US-Israel-Iran war highlights: Standoff intensifies in Strait of Hormuz after Donald Trump issues 'shoot and kill' order

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalated sharply on Friday after US President Donald Trump said he had ordered the military to shoot and kill Iranian small boats operating in the strategic waterway further heightening fears of a wider regional conflictThe development comes amid an ongoing USIsraelIran war that has disrupted global energy supplies and raised geopolitical risks across the Middle EastIran Rejects Claims of Internal DivisionsIranian leaders dismissed suggestions of internal discord following the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the early phase of the conflict on February 28President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf issued nearidentical statements asserting unity within the countryrsquos leadershipldquoThere are no hardliners or moderates We are all Iranians and revolutionariesrdquo they saidDespite these claims questions remain over who holds ultimate authority in Iranrsquos political and military structureStrait of Hormuz Disruption Hits Global Oil FlowThe standoff has effectively choked off exports through the Strait of Hormuz a critical shipping lane that handles about 20 per cent of the worldrsquos traded oil during peacetimeRecent incidents include Iranian attacks on vessels and a continued US blockade of Iranian ports Washington has also significantly increased its military presence deploying three aircraft carriers in the region a scale not seen since 2003Drones Strike Kuwait Border SitesKuwait reported that explosive drones launched from Iraq struck two locations along its northern border on Friday While the attacks caused material damage authorities confirmed there were no casualtiesIndonesian Peacekeeper Dies in LebanonA United Nations peacekeeper from Indonesia Corporal Rico Pramudia died in a Beirut hospital weeks after sustaining critical injuries in an explosion at a UN base in southern LebanonThe March 29 blast in Adchit alQusayr had already killed another Indonesian peacekeeper Additional fatalities involving Indonesian personnel have also been reported in the regionBeirut Residents Call for Broader CeasefireResidents in Beirut expressed concern that any ceasefire excluding southern Lebanon would fail to bring lasting peaceMany linked stability in Lebanon to a broader resolution between Iran and the United StatesldquoIf they reach an agreement the whole Middle East will be calmrdquo said resident Joe GhafariOthers described the continued conflict in southern Lebanon as unjust as other parts of the country function relatively normallyIran Diplomat Heads to Pakistan for TalksIranrsquos Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to visit Pakistan as part of renewed diplomatic efforts to revive ceasefire negotiations with the United StatesPakistan has been attempting to mediate between the two sides though progress remains uncertain Araghchi is also expected to visit Oman and Russia as part of broader regional consultationsTrump Extends Oil Transport WaiverIn a move aimed at stabilising energy markets the White House announced a 90day extension of the Jones Act waiver allowing nonUS vessels to transport oil and natural gas more easilyThe decision follows earlier measures introduced in March and comes as global oil prices remain volatile Brent crude prices fell to around USD 104 per barrel after the announcement having earlier surged past USD 107Diplomatic Push Continues Amid Rising TollPakistan has intensified diplomatic outreach urging continued dialogue between Washington and Tehran Officials emphasised the need for sustained engagement to restore regional stabilitySince the conflict began at least 3375 people have been killed in Iran and over 2290 people in Lebanon In Israel 23 fatalities have been reported along with additional deaths across Gulf states Fifteen Israeli soldiers in Lebanon and 13 US service members across the region have also been killedDespite ongoing diplomatic efforts tensions in the Strait of Hormuz remain high with no clear resolution in sightWith inputs from Agencies