US launches further strikes on Iran; Houthis threaten Saudi shipping blockade – Middle East crisis live

The brief

US and Iran engage in further hostilities, with the US launching strikes on Iranian targets and Iran firing missiles at a US base in Kuwait. The US military targeted military command centres, air defence and coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities in Iran. The Iran-allied Houthis in Yemen have announced a blockade of Saudi ports. The crisis is expected to be discussed at a diplomatic gathering in Manila, where foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will meet to address the impact of the conflict on regional oil and gas supplies. The Philippines, which relies heavily on Middle East oil, has declared a national energy emergency and is seeking alternative fuel sources. The escalating conflict has placed traditional American allies under economic strain.

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