US-Israel-Iran war highlights: Trump orders ‘shoot and kill’ action in Strait of Hormuz, tensions escalate

The ongoing conflict involving the United States Israel and Iran intensified sharply after US President Donald Trump ordered American forces to ldquoshoot and killrdquo Iranian small boats disrupting maritime traffic in the strategically vital Strait of HormuzIn a social media post on Thursday Trump said the US military is ramping up mineclearing operations in the narrow waterway a crucial global oil transit route The directive signals a significant escalation in the USIran standoff raising fresh concerns about the prospects of ending hostilities in the Persian GulfSimultaneously the US military announced the seizure of another oil tanker the Majestic X allegedly linked to Iranian oil smuggling The vessel was intercepted in the Indian Ocean between Sri Lanka and Indonesia further complicating diplomatic effortsThe seizure follows Iranrsquos reported attack on three cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz two of which were captured The ongoing confrontation has effectively choked a major portion of global oil supply routes with nearly 20 per cent of the worldrsquos traded oil typically passing through the strait in peacetimeMarkets React as Oil Prices FluctuateGlobal financial markets showed signs of volatility amid the escalating tensions US stocks edged lower after recent record highs with the SampP 500 slipping 03 per cent while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 193 points The Nasdaq Composite also declined by 04 per centOil markets remained unstable reflecting uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz Brent crude rose modestly by 05 per cent to USD 10243 per barrel as traders reacted to the evolving geopolitical situationHezbollah Claims Attack on Israeli PositionsLebanonbased militant group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon The group said it targeted Israeli soldiers in Taybeh and downed a drone in the Majdal areaThe Israeli military earlier confirmed intercepting an aerial target in the region Hezbollah stated the attacks were retaliation for alleged Israeli violations of a recently established ceasefire while Israel has accused the group of breaching the truceTrump Points to Leadership Divisions in IranPresident Trump also claimed internal divisions within Iranrsquos leadership are complicating negotiationsldquoIran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader isrdquo Trump said referring to tensions between hardliners and moderates within the Iranian establishmentHe noted that while some Iranian officials are open to negotiations recent US actions targeting key leaders have added complexity Trump recently extended the ceasefire which began on April 8 to allow Tehran more time to present a unified proposal to end the conflictUN Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon Under ReviewThe future of the United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon is under consideration United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon UNIFIL may be replaced with a smaller contingent according to UN peacekeeping chief JeanPierre LacroixThe mission active for nearly 50 years faces funding pressures and its mandate is set to expire at the end of the year A proposal for its replacement is expected by June 1Naval Blockade Strategy Faces New ChallengesTrumprsquos reliance on naval blockades previously used against countries like Venezuela and Cuba is proving more complex in Iranrsquos case Analysts note that Iranrsquos control over the Strait of Hormuz gives it significant leverage over global energy suppliesExperts warn that prolonged disruption could have severe economic consequences worldwide including rising fuel prices in the US during an election year Military historian Max Boot highlighted that the situation may ultimately hinge on which side can endure greater pressureCasualties Reported in GazaIn the Gaza Strip an Israeli drone strike killed three men travelling in a vehicle in central Gaza according to local health officials Several others were injured in the attack near the Maghazi campThe Israeli military has not issued an immediate response Although a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has technically held since October renewed strikes have resulted in hundreds of casualties according to Gaza health authoritiesWith inputs from Agencies