Overview
- Israel launched new strikes in Tehran, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would pause further attacks on the South Pars gas field at President Donald Trump’s request.
- Iran struck Gulf energy facilities as Kuwait reported drone hits and fires at the Mina Al‑Ahmadi refinery, air defenses intercepted projectiles over Dubai and Saudi Arabia, and tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained heavily disrupted.
- Qatar’s energy minister said damage at Ras Laffan cut LNG export capacity by about 17% for three to five years and will force declarations of force majeure on some long‑term contracts.
- The United States confirmed use of 5,000‑pound GBU‑72 bunker‑buster bombs on Iranian coastal anti‑ship missile sites and deployed the USS Boxer with roughly 2,500 Marines to the region.
- Brent crude stayed above $100 a barrel after spiking near $119, the IEA urged short‑term demand curbs, and an Axios report said the White House is weighing an operation targeting Kharg Island, a move not officially confirmed.