Article:
Global oil prices have surged higher after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, pushing Brent crude oil prices to a record high of $83 per barrel. Meanwhile, gold prices have also risen by nearly 2% as trading began, with the price of gold per ounce increasing by $88 to $5176. US President Donald Trump has announced that he has ordered the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that American warships will accompany commercial vessels through the waterway if necessary. The move has been met with concern from various countries, with their stock markets experiencing a downturn. Foreign media reports indicate that the Korean stock exchange has fallen by 6% while the Japanese market has declined by 3%. Iranian Foreign Minister spokesman, Seyed Mohammad Hosseini, has stated that the US and Israel have imposed an illegal war on Iran, which was not initiated by Iran. US General Kenneth McKenzie stated that it will take time to assess the damage, saying the operation is complex, dangerous, and far from being over. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been briefed on the situation and will make an announcement regarding a memorial service in due time. US President Donald Trump has also stated that he is not concerned about Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, saying “I’m not concerned about Iran playing in the tournament.” The Iranian news agency has reported that an Iranian ship, the Saviz, was attacked by US forces near Sri Lanka. The ship’s crew was forced to evacuate, with no reported casualties. The Turkish Ministry of Defense announced that a missile fragment had fallen in the Turkish city of Iskenderun, with no reported casualties. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stated that no damage has been sustained by Iran’s nuclear facilities. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has stated that Iran’s leadership will not be targeted, saying “We will not target any Iranian leader, and we will not start a war with Iran.” The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has also stated that a war with Iran will not be justified, saying “We will not support a war with Iran, as it will not benefit the world order.”
