US-Israel-Iran War News Live: Iran stepped up its strikes on oil and gas facilities across the Gulf on Thursday, responding to an earlier Israeli attack on a major Iranian gas field, an escalation that is shaking global energy markets.
Meanwhile, a clear divergence has emerged between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s strike on a key Iranian gas field, marking their most significant disagreement since the 20-day conflict with Iran began.
What happened in the last few hours? Top Updates
Heavy explosions shook Dubai in the United Arab Emirates early Friday as air defences intercepted incoming fire over the city, AP reported. A missile alert sounded before the strike, with authorities saying they were activating air defences to counter an Iranian barrage. It came as the UAE marked Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, and as mosques made the day’s first call to prayers, AP reported. Brent crude oil surged nearly six per cent, reaching $119 per barrel before retreating to about $109. Meanwhile, gold and silver prices dropped by more than six per cent and 13 per cent. Oil officials in Saudi Arabia are projecting that oil prices could soar past $180 a barrel if disruptions due to the Iran war persist until late April, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. Netanyahu said Israel and the United States were “winning” the war against Iran, claiming the country was “decimated” and had lost key military capabilities, as reported by AFP. Qatar's energy minister said attacks on the country's energy installations would slash its export capacity of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by 17 per cent, and take three to five years to repair, AFP reported. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington might "unsanction" Iranian oil that is already being shipped to ease oil prices.In comments to Fox Business, Bessent also said the US government could release more oil from its strategic reserves, AFP reported. U.S. President Donald Trump said he had told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to repeat the attack on energy infrastructure. "I told him, 'Don't do that', and he won't do that," he told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, AFP reported.
South Pars gas field attack- Why it matters?
Global oil prices climbed following reports of the South Pars field attack, amid concerns that Iran might retaliate against Gulf energy infrastructure. Some 80% of all power generated in Iran comes from natural gas, according to the Paris-based International Energy Agency.
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