US hits Iranian oil tankers, and other key Mideast developments

The U.S. military announced it had targeted three Iranian oil tankers, alleging Iran had attacked its warships. After a month of relative calm, the first exchange of fire occurred. The U.S. ambassador to Israel condemned settler violence in the occupied West Bank, labeling their actions as an "act of terror." Iranian-backed Houthi rebels accused Yemen's government of killing three people in attacks.

Israeli strikes resulted in three deaths in southern Lebanon. Iranian state TV reported four U.S. missiles struck a tanker near Kharg Island, a major oil export terminal, with no casualties. Kharg Island has been frequently targeted during the war. A week after the U.S. resumed strikes following a month-long pause, an aircraft carrier and a destroyer evaded Iranian attacks in the region.

The U.S. ambassador to Israel called Israeli settlers "terrorists" for their violent actions. Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed government forces killed three people in attacks. Hezbollah also fired rockets into Israel, leading to a large-scale Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon. Egypt's foreign minister called for the U.S. and Iran to resume negotiations, emphasizing the importance of de-escalation and maintaining safety in the Strait of Hormuz.