Middle East Tensions Surge: UAE Intercepts Iranian Drone as Oil Prices Cross $90 Amid Renewed US-Iran Conflict

Tensions in the region have escalated sharply as UAE air defences successfully intercepted an Iranian drone over territorial waters. Meanwhile, Trump posted an AI-generated video depicting Kharg Island being 'blown to smithereens,' drawing widespread attention amidst fresh US-Iran strikes.

The IRGC has claimed responsibility for attacks on US bases in Jordan, while oil prices have risen to above $90 as the US and Iran resume strikes. In leadership developments, Iran's supreme leader instructed officials to avoid damaging morale. Diplomatic and security maneuvers are also intensifying, with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan scheduled to hold their first defence pact meeting this week.

Additional diplomatic efforts and regional reactions continue to unfold, including the Qatari PM meeting the Iranian foreign minister in Tehran, France focusing on Gulf diplomacy amid the Hormuz crisis, and panic buying breaking out among Iranians as fuel shortages take hold. Furthermore, the Iran ambassador lost diplomatic immunity in Lebanon.

Economic and strategic fallout is spreading globally, featured in discussions on Manus on Markets regarding whether US sanctions could shock the system, alongside The National discussing a new set of sanctions on Iran following the US announcement of a new economic campaign against the nation. Amidst the turmoil, the UN chief called for an end to the standstill in the Strait of Hormuz, even as the US warns allies to back its Iran strategy.