Iran Warns Neighbors Against Supporting US Amid Escalating Tensions

Iran has warned neighboring countries not to act as a 'defensive shield' for the US, amid heightened tensions in the region. The warning comes after US President Donald Trump threatened to hit Iran 'very hard', with some reports suggesting possible strikes on energy infrastructure.

The head of Iran's military central command, Ali Abdollahi, accused Washington of escalating tensions and warned that any country supporting the US could be drawn into the conflict.

Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi movement has claimed to have diverted eight Saudi oil tankers from their usual routes as part of a newly declared blockade targeting the kingdom's energy exports.