Oil Prices Surge as US Threatens Indefinite Blockade Against Iran

Global oil prices have risen following statements that the US military is preparing to send the USS George Washington carrier to the Middle East. Saudi Arabia announced that 15 countries have signed a statement to establish a maritime alliance. Meanwhile, Centcom has denied reports of deaths on board the USS Abraham Lincoln. Hegseth stated that the US can sustain a blockade against Iran indefinitely. In the region, Houthis claimed a drone strike on the Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan, while Israeli strikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of two people.

Additional developments include discussions on how lethal the Houthis' military arsenal is, and Trump admitting to an Air Force One escape over an Iran threat. Trump also fired back at Iran over compensation, claimed the US destroyed Iran's nuclear programme, stated the US held off a 'massive attack' on Iran, and mentioned a US-Iran June deal. Other reports detailed a sailor's 'horror' of fireballs and distress calls, living under occupation in Kfarshouba, and a US fighter jet refueling mid-air in the Middle East.