close to the Revolutionary Guard reported parliament is working on a bill to codify control over the Strait of Hormuz and impose transit fees, arguing Iran provides security and can charge transit fees similar to other corridors. The strait is considered an international waterway, and such fees would likely face strong opposition internationally.
– UN mediation: UN Secretary-General António Guterres named veteran diplomat Jean Arnault to lead UN mediation efforts on the conflict and its consequences. Guterres warned the war was “out of control” and urged diplomacy.
– Gulf and Jordan statement: Five Gulf states and Jordan condemned attacks by Iran and its proxies, urged Iraq to stop militias launching attacks from its territory, and reaffirmed their right to self-defence.
– Iran rules out negotiations: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told state TV no negotiations with the US have occurred and Iran does not plan talks to end the war.
– US political pushback: Some US lawmakers pushed back against potential troop deployments. Republican Rep. Nancy Mace said she would not support ground troops in Iran after a classified briefing. Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal warned that US objectives could not be met without a physical presence.
– Pentagon religious service remarks: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth led a Pentagon Christian service and prayed for “every round find its mark” against “the enemies of righteousness,” drawing attention to his invocation of faith in wartime.
– Kuwait arrests: Kuwait said six people alleged to have links to Hezbollah were arrested over a plot to assassinate leaders; 14 others were identified as having fled.
– Additional sirens in Tel Aviv: Sirens sounded in parts of Tel Aviv and central Israel, with no immediate reports of casualties in that incident.
– Trump on negotiations: Speaking at a Republican fundraiser, President Trump said Iran was still interested in making a deal but its leaders feared being killed by their own people or by the US.
The situation remains fluid with intense military activity across the region, diplomatic efforts continuing amid setbacks, and economic repercussions spreading from energy markets to regional travel and trade.
