Sirens sounded across central Israel Wednesday night as Iran fired approximately 10 ballistic missiles, its largest salvo in three weeks. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed multiple launches, some carrying cluster munitions, raising civilian safety concerns.
This escalation comes amid conflicting statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed Iran’s president requested a ceasefire - a claim swiftly denied by Tehran. Iran insists no negotiations are underway and vows continued strikes unless the Strait of Hormuz reopens.
Trump vowed to keep striking Iran "into oblivion" until the vital shipping lane is cleared. Iran's Revolutionary Guards reaffirmed control over the strait and reported hitting an Israeli-linked oil tanker near Qatar.
Global markets reacted to Trump’s remarks, briefly easing oil prices and boosting stocks in Europe and Asia. However, Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt energy exports, fueling inflationary pressures worldwide and prompting Britain to convene a multinational meeting to address the crisis.