Welcome to our live updates of the US and Israel’s war with Iran.
Donald Trump is “seriously considering” either blockading or invading Iran’s oil hub of Kharg Island to force Tehran to bend to the US’ will.
Most of Iran’s oil is shipped from the Persian Gulf island and a capture by the US would cut off Tehran from most of its lucrative oil trade.
Taking it would be an escalation in the conflict and it wouldn’t be easy, involving the US committing ground troops. It could also led to another spike in oil prices.
The US president has again hit out at NATO nations calling them “cowards” for not immediately jumping at his demand to help in the Strait of Hormuz. He ominously added “we will remember”.
Several European nations have said they are willing to help in the strait but a number have said only when tensions have lessened.
Donald Trump did not consult European leader s- or indeed the UN or Congress – before he launched his Iran attacks.
Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu has a lucrative plan in his back pocket which he says would avoid another Strait of Hormuz crisis.
It would also give Israel leverage over the oil exports of Middle Eastern nations.
Iran has darkly warned the UK that it judges allowing the US to use British bases amounts to “participation in aggression”.
Kuwait said its one of its oil refineries was attacked on Friday by Iranian drones.
Read on for more updates.
