(AFP) – Here are the latest developments in the Middle East war:
– **War talks are key, UN says**
Lebanon-Israel talks offer a “critical opportunity” to end the war, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator in Lebanon, Imran Riza, said. He expressed hope that the negotiations would “pave the way toward a political solution”.
– **More ships pass Hormuz: Iran**
Iran is allowing more ships to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to state television, because “many countries have accepted the new legal protocols” it has put in place.
– **Iran open to China help**
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the United States had sent messages indicating it was willing to continue talks and expressed openness to any support, including from China. “We appreciate any country that has the ability to help, particularly China,” Araghchi said.
– **India PM urges Hormuz opening**
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for an “open and safe” Strait of Hormuz during a brief visit to the United Arab Emirates, the start of a five-nation tour overshadowed by energy and supply-chain worries due to the Iran war.
– **UAE accelerates pipeline plan**
The United Arab Emirates is to fast-track construction of a new oil pipeline bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by official media, after the Middle East war crippled exports through the vital waterway. The West-East Pipeline will double state oil giant ADNOC’s capacity through Fujairah port and is expected to become operational next year, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.
– **Israeli strikes**
Israel’s army announced it had launched strikes on Hezbollah sites in the Tyre area of south Lebanon. The military had previously instructed residents of five villages to immediately leave ahead of the expected attacks, despite a shaky ceasefire.
– **Stocks slip, Oil rises**
Global stocks slumped as talks between the United States and China failed to yield progress on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, reigniting worries about persistent inflation pressures that could derail economic growth. Conversely, oil prices rose nearly 2.5 percent, with the international benchmark Brent crude contract at around $108.50 a barrel.
– **Trump quotes Xi on Iran nukes**
US President Donald Trump indicated that his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, “feels strongly” that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon.
– **India hikes fuel prices**
India’s state-run oil companies raised petrol and diesel prices by more than three percent as the Middle East war continues to disrupt energy supplies and exert pressure on the economy.
– **War should not have happened: China**
China has called for a lasting truce in the Middle East and for shipping lanes to be reopened “as soon as possible.” A foreign ministry statement emphasized that “there is no point in continuing this conflict, which should not have happened in the first place.”
– **Israel soldier killed**
Israel’s military reported that one of its soldiers had been killed in combat in southern Lebanon, bringing its losses to 20 personnel since the war with Hezbollah began in early March.
© 2024 AFP
