China again holds military drills around Taiwan

UK, Australia and Japan both said Monday they have no plans to send naval or maritime vessels to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, after US President Donald Trump demanded that a group of about seven countries support the US in protecting the strategic waterway.

The United States has spent $12bn on its war against Iran since launching joint strikes on the country with Israel on February 28, Trump’s top economic adviser said, as domestic concerns grow over the Middle East conflict’s burgeoning economic impacts.

Iran dismissed US claims that its naval capabilities have been destroyed, warning that US President Donald Trump can send ships into the Persian Gulf "if he dares."

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday oversaw the test-launch of 12 600mm-calibre multiple rocket launchers, state media KCNA said, after the United States ​and South Korea this week launched annual major drills in South Korea.

Taiwan on Sunday reported the return of large-scale Chinese air force activities around the island after an unexplained absence of more than two weeks that prompted speculation in Taipei as to Beijing`s motives.

Top US and Chinese economic officials are set to launch a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday to iron out kinks in their trade truce and clear a smooth path for US President Donald Trump`s trip to Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.

US President Donald Trump threatened further strikes on Iran`s Kharg Island oil export hub and urged allies to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran vowed to step up its response and the war showed no sign on Sunday of coming to an end.

Iran’s foreign minister on Saturday warned that it would target US-linked energy facilities in the region if its own energy infrastructure is attacked.

Bangladesh has requested approval from the US to import fuel oil from Russia similar to temporary concessions granted to India amid tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in global energy markets.

Iran has outlined three conditions for ending the country`s ongoing war with the United States and Israel.

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the US and Israeli war against Iran will end "soon," because strikes have left "practically nothing left to target" in the country.

French President Emmanuel Macron ruled out lifting sanctions against Russia on Wednesday due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The UN relief chief warned Wednesday that escalating conflicts in the Middle East are creating an urgent need for humanitarian aid and putting increasing pressure on an already overstretched aid system.

US President Donald Trump said he doubts Iran`s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei can coexist peacefully with Washington, reiterating his dissatisfaction with Tehran`s choice of leadership.

Boeing has signed a new $289 million contract with Israel to deliver as many as 5,000 ​new air-launched smart bombs, a source told Reuters ‌on Tuesday.

The leaders of the UK, Germany, and Italy discussed the situation in the Middle East, including the Strait of Hormuz, and agreed on the critical importance of freedom of navigation for vessels, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.