Middle East War Day 44: US Military Blocks Iranian Ports, Oil Prices Soar Past $100; Latest Developments at a Glance

Middle East War Day 44: US Military Blocks Iranian Ports, Oil Prices Soar Past $100; Latest Developments at a Glance. Key News on US-Iran War. Central News Agency (Paris, 12th, comprehensive foreign reports) - On the 44th day of the US-Israel joint attack on Iran, the US military announced that it would blockade all Iranian Gulf ports starting at 14:00 GMT on the 13th, effectively controlling maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade measures will apply to all vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, but will not affect the freedom of navigation for non-Iranian ports. This statement by the US Central Command further clarified President Trump's earlier announcement about an indiscriminate blockade of 'all vessels.' Trump previously posted on social media that he had ordered the US Navy to intercept vessels paying passage fees to Iran in international waters, emphasizing that any vessel paying illegal fees would not have safe passage. On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, inspecting troops advancing into southern Lebanon, stated that the Israeli army had eliminated the threat of Hezbollah militants' invasion. According to a video released by the Prime Minister's Office, he emphasized that the war is still ongoing, including within 'safe zones' in Lebanon. On the Iranian side, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated after peace talks with the US in Pakistan that Iran would not succumb to Trump's threat to blockade the strait. He emphasized that if the US provokes, Iran will respond with force, and if there is rational dialogue, Iran will also respond rationally. Iran's Revolutionary Guards stated that Iranian security forces fully control the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any enemy missteps would lead to a 'fatal vortex.' Iranian Navy Commander Shahram Irani called Trump's threat 'ridiculous' and said the military is monitoring US military movements. Oil Price and Stock Market Movements: After Trump ordered the blockade of Iranian ports, US crude oil benchmarks rebounded past $100. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose by about 8% to $104.50 per barrel; Brent crude also rose by 7% to $102 per barrel. Other Countries and Organizations: Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that he is working to mediate the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory and the release of all prisoners. He also pledged to rebuild destroyed villages and ensure the safe return of displaced persons. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stated that Israeli tanks twice collided with peacekeeping vehicles in southern Lebanon. Israeli soldiers also blocked a road leading to a UNIFIL outpost in Bayada, southern Lebanon. Lebanese official media reported that Israel launched large-scale airstrikes in the country's south, with the Lebanese Ministry of Health stating that at least 5 people were killed, bringing the cumulative death toll on that front to 2055. Israel insists that the current Middle East ceasefire agreement does not apply to Israeli military operations against the pro-Iranian organization Hezbollah in Lebanon. (Compiler: Tsai Chia-min) 1150413. Stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom. Download the Central News Agency 'First-hand News' APP to stay updated with the latest news. The text, images, and audio-visual content of this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.