Here are the latest developments on Monday in connection with the Middle East war, two days before the expiration of the ceasefire between Iran and the United States:
– The price of oil jumps again: Oil prices soared again on Monday after tensions escalated between Washington and Tehran. By 23:45 GMT, the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) barrel, a U.S. market benchmark, rose by 8.04% to $90.59, while the Brent from the North Sea, a global benchmark, gained 6.88% to $96.60.
– Iran promises to “strike back soon” in response to the seizure of a cargo by the United States: Iran vowed on Monday to “strike back soon” in response to the U.S. Navy’s takeover of one of its cargoes, with a spokesman for the Iranian military describing the seizure as an “act of armed piracy.”
– Iran currently does not plan to participate in discussions with the United States: Tehran currently does not intend to “participate in the next session of Iran-U.S. discussions,” as reported Sunday by Iran’s state television IRIB.
– Warning shots fired at a CMA CGM vessel: A CMA CGM vessel was fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, as reported by the French maritime transport group, which clarified that the crew was “safe and sound.” The International Maritime Organization stated that the vessel, a container ship, was “damaged” on Saturday without further details.
– Trump sends a delegation to Pakistan: President Donald Trump announced that an American delegation would be in Pakistan on Monday to restart negotiations with Iran while threatening to destroy “all power plants and bridges in Iran” if talks fail. Vice President JD Vance will lead this delegation, according to a White House official.
– Spain to request EU to “terminate” EU-Israel association agreement: Spain will ask the European Union on Tuesday to terminate its association agreement with Israel, citing its government’s violation of international law, as announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused the Spanish government of “spreading anti-Semitism” in response.
– Enhanced security in Islamabad: Security in the Pakistani capital Islamabad has noticeably been reinforced ahead of a potential resumption of peace talks between the United States and Iran, observed by AFP reporters. Pakistani authorities have closed roads and imposed circulation restrictions in the capital, with armed guards and checkpoints seen near the most secure hotels in Islamabad.
– Israel will use “all its force” in Lebanon: Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated that the army had been instructed to use “all its force” in Lebanon, despite the ongoing ceasefire, if Israeli troops face “any threat.” The Israeli army announced the “combat death” of one of its soldiers in southern Lebanon, the second since the ceasefire took effect and the 15th since hostilities began against the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement.
