US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Three weeks into the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Iran warned on Friday that it could expand its retaliatory attacks on holiday and tourist sites around the world. Meanwhile, the United States has announced it will deploy additional warships and marines to the area.
What happened in the last hours? The best update
- The United States on Friday granted a 30-day authorization for the supply and sale of oil and petroleum products of Iranian origin loaded onto vessels, according to the US Treasury Department, Reuters reported.
- Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said on social media: “We are very close to meeting our goals as we consider ending our major military effort in the Middle East.
- Iran’s top military spokesman, General Abolfazl Shekarchi, warned that “parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations” around the world would not be safe for the country’s enemies. The threat renewed fears that Tehran may return to using militant attacks outside the Middle East as a pressure tactic, the AP reported.
- Oil prices jumped again on Friday, with global benchmark Brent settling above $112 a barrel, the highest level since mid-2022. But prices later pulled back to around $108 in light trade after the settlement following comments from Donald Trump about a possible easing of the conflict.
- Global stock markets continued to slide, with the main US stock index falling sharply to end the week down nearly 2%. Treasury yields rose as traders began to anticipate a 50% chance of a Federal Reserve rate hike by October.
- US officials told Reuters on Friday that the military is sending thousands more Marines to the Middle East. About 2,500 Marines will be deployed, along with the USS Boxer, an amphibious assault ship, and other support warships, according to the three officials. However, their specific mission was not disclosed, Reuters reported.
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