US and Iran Engage in New Round of Hostilities
The United States and Iran have engaged in a new round of hostilities, with US forces striking Iranian launchers on Larak Island. The attack was described as 'limited and contained' by a senior Iranian source. However, two people were killed and others injured in the strike.
US President Donald Trump had earlier posted an AI-generated video clip showing Iran's oil hub Kharg Island being destroyed, but a US official said no such attack occurred. The Iranian government dismissed Trump's post as 'laughable', with the head of the National Iranian Oil Co calling conditions in Kharg 'calm and appropriate'.
The conflict has driven up oil prices by over 3.5% amid concerns about disruptions to Iran's energy trade. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said new secondary sanctions would likely be unveiled weekly to pressure Iran, with an initial focus on banks.