US Destroys Iranian Oil Tankers as UK Imposes Ban on Israel Settlements
US military forces have destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Iran's Kharg Island, as part of its efforts to weaken Iran's economic lifeline. This move comes after the US has struck eight Iranian crude tankers since Saturday, pushing Brent crude oil prices above $100 a barrel today.
The US Central Command announced the destruction of the tankers, but it is unclear what strategy the US military has in place for the region. Reducing troop levels could signal weakness to Iran and other adversaries like Russia and China.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has imposed a ban on imports from Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, accusing Israeli settlers of being 'terrorists' who engage in 'ethnic cleansing' against Palestinians. This move aims to pressure Israel over settlement expansion, which the UK argues undermines the two-state solution.
Smithsonian Institution head Lonnie G. Bunch has announced that he will step down from his role at the end of the year. Bunch has spent nearly four decades with the organization and has been a target of criticism from President Trump. He denied any insinuation that his departure was influenced by pressure from Trump.