Iran war news LIVE: Oil prices extend gains as Iran says Hormuz deal with Oman days away | Today’s news
Iran War News LIVE: Oil prices extended gains on Monday (local time) as traders closely watched details of Iran’s agreement with Oman to control shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which could tighten Tehran’s control over the waterway. Brent crude settled at $97 on Monday, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded near $93 a barrel. Iran said the deal was in its final stages and would include a temporary safe passage through Hormuz, raising questions about how the US would respond after the US military struck Iranian tankers at the weekend. Tehran has also warned that the ships face the risk of attack near Oman.
Iran is raising gas prices for its heaviest consumers as the economy struggles
Tehran on Tuesday (local time) imposed a higher price on its heaviest petrol users in the latest economic squeeze caused by months of war, the second such increase since December, state media said. Without specifically mentioning the war with the United States, the government statement cited the “current situation” and added that additional income from the price increase would be provided to households. According to reports, people who buy more than their monthly quota of 110 liters (29 gallons) of gasoline under the new system must pay 100,000 riyals (seven cents) per liter, double what they have been paying since December.
Iran says the upgraded ballistic missile shows it will take preemptive action
On Monday, Iranian state media said the ballistic missile with enhanced capabilities underscores a new doctrine that Tehran will “take action against any threat before it is carried out.” The report by the state news agency reportedly included remarks from the head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, who boasted of new missile capabilities and claimed they had been “tested” against a US warship. According to reports, Tehran’s messages have become more assertive in recent days, with a report on Monday saying Qasim Basir marks a “break in Iran’s defense strategy”. It described the missile as having greater range and accuracy and a half-ton warhead. The missile was unveiled last year, when it was rumored to have a range of at least 1,200 kilometers.
Lebanon claims Israel carried out a wave of deadly attacks
Lebanon’s health ministry said on Monday that Israel carried out a volley of airstrikes in southern Lebanon that killed at least 13 people, including women and children. Israel’s military has vowed to continue attacks on Hezbollah, accusing the Iran-backed militants of repeatedly violating a cease-fire that has been in place since June. Tel Aviv seized territory in southern Lebanon during the Middle East war, which began with joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran, and its forces continue to occupy what it calls a “security zone”.
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