US-Iran War Live Updates: A drone strike on two gas tankers off Egypt has raised fresh concerns over the security of the Suez Canal, a key alternative to the Strait of Hormuz for global oil shipments. Watch this space for latest updates on the West Asia war that has entered its fifth month now.
Overnight, the war took another turn after a drone strike damaged two gas tankers in Egypt, reigniting concerns that another critical energy corridor could be drawn further into the war.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the strike has raised more questions about the security of the Suez Canal and the Sumed pipeline. These routes that have become increasingly important for Saudi oil exports as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly ground to a halt.
Meanwhile, the US military pushed back against a series of claims made by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). CENTCOM rejected Iranian claims that three US F-35 stealth fighters and three other aircraft had been destroyed, saying no American aircraft were damaged and that all missiles and drones launched at US positions were either intercepted or failed to reach their targets.
CENTCOM further dismissed reports that the commercial oil tanker M/T Nora had broken through the US naval blockade, insisting the vessel had not breached its “steel wall” blockade. The command said more than 20 US warships, hundreds of aircraft and thousands of service members remain deployed to enforce the blockade.
Separately, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi urged Bulgaria to reverse its decision to allow the temporary deployment of US military aircraft at Bezmer Air Base, saying the move amounted to facilitating aggression against Iran and was inconsistent with the traditionally friendly ties between the two countries.
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