Middle East Tensions Escalate: Qatar Denies Pilot Detentions Amid Regional Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Threats

Attacks on Adnoc tankers will not deter UAE policy of diplomacy, says Dr Gargash. Meanwhile, Iran states that the Strait of Hormuz 'will remain Iranian' following a threat from Trump. UKMTO reports that a vessel has been hit by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, while an Israeli strike on southern Lebanon kills seven people.

Oil posts a sharp weekly gain as the US threatens Tehran with an 'indefinite' blockade. The US military is preparing to send the USS George Washington to the Middle East, and Trump states that the Strait of Hormuz will be the 'territory' of the US.

Additional developments include Israeli strikes in Gaza killing two people, questions surrounding the lethality of the Houthis' military arsenal, and Trump admitting an Air Force One escape over an Iran threat. Trump also fires back at Iran over compensation, claims that the 'US destroyed Iran’s nuclear programme', and a sailor recounts the 'horror' of fireballs and distress calls.

Further reports cover living under occupation in Kfarshouba, questions on whether the US Iran June deal will be revised, and a US fighter jet refueling mid-air in the Middle East.