Efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire are being tested as Iran issues fresh warnings to Israel and the US. Oil prices have jumped amid growing uncertainty. Follow for the latest on the war in West Asia.
US-Iran War Live Updates: The US is trying to keep the fragile ceasefire intact in West Asia, with President Donald Trump reportedly urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to retaliate after Iran fired missiles at Israeli targets in retaliation for an attack near Beirut.Tehran has repeatedly said that any broader peace agreement with Washington depends on the ceasefire in Lebanon holding.
Iranian officials, however, have struck an increasingly defiant tone. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the US and Israel of violating agreements and warned that American and Israeli assets in the region could become legitimate targets. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said any Israeli “adventure” against Lebanon or Iran would be met with a “crushing and comprehensive response” from its armed forces.
It is against this backdrop of sharp exchanges that oil prices have risen in early trading. Brent crude prices surged 3.6% to $96.47 a barrel. The West Texas Intermediate surged towards $94 a barrel.
Follow for latest on the war in West Asia.
