4h ago
13.16 BST
Today so
far
Here is a
summary of today’s events so far:
- World
leaders have been reacting to Donald Trump’s earlier declaration that the US
Navy would start blockading the Hormuz strait and also prohibit every vessel in
international waters that had paid a toll to Iran. UK prime minister Keir
Starmer was adamant that the UK does not support the blockade and that “we are
not getting dragged into the war”. Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission,
said that restoration of freedom of navigation in the
strait of Hormuz is of “paramount” importance.
- US Central Command said it would begin a blockade of all Iranian Gulf ports and coastal areas on Monday at 10am ET (5.30pm in Iran and 1400 GMT), effectively seizing control of maritime traffic in the strait of Hormuz. Reuters reports that the US military has sent a note to seafarers warning that the blockade will apply to all vessel traffic, regardless of flag.
- Trump lashed out on social media at Pope Leo XIV, who, over the weekend, had called for an end to war without directly mentioning the conflict in Iran. The US president posted a more than 300-word diatribe on Truth Social accusing the pope of catering to the “Radical Left” and being “terrible” for foreign policy.
- The pope on Monday told reporters that he has “no intention to debate” with Trump over Iran – but went on to say that he will “continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems.”
- Oil prices rose in early market trading after Trump’s blockade announcement. The price of US crude oil rose 8% to $104.24 a barrel and Brent crude oil – the international standard – rose 7% to $102.29. Australia’s share market dropped sharply on Monday morning.
- Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf taunted Trump on X, saying in a post: “Enjoy the current pump figures. With the so-called ‘blockade’, Soon you’ll be nostalgic for $4–$5 gas.” Earlier he said Trump’s new threats would have no effect on the Iranian nation: “If you fight, we will fight … We will not bow to any threats.”
Sem comentários:
Enviar um comentário