US President Donald Trump has stated that the military campaign against Iran could conclude within two to three weeks, and that responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz will be transferred to nations dependent on its oil and shipping routes. The White House has scheduled a prime-time presidential address for Wednesday evening on the conflict.
Trump expressed frustration with allies who have not contributed more to the US-led war effort, telling them to 'go get your own oil'. He has recently wavered between claiming progress in diplomatic talks with Iran and threatening to escalate the conflict. The President said the US 'will not have anything to do with' the future of the vital waterway, which has been closed by Iran, and that Gulf states must ensure its reopening. The strait carries 20% of the world's oil supply and is crucial for regional exports and imports.
US petrol prices have surpassed $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022, driven higher by the ongoing war. Analysts warn that rising fuel costs will increase grocery prices as transportation and packaging expenses mount. Meanwhile, Israel's military warned of a missile from Yemen, launched by Houthi rebels who have joined the conflict on Iran's side. Air raid sirens sounded in southern Israel after a lull of over 19 hours since the last Iranian missile warning.
Iranian drone attacks have struck Kuwait International Airport, igniting a fuel tank and causing a large fire. Authorities reported no injuries, and firefighters are working to control the blaze. The attack is suspected to have been carried out by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. Bahrain also reported a fire at a business facility resulting from an Iranian attack.
Israel has struck a factory in Iran it claims supplied fentanyl for a chemical weapons programme. The Tofigh Daru facility was hit on Tuesday, with Iran acknowledging the strike but insisting it only produced hospital drugs. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the bombing on X, calling it an attack on a pharmaceutical company. Both Israel and the US have previously warned that Iran was experimenting with fentanyl for use in munitions. Israel alleged the factory supplied the SPND research institute, which the US claims conducts research applicable to nuclear weapons development.
Major UAE airlines—Emirates, Etihad, and FlyDubai—have announced that Iranians are barred from entering or transiting the country due to the war. Holders of 10-year Golden Visa residency permits are exempt. The entry rules, often opaque in the autocratic federation, were agreed upon by the three carriers.
