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Oil prices are continuing to rise as markets see no end in sight to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The critical waterway, which usually transports about one-fifth of the global oil supply, has been brought to a standstill by Iran in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes on the country.Brent crude, the most important benchmark for global prices, rose as much as 3 percent on Sunday to top $106 a barrel, before easing slightly early on Monday to $104.63 a barrel, up nearly 1.5 percent. This represents a more than 40 percent increase in global oil prices since the start of the war.US President Donald Trump has called on other countries to help Washington reopen the Strait, but his proposal has received a muted response. None of the countries he appealed to by name – including China, Japan, France, and the UK – have publicly committed to deploying their navies to secure the strait. Japan and Australia have both stated they have no plans to send ships to the critical waterway.The closure of the strait has resulted in what the International Energy Agency has called the largest disruption to global energy supplies in history. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre, no more than five ships have passed through the strait each day since the start of the war, compared with a historical average of 138 daily transits. At least 16 commercial vessels have been attacked in the region since the war began on February 28.Trump has repeatedly stated he is willing to deploy the US Navy to escort commercial shipping through the strait if necessary. However, Trump administration officials have said that warships will not be deployed to the waterway until Tehran's military capacity has been further degraded.

Iran has started to permit a limited but increasing number of commercial vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz, as indicated by ship tracking data. On Monday, eight non-Iranian flagged vessels were detected in the strategic waterway. This represents a notable increase, with MarineTraffic recording nine transits on Monday and Sunday, compared to just five over the preceding two days. According to Michelle Wiese Bockmann, an analyst at Windward, the growing number of ships rerouting via Iran's territorial waters suggests that Tehran is granting 'permission-based transits to friendly countries.' The Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil supplies, has seen traffic plummet by more than 95 percent since the onset of the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. This drastic reduction has led to a surge in oil prices, which have risen above $100 per barrel, an increase of over 40 percent. Iranian officials have issued mixed messages regarding the strait's status. Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi stated that the strait was 'open, but closed to our enemies'. Conversely, a spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned earlier in the month that any ship attempting passage would be set ablaze. The situation has drawn international attention, with US President Donald Trump asserting that Washington does not require other countries' assistance to secure shipping traffic through the strait. Meanwhile, the US military reported dropping bunker buster bombs on 'hardened' Iranian missile sites located near the strait, citing the risk these posed to international shipping.

US President Donald Trump has ordered a pause in attacks on Iran's power infrastructure for five days. The move comes after Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the critical shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz or risk US attacks on its power plants.Iran's Response to US Ultimatum: Iran threatened to attack power plants in Israel and the Gulf if its own power plants were targeted. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that it would hit power plants in Israel as well as any supplying electricity to military bases hosting US troops and assets in the region.Potential Targets: Iran could target Israeli power plants, including Orot Rabin north of Tel Aviv, with a capacity of around 3,900 megawatts, and Rutenberg in Ashkelon, with a capacity of around 2,250 megawatts. Iran also mentioned that it would target financial entities that finance US military assets, including US Treasury bonds.Energy Infrastructure: Iran's attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf have already had significant impacts. Qatar's state-run energy firm, QatarEnergy, halted LNG production following Iranian attacks on its operational facilities, causing an estimated $20bn in lost annual revenue. Saudi Arabia also shut down operations at the Ras Tanura plant, its biggest domestic oil refinery.Financial and Corporate Entities: Iran could target large US companies with Israeli links, including Google, Microsoft, Palantir, IBM, Nvidia, and Oracle. Iranian officials also mentioned that they would target US Treasury bonds and entities that finance US military assets.Other Critical Infrastructure: Iran's foreign minister accused the US of striking a desalination plant on Qeshm Island off the coast of Iran, cutting off the water supply to 30 villages. Bahrain also reported that an Iranian drone caused material damage to one of its desalination plants.

In the final moments of January 29, 2024, five-year-old Hind Rajab’s desperate pleas for help were cut short as she remained trapped in a car surrounded by the bodies of six relatives. Despite obtaining clearance from the Israeli military, a Red Crescent ambulance dispatched to rescue the child was struck by tank fire, killing two paramedics and leaving the vehicle abandoned for over a week.Two years after the tragedy, the global campaign group Avaaz has released a report alleging that this incident was a deliberate 'double-tap' strike. This tactic, often used in warfare, involves a first attack followed by a second strike targeting civilians or emergency responders attempting to assist victims of the initial assault.The Avaaz analysis, shared exclusively with Al Jazeera, documents over 40 alleged human rights violations and argues that the attack contravenes international combat law, specifically the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute. The report suggests that the Israeli military possessed full situational awareness of the rescue mission but deliberately targeted the ambulance.Forensic evidence contradicts the Israeli military's initial claims that the family car was destroyed during an exchange of fire. Analysis by Forensic Architecture at Goldsmiths, University of London, found no evidence of combatants in the vicinity, only the presence of Israeli Merkava tanks. The report highlights that the ambulance was fired upon with 120mm tank rounds without warning, a finding supported by the Hind Rajab Foundation, which has identified 24 potential perpetrators.'I am absolutely convinced that this is another case of double tap,' said Sarah Andrew, legal director of Avaaz. 'The kind of weaponry used on the ambulance, the timing, and the fact that no warning was given – it immediately triggered a question in my mind.'The Avaaz brief urges the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the matter. The group notes that more than 1,500 healthcare workers have been killed during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, raising serious concerns about the safety of medical personnel in the region.

The conflict in the region has intensified, with Iraq becoming a two-way battlefield between armed factions and the United States during its war with Iran. The US carried out strikes against the Shia paramilitary umbrella group, also known locally as Hashed al-Shaabi, late on Sunday after attacks on a US diplomatic and logistics centre at Baghdad International Airport.The attack was carried out after Iraqi security officials said four explosions were heard near Camp Victory, a US logistics centre at the capital’s main airport. No casualties were reported as the positions were deserted.The PMF is part of Iraq’s regular armed forces and includes some pro-Iranian groups. Pro-Iran armed groups have claimed responsibility for attacks on US interests in Iraq and across the region while strikes have also targeted these groups.Economic worries also are weighing heavily after Iraq’s Ministry of Oil last week announced a case of force majeure on all oilfields developed by foreign oil companies, citing disruptions to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which have halted most of the country’s crude exports.“Iraq relies on that revenue,” said Nicolas Haque, a reporter from Iraq’s capital. “That’s 90 percent of its revenues, so that’s going to have an impact on people.”US President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to attack Iran’s power plants if freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz was not fully restored in 48 hours. On Monday, hours before his deadline was to expire, Trump ⁠ordered the US ⁠military to postpone ⁠strikes ⁠against the power plants for five days.

President Donald Trump has announced a significant diplomatic pause in the escalating conflict with Iran, instructing the US military to delay any strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period. The announcement comes as Trump claims both nations have reached "major points of agreement" and are seeking a "complete and total resolution" of hostilities in the Middle East.This decision follows a tense 48-hour ultimatum issued by Trump on Saturday, in which he threatened to "obliterate" Iranian power plants if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait is a critical global chokepoint, handling approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas; its closure has already triggered a severe global energy crisis and spiked oil prices.Speaking from Florida, Trump stated that Iran is eager to make a deal and that his envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have been engaged in talks with a "respected" Iranian leader. For a resolution to materialize, Trump asserted that Iran must relinquish its enriched uranium stockpile, and he suggested the strategic Strait of Hormuz would be reopened very soon if an agreement is reached.The prospect of de-escalation provided immediate relief to global financial markets. Wall Street stocks saw early gains on Monday, while oil prices—which had soared since the onset of hostilities—experienced a sharp decline. The easing of tensions is viewed as a potential "off-ramp" for the war, which analysts suggest may be an attempt by Trump to secure a dignified exit from the conflict.While Iran has not officially confirmed the talks, its Foreign Ministry suggested the pause is a tactical maneuver to lower energy prices. However, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any attack on Iranian power plants would trigger a massive retaliation, including strikes on US bases and economic infrastructure. Analysts believe the likelihood of Iran refusing this offer is remote, as the country seeks to avoid further devastation.

The Gaza conflict continues to escalate, with devastating consequences for civilians. Since October, 677 Palestinians have been killed and 1,800 injured in Israeli strikes across the territory. The attacks have averaged about 10 per day over the past five months, leaving a trail of destruction and despair.Abed Elrahman Hamdouna, a 31-year-old father of two and volunteer ambulance driver, was killed in a reported drone strike west of Gaza City. His death is a stark reminder of the ongoing risks faced by healthcare workers in the conflict zone. Hamdouna's family had been worried about him the most during the war, given his role in helping injured people.The Israeli military's actions in Gaza have been widely criticized, with UN experts accusing Israel of 'medicide' and deliberately targeting healthcare workers and facilities. The destruction of Gaza's healthcare system has had a catastrophic impact on the population, with over 1,500 healthcare workers killed in the war.The conflict has also had a profound impact on the mental health and well-being of those affected. Hamza Nabhan, a medical student, described the despair and hopelessness that has become a daily reality for many in Gaza. 'I think about how to wake up, charge my phone, fill my water container. I don’t think about tomorrow.'The international community has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with Amnesty International accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians. The organization has called for an end to the violence and for those responsible to be held accountable.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has made two significant inclusions in his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley. Ben White, the Arsenal right-back, has been recalled to the squad after a period of exile that began during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. White's return comes after Jarell Quansah was forced to withdraw due to injury. White, who has four England caps, last played for the national team in March 2022 against Côte d'Ivoire. His absence from the squad was partly self-imposed, but Tuchel indicated in March that White wanted to return. This season, White has struggled for regular game time at Arsenal, starting only five Premier League games. In addition to White's recall, Tuchel has called up Harvey Barnes from Newcastle as a replacement for Eberechi Eze, who has withdrawn with a calf injury. Barnes, who has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season, is second on Newcastle's scoring charts, trailing only Anthony Gordon. He previously earned his only England cap as a substitute against Wales in October 2020 under Gareth Southgate. Notably, Scotland had been attempting to lure Barnes for their World Cup squad. Tuchel's squad selection has been influenced by injuries, particularly the hamstring injury to first-choice right-back Reece James. Trent Alexander-Arnold was not recalled, and other options at right-back include Tino Livramento and Djed Spence. England will host Uruguay on Friday, followed by Japan on Tuesday at Wembley.

US President Donald Trump has claimed he is having 'productive' conversations with Iran, leading to a five-day pause in US strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure. However, Tehran denies these talks exist, casting doubt on the situation.If real, these talks would be a welcome de-escalatory step, but they also indicate that Trump's threat of war risked severe consequences that could damage more than just the intended target.Meanwhile, Israel is advancing measures in the West Bank that shift its occupation to annexation. The Israeli cabinet approved land registration in roughly half of the West Bank, which could lead to large-scale dispossession of Palestinians. This move is illegal under international law, according to the Israeli liberal advocacy organization Peace Now.Settlers have been reported to have imposed a reign of terror in the West Bank, with Israeli forces seemingly turning a blind eye. The Guardian reported coordinated settler attacks across Palestinian villages, including arson and violent assaults.The article suggests that Israel's moves may be driven by a desire to consolidate territorial control while US support is still available. With many Americans questioning the cost of the alliance, Israel may be trying to lock in favorable outcomes before the situation changes.