Saturday, June 20, 2026


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Trump is upset after allies reject call for warships in Strait of Hormuz

Venus L Peñaflor
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Trump is upset after allies reject call for warships in Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON/TEL AVIV/DUBAI — Several key U.S. allies have declined a call by Donald Trump to deploy naval vessels to escort commercial shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, as the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran enters its third week.

The narrow waterway, through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass, has been largely disrupted by the hostilities, fueling concerns over rising global energy prices and inflation.

According to officials, countries including Germany, Spain, and Italy said they currently have no plans to send warships to help secure shipping lanes in the Gulf. The reluctance prompted criticism from Trump, who expressed disappointment with some long-standing partners that host large numbers of U.S. troops.

“Some are very enthusiastic about it, and some aren’t,” Trump said during a news conference in Washington. “Some are countries that we’ve helped for many, many years… and they weren’t that enthusiastic. And the level of enthusiasm matters to me.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz explained that Berlin lacks the necessary mandate under its Basic Law to join a military operation without authorization from bodies such as the United Nations, the European Union, or NATO. He added that Germany had not been consulted before Washington and Tel Aviv launched the campaign against Iran.

“That is why the question of how Germany might become militarily involved here does not arise,” Merz said.

Israel prepares for extended military campaign

Israeli officials signaled that the conflict may continue for weeks. Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, told reporters that detailed operational plans are in place for at least the next three weeks.

Israel has been targeting Iran’s ballistic missile infrastructure, nuclear-related facilities, and security apparatus in a bid to weaken Tehran’s military capabilities.

“We want to make sure that they are as weak as possible… and that we degrade all their capabilities,” Shoshani said, adding that Israel still has “thousands” of potential targets in Iran.

Iranian retaliation spreads across the region

Meanwhile, Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that it would strike U.S.-linked industrial sites across the Middle East and urged residents living near American-owned facilities to evacuate.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran had neither requested a ceasefire nor exchanged messages with Washington. In a statement posted on social media, he also accused some neighboring states that host U.S. forces of encouraging attacks on Iran.

Iranian officials reported significant civilian casualties from recent air strikes, claiming that about 200 children were among the hundreds killed since the start of the conflict. Overnight strikes in Iran’s Markazi province reportedly left five people dead and several others injured, according to Iranian media.

Israeli forces confirmed conducting air strikes in several Iranian cities including Tehran, Shiraz, and Tabriz. One target included the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran, long known for holding political detainees. Israeli officials said the operation was carried out “in a precise manner” to limit harm to inmates.

However, a United Nations investigation previously concluded that an Israeli strike on the same facility last year killed 80 people, including women and a child, and could constitute a war crime.

Regional disruptions and economic concerns

The conflict has also triggered disruptions across the Gulf region. Drone attacks linked to Iran temporarily forced the suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport after a nearby fuel storage facility was struck, sending plumes of smoke into the sky.

Oil loading operations were also halted at the port of Port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates following a drone strike. Fujairah serves as a major export outlet for the UAE’s Murban crude, accounting for roughly one percent of global oil demand.

Saudi authorities reported intercepting 34 drones over the eastern region of Saudi Arabia within a single hour. No injuries were reported.

Despite the escalating violence, global markets showed signs of stabilization after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington was willing to allow some Iranian fuel vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. He also noted that tankers from India and China were believed to have successfully transited the strait.

Still, uncertainty remains high as fighting continues. In Tehran, residents reported internet disruptions overnight, adding to a growing sense of isolation amid the escalating conflict.

“People are being killed,” said Shahnaz, a 62-year-old resident who spoke to Reuters via WhatsApp. “Just days before Nowruz, people are not in the mood to celebrate. When will this end?”

“One Battle After Another” wins best picture at the 98th Academy Awards

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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“One Battle After Another” wins best picture at the 98th Academy Awards

LOS ANGELES — The film One Battle After Another by acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson won the top honor for best picture at the 98th Academy Awards held Sunday, marking a major milestone for the director who had never previously received an Oscar.

The film, described as a comic and multi-generational American story about political resistance, earned Hollywood’s highest recognition during the ceremony, which also celebrated several other major achievements in the industry.

Actor Michael B. Jordan won the best actor award, while cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first female director of photography to win an Oscar for her work on the film Sinners.

The night was also a significant victory for Warner Bros., the studio behind both “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners,” as both films received major recognition during the awards ceremony.

The achievement comes at a time of major transition for the studio. Weeks earlier, Warner Bros. agreed to a sale to Paramount Skydance, a media company led by David Ellison. The proposed deal is still awaiting regulatory approval, while Hollywood anticipates possible industry changes, including layoffs.

Both “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” stood out in Hollywood for being big-budget original productions driven by the personal vision of their filmmakers rather than established franchises. Their success offered a rare boost of optimism to the film industry amid concerns about studio consolidation and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in filmmaking.

Meanwhile, actress Jessie Buckley won best actress for her performance as Agnes Shakespeare in the film Hamnet, becoming the first Irish performer to receive the award in that category.

During her acceptance speech, Buckley dedicated the honor to mothers, noting that the ceremony coincided with Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom.

“I would like to dedicate this to the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart,” she said.

The annual Academy Awards remains one of the most prestigious events in the global film industry, recognizing outstanding achievements in filmmaking and performance.

Aprubado ng LTFRB ang taas-pasahe sa mga provincial bus

Venus L Peñaflor
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Aprubado ng LTFRB ang taas-pasahe sa mga provincial bus

MAYNILA — Inaprubahan ng Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ang pansamantalang pagtaas ng pasahe sa mga provincial public utility bus at naglabas ng updated fare guide upang matiyak ang maayos at pare-parehong pagpapatupad nito sa buong bansa.

Ayon sa LTFRB, ang bagong fare guide ay nakabatay sa provisional order na inilabas noong Marso 13, 2026, habang nagsimula namang ipatupad ang bagong pasahe noong Marso 14. Layunin ng hakbang na magkaroon ng malinaw at standard na singil sa lahat ng provincial bus operators at ruta sa Pilipinas.

Sa ilalim ng bagong gabay sa pasahe, may dagdag na ₱0.35 kada kilometro sa mga air-conditioned, super deluxe at deluxe na bus. Samantala, ang mga luxury buses ay may karagdagang ₱0.45 kada kilometro. Para naman sa mga ordinary provincial buses, may ₱1.00 na dagdag sa base fare at karagdagang ₱0.30 sa bawat susunod na kilometro.

Pinayuhan ng LTFRB ang mga bus operator na mahigpit na sundin ang updated fare guide at tiyaking nakapaskil sa loob ng kanilang mga sasakyan ang tamang singil sa pasahe upang malinaw itong makita ng mga pasahero.

Hinimok din ng ahensya ang mga commuter na suriin ang opisyal na fare guide at agad i-report sa LTFRB ang anumang kaso ng overcharging o iba pang paglabag ng mga operator.

Ayon pa sa LTFRB, ang fare adjustment ay bahagi ng pagsisikap na balansehin ang kapakanan ng mga pasahero at transport operators sa gitna ng patuloy na pagbabago sa kalagayan ng ekonomiya.

Ipinatupad ang pagtaas ng pasahe sa panahong nananatiling pabagu-bago ang presyo ng langis sa pandaigdigang merkado, na pinalalala ng tumitinding tensyon sa Middle East.

Trump seeks multinational naval coalition to police Strait of Hormuz

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump seeks multinational naval coalition to police Strait of Hormuz

CAIRO — Donald Trump said Sunday he has asked about seven countries to deploy warships to help safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil shipping lane, as tensions linked to the Iran war continue to push oil prices higher.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington from Florida, Trump said he has urged major oil-importing nations to participate in a coalition that would ensure the waterway remains open. The strait, located between Iran and Oman, normally handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil.

“I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory, because it is their own territory,” Trump said, arguing that the United States itself relies less on the route for energy supplies.

The U.S. president declined to identify the countries currently being approached but noted that several major economies depend heavily on oil shipments passing through the narrow channel. He added that the United States would support such an effort even if other nations take the lead.

Trump also said China receives around 90 percent of its oil through the strait, while the United States imports relatively little from the route. He did not confirm whether Beijing would participate in the proposed maritime coalition.

“It would be nice to have other countries police that with us, and we’ll help. We’ll work with them,” Trump said. In earlier appeals, he mentioned countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Iran signaled that passage through the strait remains possible for certain vessels. Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, told CBS that several countries had approached Tehran seeking safe passage for their ships. According to him, Iranian authorities had allowed a group of vessels from “different countries” to pass, though he did not specify which nations were involved.

Araghchi also reiterated that Tehran sees little reason to negotiate directly with Washington to end the conflict, accusing the United States and Israel of initiating hostilities through coordinated strikes on Feb. 28 during ongoing indirect talks over Iran’s nuclear program.

In Washington, Chris Wright said he had been in dialogue with several countries previously mentioned by Trump and expressed hope that China could play a “constructive” role in restoring stability to the shipping lane.

So far, however, no country has formally committed forces.

The United Kingdom confirmed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed with Trump the importance of reopening the strait to prevent further disruption to global shipping. Trump said Starmer initially hesitated to place British aircraft carriers “into harm’s way,” though discussions remain ongoing.

China’s embassy in Washington said all parties share responsibility for ensuring stable energy supplies and that Beijing would continue communication with relevant governments to reduce tensions.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry likewise acknowledged Trump’s request, saying it is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with the United States.

Diplomatic attention may soon turn to Japan, where Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to meet Trump at the White House later this week.

Elsewhere, European officials have discussed the possibility of a broader international escort mission. French President Emmanuel Macron previously said Paris is consulting with partners in Europe, India and Asia about such an operation, though he stressed it would depend on security conditions once hostilities subside.

Germany, however, has ruled out direct involvement. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin does not intend to become “an active part of this conflict.”

Amid the ongoing tensions, the International Energy Agency announced that emergency oil reserves will soon be released to global markets to help ease price pressures. The agency said nearly 412 million barrels will be made available — the largest coordinated release of strategic reserves to date.

Asian member states plan to release supplies immediately, while reserves in Europe and the Americas are expected to begin flowing by the end of March.

Despite the current volatility, Trump predicted oil prices would fall once hostilities ease.

“The prices are going to come tumbling down as soon as it’s over. And it’s going to be over pretty quickly,” he said.

The conflict has already had a severe human and economic toll across the region. Iran-backed missile and drone strikes have hit several Gulf states, while retaliatory attacks have targeted key infrastructure.

According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, more than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran since the escalation began. Iranian officials said the dead include hundreds of women and children.

The violence has also spread to neighboring countries. In Israel, at least 12 people have died from Iranian missile strikes, while the U.S. military confirmed the deaths of 13 service members, including six killed in a plane crash in Iraq last week.

Fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah has further destabilized the region. Lebanese authorities report at least 820 fatalities and more than 800,000 people displaced after Israeli strikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon.

Early Monday, Israel’s military reported additional missile launches from Iran toward Israeli territory, as the widening conflict continues to threaten global energy markets and regional stability.

Economic growth with growing ‘opposition’

DC Alviar
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Economic growth with growing ‘opposition’

The US-Israel war against Iran seems to be bringing back the doubts of Filipinos that are almost as bad as during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Duterte government failed in political execution, although the economic design was correct at the time.

There’s a Keynesian stimulus that we saw in legislative acts regarding Bayanihan packages. But is it right for economists who follow in the footsteps and models of John Maynard Keynes to rejoice in this?

Two things: First, the country’s direct fiscal stimulus was small compared to its neighbors in Southeast Asia and, second, most of the stimulus packages were in loans and guarantees, so how can that be considered direct spending?

In 2020, the (positive) +5-6% growth in our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was not sustained but immediately plunged to (negative) -9.6%. (The recovery occurred in the last 1 1/2 years of then-President Duterte, and it continued gently in the first three years of President Marcos Jr.’s tenure at an average of +5.2%. 

Of course, it’s only right for the State to be active in spending in dealing with the pandemic. But despite the Keynesian elements, the effect of the stimulus on the economy was not enough. What should have been immediate aid through the distribution of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) took too much delay or inabot ng siyam-siyam. Oh, we still remember the equally delayed declaration of bawal maglabas-pasok that later led to our being known as one of the countries with the longest COVID-19 lockdowns in the world. Assistance to those in dire need in the form of cash transfers and wage subsidies was also slow. 

It was quite fast in business support; there was a big boost to households and firms to keep demand from collapsing and have aggregate demand. Ultimately, the aggressiveness of Keynesian stimulus was lacking. 

Making the matters worse were issues of bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption (i.e., overpriced PPE, procurement controversies, and mismanaged public spending). But again, these were problems of governance which were not economic theory-related.

Balik-Duterte means Balik-ICC, Drilon tells Marcos Jr.

“Being Frank: A Memoir” author, long-time legislator, and former Senate President Franklin Drilon respectfully calls on the current president to lead the government in rejoining the International Criminal Court.

It need not have Senate approval, Drilon argues, as the 2011 ratification of Senate Resolution No. 57 still has force and effect. He adds it was the previous administration of “a Duterte” that decided to withdraw, so there’s no new Senate concurrence needed, but a mere executive action to be led by Marcos Jr. himself.

A Duterte comeback will need the Philippines’ return to the Rome Statute, Drilon says. But the main reason is that it is our best way to battle impunity, with the ICC acting as a court of last resort when our justice system fails.

2028 leader: ‘Somebody who understands economics’

In a chat with ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum, Marcos Jr. says: “(Very) soon after COVID, the discussion around ASEAN was that we have to learn from the lessons of COVID. One of the great lessons that we had to do was to make supply chains more robust. And that’s what we were going about… our supply chains to our trade partners around the world. And with all the things that have happened, the effort to make those supply chains more robust and stronger have really run into great obstacles. And so there has been a joint understanding between member states, let’s do it ourselves first. And so, the supply chains within ASEAN should be strengthened. The way we do business with one another should be strengthened. I came upon a statistic where the business, the commerce, the trade that ASEAN does is only 23 percent. I think that’s the number, about 23 percent intra-trade. The rest of the 77 percent is outside of ASEAN, countries going outside of ASEAN.”

Talking about the Philippines’ “dynamic growth story,” he’s asked who should succeed him. Marcos Jr. hints: “Well… Number one, somebody who understands economics… That’s the first thing. That’s the life of the person who understands how to create jobs, who understands how to keep the inflation rate down, who understands how to make food supply a given, something that you can assume. So… somebody who thinks about productivity, because growth is about productivity.

“How do you make your working population more productive? How do you support them so they work better? How do you fix the education system so they’re better trained? How do you make sure that they’re healthier? How do you make sure that they don’t worry about food? Those are the kind of people that (we) need… people who actually are thinking about not politics, but how to make the country better.”

He also listens to the pre-recorded address of ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, who highlights the importance of building an informed and forward-looking media ecosystem that will support regional development and unity.

Hourn encourages the media to spread the story of development and cooperation in the Southeast Asian Nations, so that people can better understand the benefits of economic and regional integration.

What’s really urgent? That real opposition

“The government must act swiftly to protect the public from the global oil crisis. If left unaddressed, inflation becomes more than an economic statistic, it becomes the real opposition to the status quo, further eroding people’s patience, security, and trust,” reads Ronald Llmas’ post on social media.

The Marcos Jr. administration also needs to ensure a clear plan to prevent inflation from eventually causing public distrust, and this plan has to be from short-term relief for the people to long-term energy reforms.

Posibleng P6–P10 bawas sa presyo ng gasolina at diesel asahan matapos ang fuel excise tax suspension

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Posibleng P6–P10 bawas sa presyo ng gasolina at diesel asahan matapos ang fuel excise tax suspension

MAYNILA — Maaaring makaranas ng pansamantalang ginhawa ang mga motorista at mamimili sa susunod na mga linggo kung maisusulong ang panukalang pagsuspinde sa excise tax ng mga produktong petrolyo, na inaasahang magpapababa ng presyo ng gasolina at diesel ng humigit-kumulang P6 hanggang P10 kada litro.

Ayon kay House Committee on Public Accounts Chair Terry Ridon, halos tapos na sa Kamara ang panukalang batas na magbibigay ng kapangyarihan kay Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. na pansamantalang bawasan o suspendihin ang excise tax sa langis kapag biglang tumaas ang presyo nito sa pandaigdigang merkado.

Umaasa ang mga mambabatas na maipapasa ang panukala sa Senado sa lalong madaling panahon upang agad itong maipatupad sakaling magpatuloy ang pagtaas ng presyo ng petrolyo.

Ipinaliwanag ni Ridon na layunin ng panukala na magkaroon ng mas mabilis na tugon ang pamahalaan sa biglaang pagtaas ng presyo ng langis. Sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang sistema, kailangan munang hintayin ang tatlong buwang average ng pandaigdigang presyo ng krudo bago makialam ang gobyerno.

Sa bagong panukala, maaaring agad na magpatupad ng suspensyon sa excise tax kapag nagdeklara ang Pangulo ng state of national emergency kaugnay ng mataas na presyo ng petrolyo.

Ayon pa sa mambabatas, kung hindi kikilos ang pamahalaan, posibleng umabot sa P90 hanggang P100 kada litro ang presyo ng gasolina sa mga susunod na linggo, lalo na kung magpapatuloy ang pagtaas ng presyo ng krudo sa pandaigdigang merkado dulot ng lumalalang tensyon sa Middle East, isa sa pinakamalaking rehiyon ng produksyon ng langis sa mundo.

Kung maisasakatuparan ang pansamantalang suspensyon ng buwis at bumaba ang presyo sa tinatayang P80 hanggang P90 kada litro, malaking ginhawa umano ito hindi lamang sa sektor ng transportasyon kundi pati sa iba pang industriya na umaasa sa fuel para sa operasyon.

Binigyang-diin din ni Ridon na ang pagtaas ng presyo ng langis ay may direktang epekto sa presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin at serbisyo, kaya mahalaga ang agarang hakbang ng pamahalaan upang mabawasan ang dagdag na pasanin sa gastusin ng mga Pilipino.

Samantala, patuloy na minomonitor ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan ang galaw ng pandaigdigang presyo ng langis habang pinag-aaralan ang iba pang posibleng hakbang upang mapagaan ang epekto nito sa ekonomiya at sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay ng publiko.

343 Pinoy mula Middle East nakauwi sa Pilipinas

Venus L Peñaflor
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343 Pinoy mula Middle East nakauwi sa Pilipinas

MAYNILA — Umabot na sa 343 Pilipino mula sa Middle East ang umuwi sa Pilipinas nitong Linggo bilang bahagi ng patuloy na repatriation program ng pamahalaan para sa mga overseas Filipino na naapektuhan ng lumalalang sigalot sa rehiyon.

Ayon sa Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), dumating ang mga repatriate sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 bandang alas siyete ng umaga sakay ng chartered flight na inorganisa ng ahensya.

Sinabi ni OWWA Administrator PY Caunan sa isang press briefing na ang mga Pilipinong umuwi ay nagmula sa Bahrain, Al Khobar, at Riyadh sa Saudi Arabia. Marami sa kanila ay kinategoryang “distressed Filipinos,” o mga manggagawang nangangailangan ng agarang tulong at repatriation dahil sa sitwasyon sa rehiyon.

Habang hinihintay ang kanilang pag-uwi, nakatanggap na umano ang ilan sa kanila ng tulong mula sa pamahalaan ng Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng mga opisina ng OWWA at ng Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) sa kanilang host countries.

Samantala, muling tiniyak ni DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac na may nakahandang reintegration assistance ang pamahalaan para sa mga nagbabalik na overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Kabilang dito ang job fairs, livelihood assistance, at mga reskilling program sa tulong ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) upang matulungan silang makahanap ng bagong kabuhayan sa bansa.

Bukod dito, makatatanggap din ang mga repatriate ng serbisyong medikal mula sa Department of Health (DOH) bilang bahagi ng kanilang reintegration at welfare support.

Ayon pa kay Caunan, may mga Pilipino rin mula sa Kuwait na nakatawid na patungong Riyadh at inaasahang iuuwi sa Pilipinas sa mga susunod na araw bilang bahagi ng susunod na batch ng repatriation flights.

Mas maaga ring dumating nitong Linggo sa NAIA Terminal 3 ang 26 OFWs at siyam na miyembro ng kanilang pamilya mula sa Qatar.

Noong Sabado naman, iniulat ng DMW na may 442 Pilipino — kabilang ang 200 OFWs — ang dumating sa NAIA Terminal 3 sakay ng hiwalay na chartered flight.

Sa kabuuan, umabot na sa 1,022 OFWs at 293 dependents ang naiuwing Pilipino mula Marso 5 hanggang Marso 14 sa ilalim ng repatriation efforts ng pamahalaan.

Pinalakas ng gobyerno ang repatriation program matapos lumala ang tensyon sa Middle East kasunod ng koordinadong pag-atake ng Estados Unidos at Israel laban sa Iran noong Pebrero 28, na nagpalala sa seguridad sa ilang bansa sa rehiyon.

Patuloy namang minomonitor ng pamahalaan ng Pilipinas ang sitwasyon at nananatiling nakahanda ang mga embahada at konsulado ng bansa upang tulungan ang mga Pilipinong nais umuwi habang nagpapatuloy ang kaguluhan sa Middle East.

Iran claims US launched attacks from UAE as war enters third week

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Iran claims US launched attacks from UAE as war enters third week

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran on Saturday accused the United States of launching attacks on its territory from the United Arab Emirates, raising tensions across the Gulf as the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel entered its third week.

Tehran warned civilians to evacuate areas near major ports in the UAE, including Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port, the busiest seaport in the Middle East, and Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi. Iranian officials claimed U.S. forces had used “ports, docks and hideouts” in the UAE to stage strikes against Kharg Island, home to Iran’s main oil export terminal.

Iran did not present evidence for the claim but urged residents to avoid areas where it said U.S. military forces might be stationed.

Hours after the warning, there were no immediate reports of attacks on Jebel Ali or Khalifa ports. However, debris from an intercepted Iranian drone struck an oil facility in the port city of Fujairah, igniting a fire.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with MS NOW that U.S. strikes on Kharg Island and Abu Musa Island were launched from two locations in the UAE, including Ras Al-Khaimah and another site “very close to Dubai.”

Araghchi described the alleged use of UAE territory as “dangerous,” but said Iran would try to avoid targeting populated areas.

The U.S. Central Command declined to comment on Tehran’s accusations.

A diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, Anwar Gargash, responded on social media, saying the country has the right to defend itself but continues to prioritize “reason and logic” and is exercising restraint.

Since the war began, Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and drones toward Gulf countries, saying it was targeting U.S. assets in the region. However, some attacks or attempted strikes have reportedly affected civilian infrastructure, including airports and oil facilities.

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces had “obliterated” military installations on Kharg Island. He warned that Iran’s oil infrastructure could become the next target if Tehran continues interfering with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes.

Iran’s parliamentary speaker has warned that attacks on the country’s oil infrastructure would trigger a stronger retaliatory response.

Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed only to “those who are attacking us and their allies.”

The growing conflict has fueled global concern about energy markets and maritime security in the Gulf.

Trump called on major powers including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom to send naval forces to help keep the Strait of Hormuz “open and safe.”

Britain said it was discussing with allies a “range of options” to secure international shipping routes in the region.

In a separate social media post, Araghchi urged neighboring countries to “expel foreign aggressors” and criticized Trump’s appeal for multinational naval support.

Iran’s joint military command warned Saturday that it could target U.S.-linked “oil, economic and energy infrastructures” across the region if Iranian oil facilities are attacked.

Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that the U.S. strikes on Kharg Island caused no damage to oil infrastructure, saying the attacks targeted an air defense site, a naval base, the airport control tower and a helicopter hangar belonging to an offshore oil company.

The U.S. military, however, said its forces destroyed naval mine storage sites, missile bunkers and other military installations.

Israel also announced new airstrikes in Iran, claiming its air force struck more than 200 targets within 24 hours, including missile launchers, air defense systems and weapons production facilities.

Meanwhile, a missile struck a helipad inside the compound of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Saturday. No group immediately claimed responsibility. The massive embassy complex has repeatedly been targeted by rockets and drones from Iran-aligned militias in Iraq.

The U.S. State Department again urged American citizens in Iraq to leave the country immediately, preferably by land, noting that Iran and its allied militia groups “may continue to target” U.S. citizens and interests.

The regional conflict has also worsened Lebanon’s humanitarian crisis. Israeli strikes targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah militants have left more than 800 people dead and displaced around 850,000 residents, according to reports.

A U.S. official said Friday that 2,500 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli were being deployed to the Middle East, further expanding the largest American military buildup in the region in decades.

Marine Expeditionary Units are capable of amphibious operations but are also frequently deployed to reinforce embassy security, evacuate civilians and assist in disaster response.

The USS Tripoli was recently spotted by commercial satellites near Taiwan, placing it more than a week away from waters near Iran.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Navy already had 12 vessels in the Arabian Sea, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and eight destroyers.

The U.S. Department of Defense on Saturday identified six service members who died when their military refueling aircraft crashed Thursday while supporting operations linked to the conflict with Iran.

The victims were Maj. John A. Klinner, 33; Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31; Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34; Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28.

According to U.S. Central Command, the crash occurred in western Iraq following an unspecified incident involving two aircraft operating in “friendly airspace.” The second aircraft landed safely.

U.S. offers up to $10 million for information on top Iranian officials

Venus L Peñaflor
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U.S. offers up to $10 million for information on top Iranian officials

The United States has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information on Iran’s newly installed supreme leader and several senior figures linked to the country’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in what Washington describes as part of its efforts to counter Iranian security operations.

The reward was issued through the U.S. Department of State under its Rewards for Justice Program, which seeks public information that could help identify, locate, or disrupt the activities of individuals accused of involvement in terrorism or security threats.

At the center of the announcement is Mojtaba Khamenei, who recently emerged as Iran’s new supreme leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, during joint U.S.-Israeli strikes earlier in the conflict that erupted in late February. Reports indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei may have been injured during the attacks and has not appeared publicly since, aside from issuing a written statement.

The U.S. government said the reward also applies to several senior Iranian officials and security figures believed to be connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Washington designated the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization in 2019, citing its involvement in regional militant activities and support for allied armed groups.

Among those listed in the reward announcement are Ali Asghar Hejazi, a longtime deputy chief of staff to Iran’s supreme leader, and Ali Larijani. Other individuals reportedly included on the list are Iran’s intelligence and interior ministers, as well as several IRGC commanders.

A banner released by the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service circulated images and names of the targeted figures, urging potential informants to provide information through secure communication channels. Individuals who supply credible intelligence may also be eligible for relocation assistance or other forms of protection.

Officials said the reward offer forms part of broader U.S. efforts to gather intelligence on Iran’s leadership and security apparatus amid escalating tensions in the region. The initiative also mirrors past reward campaigns targeting high-profile militant leaders and cyber actors linked to Iranian operations.

Iran has rejected U.S. accusations that its security officials are involved in terrorism, accusing Washington of using such measures to justify sanctions and political pressure against the country.

The announcement comes at a time of heightened confrontation between the United States and Iran, with ongoing military operations, regional missile exchanges, and growing geopolitical tensions across the Middle East.

U.S. strikes military sites on Iran’s Kharg Island as Middle East war escalates

Venus L Peñaflor
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U.S. strikes military sites on Iran’s Kharg Island as Middle East war escalates

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The United States has carried out airstrikes on military targets on Iran’s strategic Kharg Island, intensifying hostilities in the region as the war involving Iran continues to spread across the Middle East.

Donald Trump said U.S. forces struck military installations on the island on Friday, describing the operation as having “obliterated” its targets. Kharg Island is home to Iran’s primary oil export terminal and plays a crucial role in the country’s energy industry.

In a social media post, Trump said the strikes deliberately avoided Iran’s oil facilities for now but warned that the country’s petroleum infrastructure could become a target if Iran disrupts shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage that carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil.

The escalation came as Iran has effectively closed the strait amid ongoing missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and neighboring Gulf states.

Meanwhile, an American defense official said about 2,500 additional Marines and an amphibious assault ship are being deployed to the region as fighting approaches its second week. Elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli have been ordered to the Middle East.

Marine Expeditionary Units are designed for rapid-response missions, including embassy security, civilian evacuations, and humanitarian assistance. The official stressed that the deployment does not necessarily signal an imminent ground invasion.

Satellite imagery shows the USS Tripoli sailing alone near Taiwan earlier this week, indicating it could take more than a week to reach waters near Iran.

Earlier in the week, the U.S. Navy already had a major presence in the region, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and eight destroyers operating in the Arabian Sea.

Explosion rocks Tehran rally

Inside Iran, tensions escalated further after a large explosion struck the Ferdowsi Square in Tehran during a massive rally marking Quds Day. Thousands had gathered at the state-organized event, which typically features chants against Israel and the United States.

Israel had warned shortly before the blast that the area could be targeted. However, Iran’s near-total internet shutdown meant many residents likely did not see the warning.

There were no immediate reports of casualties. Iranian judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei was present at the rally and continued an interview with state television despite the explosion. Surrounded by bodyguards, he declared that Iran “under this rain of missiles will never withdraw.”

Israeli strikes expand across Iran

The Israeli military said its forces struck more than 200 targets across Iran within 24 hours, including missile launchers, air defense systems, and weapons production sites.

In Washington, Pete Hegseth said more than 15,000 enemy targets have been hit since the conflict began, averaging over 1,000 strikes per day.

The growing confrontation has also intensified the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah have killed at least 773 people, including more than 100 children and 18 paramedics, since fighting erupted 10 days ago. Nearly 850,000 residents have been displaced.

An Israeli strike on a health care center in the village of Burj Qalaouiyah killed 12 medical workers early Saturday, while another strike in the coastal city of Sidon earlier killed at least eight people.

Regional attacks and U.S. losses

Iran has continued to launch attacks across the Gulf region. In Oman, two people were killed after drones crashed in the Sohar region, according to the Oman News Agency.

A U.S. official said the Navy destroyer USS Oscar Austin intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile over Turkey on Friday. It marked the third such interception over the NATO member country in the past two weeks.

The U.S. military also confirmed that all six crew members aboard a Boeing KC‑135 Stratotanker were killed when the aircraft crashed in Iraq. The incident raised the U.S. death toll in the conflict to at least 13 service members.

Mike DeWine said three of the victims were members of the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing.

U.S. Central Command said the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire and involved two aircraft, one of which landed safely.

Uncertain end to the conflict

In an interview with Fox News, Trump suggested the war could end once he personally determines the situation has stabilized.

“When I feel it in my bones,” he said.

The former president also expressed skepticism that Iranians could overthrow the country’s ruling system without weapons, citing the powerful paramilitary Basij, which has historically suppressed anti-government protests.

Despite diplomatic pressure and mounting casualties, the war shows little sign of easing, with military operations continuing across Iran, Israel, and neighboring countries while global markets remain on edge over the potential disruption of oil supplies.

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