War Updates

• Iran has launched retaliatory attacks against Bahrain and hit a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz following recent US airstrikes. • Tehran claims these actions were conducted under Article 51 of the UN Charter, citing the legal right to self-defence. • Senior adviser Mohsen Rezaei accused the US of violating a war-ending memorandum of understanding by supporting regional proxy forces and escalating tensions.

• On Friday, June 26, 2026, the United States launched military strikes against Iran following threats from Donald Trump to respond to fires in the Gulf region. • The escalation occurs amidst a broader conflict involving a US-Israel war against Iran and ongoing Israeli military attacks targeting Lebanon. • These developments signal a significant intensification of regional hostilities and a direct US military intervention in response to Gulf instability.

• A UN agency has paused its initiative to evacuate ships from the Strait of Hormuz following a recent attack on a vessel in the region. • Tensions remain high as the U.S. and Iran issue conflicting statements while negotiators continue to push for a final, comprehensive peace deal. • A senior Lebanese military official disputed claims of an Israeli pullback, stating that Israeli forces continue to strictly enforce a buffer zone.

• On June 24, 2026, updates were released regarding the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, Iran, and attacks on Lebanon. • US Senator Marco Rubio described recent discussions with Gulf nations as "frank," highlighting diplomatic efforts to manage regional tensions. • Further diplomatic talks with Iran are scheduled for next week to address the escalating war.

• Global benchmark oil prices have dropped below $76 a barrel, reaching their lowest level since before the onset of the US-Iran war. • The price decline follows a memorandum of understanding signed last week between the US and Iran to halt fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. • This agreement is significant as it offers economic relief to Iran in exchange for a pledge to never develop nuclear weapons.

Two powerful earthquakes – with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 – sent residents running into the streets as buildings shook and collapsedVenezuela earthquake: powerful back-to-back quakes collapse buildings in capital CaracasBack-to-back powerful earthquakes hammered Venezuela on Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas.The US Geological Survey said the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1 and its epicentre was west of the community of Morón, located along the country’s Caribbean coast, about 168km (104 miles) west of Caracas. The quake had a depth of 13km (8 miles). Continue reading...

• Iran and the United States have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to end the conflict in West Asia and ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open. • As part of the agreement, fighting in Lebanon is set to cease to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region. • Following the deal, eleven India-bound ships have successfully transited through the Strait of Hormuz, restoring critical maritime trade routes.