US Israel Iran War Live Updates: 'Iran Will Be Laughing No Longer’ Says Trump; Hezbollah Escalates Multi-Phase Attacks

Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned of direct retaliation against US bases and allied ships if Iranian oil tankers or commercial vessels are attacked. Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates reported intercepting multiple Iranian drones early Sunday, underscoring heightened security threats in the Gulf region. Qatar’s Prime Minister cautioned Iran against using the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global energy corridor—as a “pressure card,” reflecting growing unease among Gulf states over prolonged instability. The United States pushed forward with a UN-backed maritime security resolution aimed at protecting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, despite Iran’s rejection of the draft as flawed and politically motivated. Tehran demanded an end to the maritime blockade and unrestricted movement through the waterway as the only path to de-escalation. The crisis deepened as Israel’s bombardment of southern Lebanon continued, with attacks killing at least 24 people on Saturday and additional strikes on Sunday, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict. Reports of missile and drone strikes, attacks on shipping, and aerial alerts in northern Israel further intensified fears of a multi-front confrontation. Global markets reacted to the instability with rising oil prices and increased shipping insurance costs, signaling potential disruptions to global trade routes and energy supply chains. Despite the escalation, diplomatic channels remained active, with Washington expressing optimism that Iran could respond positively to proposals aimed at ending the conflict and restarting negotiations. The Strait of Hormuz crisis has drawn in regional powers, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar, all of which support the US-backed resolution. Iran’s insistence on lifting the maritime blockade and ending hostilities remains a key sticking point, while Israel’s ongoing strikes in Lebanon add another layer of volatility to the already tense situation. The combination of military threats, diplomatic deadlock, and economic fallout underscores the high stakes in resolving the conflict before it spirals further.