Saudi Oil Tanker Hit By Houthi Missile As US Pounds Iran For 12th Straight Night

US slaps 10 per cent tariffs on goods imported from India on issue forced labour

PTI — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 03:45:02 +0530

Washington, Jul 24 (PTI): The US imposed 10 per cent tariffs on goods purchased from India and 16 other countries over the issue of the use of forced labour in the production of such items.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the new tariffs on 60 countries under Section 301 of the Trade Act on Friday, a day before the expiration of 10 per cent additional levies on all countries.

The USTR statement said that Greer had taken the final action, at President Donald Trump’s direction, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 by imposing tariffs on 60 economies for their failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour.

The action will begin to correct what is both a human rights abuse and a distortive trade practice to improve the welfare of workers everywhere,” Greer said in a statement here.

The 10 per cent tariff rate applies to 17 countries, including India, Canada, the UK, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Earlier, India was bracketed in countries attracting 12.5 per cent tariffs.

A Federal Note in this regard took note of India's adoption of a forced labour import prohibition after the unveiling of the proposed tariffs in June.

On June 14, India amended its foreign trade policy to prohibit the import of goods produced using forced labour.

The Trump administration had initiated the two investigations after the US Supreme Court, in February, dismissed last year's "reciprocal tariffs" using emergency powers as illegal. The administration responded by levying 10 per cent tariffs on all countries that expire on Friday.

India has contested both the investigations initiated by the USTR and insisted that these issues can be discussed as part of the bilateral trade agreement that is under discussion.

The US is India's second largest trade partner and the largest destination for exports. In 2025, bilateral goods trade was pegged at nearly USD 141 billion, with India's exports pegged at USD 87.3 billion, according to commerce department data. PTI SKU MPL MPL

(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

China's AI Is Catching Up With the US Faster Than Expected-Explained

Deutsche Welle — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:55:55 +0530

Edited by: Tim Rooks

In what seems like the blink of an eye, China has gone from being up to five years behind the United States in top-tier artificial intelligence (AI) to lagging by just a few months.

While US players, including Anthropic's Claude and OpenAI's ChatGPT, have spent hundreds of billions of dollars to push the frontier of AI, China has pursued a very different path.

Faced with US curbs on high-end chips that help AI to do its most advanced thinking, Chinese tech firms have prioritized dozens of open-source AI models built on "good enough" technology.

These platforms, including DeepSeek, Alibaba's Qwen and Xiaomi's MiMo, are now widely deployed across Chinese businesses, government services and consumer devices.

Chinese AI Models Narrow Gap With US Leaders

In the latest sign of the gap closing, Chinese startup Moonshot AI last week unveiled Kimi K3, a model that rivals one of the most advanced AI models — Anthropic's Claude Fable 5 — on key benchmarks.

In some tests, Kimi K3 matches or even surpasses Claude with far less computing power and at a fraction of the cost.

Global technology specialist Alvin W. Graylin thinks Kimi K3's arrival turns high-end AI from an expensive luxury into something practical and affordable.

Kimi K3 "commoditizes frontier models," Graylin told DW.

"For 98% of customers, the 1 to 2% difference [in knowledge] isn't worth paying 10 to 20 times more."

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Washington Raises Concerns Over AI Distillation

China's latest advance has already drawn a strong reaction from Washington, with US President Donald Trump now threatening to block US access to Chinese AI models.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, meanwhile, warned earlier this week that the US could sanction Chinese models over alleged intellectual property (IP) theft.

Anthropic and OpenAI have accused Chinese labs of using their models to train their own systems, a process known as distilling.

While distilling is a common practice by AI labs worldwide to a limited extent, the companies say their models have been bombarded with queries to harvest advanced reasoning. The White House warned in April that China was doing it on an "industrial scale."

Beijing has hit back, rejecting the accusations as baseless and calling US threats of sanctions and model bans "technological bullying" to contain China's rise.

Giulia Neaher, a research analyst at the Strategic Foresight Hub at the Washington-based Stimson Center think tank, downplayed the role of distilling in Kimi's progress.

"A great degree [of its success] is due to the talent, infrastructure and the resources that were poured into building this model," Neaher told DW.

Why China's Open-Model Approach Is Gaining Traction

Early in the development of modern AI, the US chose to keep the inner workings of its leading models closed.

This approach allows Big Tech to maximize profits through subscriptions, licensing to businesses and pay-per-token usage.

By contrast, many leading Chinese AI developers have embraced open models. This means companies and developers can download and run the model on their servers and then fine-tune it to their specific needs.

"Open source allows the Chinese labs to enlist the global AI community in improving and testing their models," Graylin told DW, adding that US chip curbs had forced them to be "more creative and efficient."

Washington Doubles Down On Frontier AI

Yet, while China has the edge in pricing and deployment, Washington still sees maintaining the lead in frontier AI as critical, as whoever controls the most advanced AI systems is likely to dominate militarily, economically and technologically for years to come.

Frontier models can also accelerate breakthroughs in science and medicine.

While distilling may have helped some of China's AI models reach the Top 10 rankings, Neaher equates the approach with schools that teach students to pass tests rather than fully understand the subject.

"You might have really great test scores, but the actual learning might not be reflected," she told DW.

Neaher, whose research covers AI policy and governance, predicted a continued escalation in US antipathy toward China's AI advance as Washington reconsiders its "laissez-faire" approach to AI policy.

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Could China Overtake US Investment Frenzy?

The AI race could also be setting up another new rivalry — this time over plans to take the most successful AI labs public.

Some US AI firms have already been valued at close to a trillion dollars and both Anthropic and OpenAI are reportedly preparing for IPOs later this year to capitalize on massive investor interest.

On the Chinese side, DeepSeek and Moonshot AI are also seeking to go public, with the latter planning a Hong Kong listing before early next year.

With China tech seemingly undervalued, US institutional investors have quietly increased allocations recently, betting they can sidestep a potential US AI bubble while positioning for China's momentum in what is fast becoming a neck-and-neck race.

"The long-term trend doesn't look good," argued Graylin. "There is a major US AI bubble and it's ripe for correction in the next three to 12 months."

"The Chinese are building comparable models for 1/10th the cost and priced at 1/10 of US frontier."

Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.

EU Agrees Fresh Sanctions On Russia, Targets Banks, Crypto And Energy

Deutsche Welle — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:54:03 +0530

Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko

Members of the European Union on Thursday agreed to impose a new round of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine after weeks of negotiations.

The 21st round of the package was held up by lots of objections by member states to various proposed elements.

The agreement was reached after weeks of debates, with some members expressing concern that certain restrictions could cause greater harm to the EU economy than to the Russian economy.

The deadlock was overcome after Greece was granted an exemption allowing one of its shipping firms to carry on transporting Russian liquefied natural gas from the Arctic.

What does the 21st ⁠sanctions package include?

"Our 21st sanctions package targets the sectors with the highest impact: energy, financial services, crypto, and trade," European Council head Antonio Costa posted online.

Diplomats from the EU's 27 member states had been trying to reach a consensus over the price cap on Russian crude oil exports at $44 (€39) before the deadline.

As per the agreed deal, the current level will remain in place for the next 12 months.

Two EU diplomats said the deal also allows one-year ‌exemption for the transfer of Russian ‌liquefied natural gas (LNG) to third countries, with automatic renewal.

The new package also targets Moscow's financial and crypto sector.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the package adds 32 Russian banks, crypto firms and oil trading ⁠platforms to the EU's transaction ban list.

The new set of EU sanctions also include entry bans and asset freezes on individuals and companies that can be linked to Russia's war against Ukraine.

Von der Leyen welcomed the agreement which will not let automatic adjustment of the international price cap on Russian oil.

She said it is to ensure "that the Russian war machine does not benefit from market shocks."

The largest package in four years

According to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, the latest sanctions package is its largest ‌in ⁠four ⁠years, targeting 218 individuals and entities.

In a post on the social media platform X, Kallas said the measures target more than 100 banks and cryptocurrency operators, over 40 vessels from Russia's so-called shadow fleet, and several oil refineries.

She said the package also adds more than 50 military-industrial entities to the sanctions list, including key actors involved in producing Russia's long-range drones.

Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.

Five Thai Soldiers Killed In Deadly Attack On Military Checkpoint

Deutsche Welle — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:51:21 +0530

Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko

Five Thai soldiers were killed in an attack on a military checkpoint in Narathiwat province in the country's restive south.

At least six civilians were also injured in the attack, including a 10-year-boy, local officials said.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Thursday called the attack a "brazen act of terrorism" that posed "a serious threat to national security."

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What Do We Know About The Attack?

The incident took place on Wednesday when around 10 people opened fire at the security checkpoint and threw pipe bombs at soldiers from the Thai Rangers auxiliary force, before fleeing the scene.

Thailand's Internal Security Operations Command said the attackers stole three AK-47 rifles, three bullet proof vests and three mobile phones from the soldiers.

Their vehicle was later found abandoned and set on fire 21 kilometers (13 miles) away from the scene.

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A low-level conflict has simmered since 2004 in Thailand's southernmost provinces, with rebels in the Muslim-majority area fighting for greater autonomy in Buddhist-majority Thailand.

More than 7,000 people have been killed in the conflict. Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said the past few months in particular had seen a series of violent incidents carried out by a "terrorist network seeking to instill fear among the public and target state officials."

(Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.)

Trump Sets Big Condition Before Approving Saudi Nuclear Deal: Join Abraham Accords, Recognise Israel

Vinita Bhat — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:22:43 +0530

US President Donald Trump has said a proposed civil nuclear agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia will only go ahead if Riyadh joins the Abraham Accords and formally normalises relations with Israel. In a social media post, Trump also ruled out any uranium enrichment under the deal, stressing that the agreement would be limited to peaceful civilian purposes. His remarks come as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East, with fresh security incidents involving Iran-backed groups, Israel and several regional countries.

Saudi Deal Linked To Israel

Trump said the proposed agreement between the US Department of Energy and Saudi Arabia would support only civilian nuclear activities, similar to arrangements with countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

"The Civil Nuclear Deal (There will be no enrichment of material!) being made between the United States Department of Energy and Saudi Arabia... will be approved, but is totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords," he wrote on social media.

The Abraham Accords, brokered during Trump's first term, led to the normalisation of relations between Israel and several Arab nations. Saudi Arabia has so far stopped short of joining the agreement, insisting that progress on the Palestinian issue remains essential before recognising Israel.

Trump also made it clear that Saudi Arabia would not be permitted to enrich uranium under the proposed arrangement, a restriction aimed at ensuring the programme remains strictly civilian.

Also Read: Trump Claims China Acquired 220 Million US Voter Files In 'Largest Data Breach' During 2020 Polls

Regional Tensions Escalate

Trump's remarks came against the backdrop of growing instability in the region. He described Yemen's Houthi movement as "a surrogate and/or proxy of Iran" and warned that Tehran would be held responsible for any attacks carried out by the group.

Elsewhere, Kuwait said hostile drones targeted the Al-Abdali border crossing with Iraq, while Jordan reported Iranian attacks earlier in the day and air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain.

The Israeli military also said two alleged attackers who stabbed an Israeli civilian near an illegal settlement outside Nablus were shot dead by another civilian. Meanwhile, more than 2,300 far-right Israelis entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under heavy police protection during the Jewish holiday of Tisha B'Av.

Also Read: 'Kashmir Will Always Remain An Integral Part': India Blasts Pakistan At UNSC, Calls Out Terror Policy

'Kashmir Will Always Remain An Integral Part': India Blasts Pakistan At UNSC, Calls Out Terror Policy

Bharathi SP — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:18:08 +0530

India launched a strong diplomatic attack on Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), accusing Islamabad of using cross-border terrorism as a tool of state policy and reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is an inseparable part of India. The remarks came during a high-level UNSC debate after Pakistan raised issues unrelated to the meeting's agenda.

India Accuses Pakistan of Misusing UN Platform

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, criticised Pakistan for diverting the discussion during the Security Council's High-Level Open Debate on "Natural Resources Governance: the Foundation of Peace, Security and Prosperity."

Responding to Pakistan's intervention, Harish said India had not intended to introduce bilateral issues but was compelled to reply.

"It was not our intention to bring other issues into this forum, but my delegation is compelled to respond to Pakistan, as it has chosen to misuse today's discussion to peddle its false narrative," he said, as per ANI.

'Jammu and Kashmir Will Always Remain Part of India'

Reaffirming New Delhi's long-standing position on Jammu and Kashmir, Harish asserted that the Union Territory remains an integral part of the country both constitutionally and legally.

"For the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, it has always been, is, and will remain an integral and inalienable part of India. This is the constitutional and legal reality that Pakistan deliberately chooses to ignore," he said.

The envoy also argued that the unresolved issue concerning Jammu and Kashmir relates to territory under Pakistan's control.

"The only outstanding issue with regard to Jammu and Kashmir is the naked aggression and illegal occupation of India's sovereign territory by Pakistan," he added.

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India Reiterates Stand on Indus Waters Treaty

Harish also addressed the Indus Waters Treaty, maintaining that India's position remains unchanged. He said meaningful cooperation between the two countries cannot exist in the absence of trust and goodwill.

"Our position on the Indus Water Treaty remains clear and consistent. Cooperation on the basis of mutual trust and goodwill cannot be expected when cross-border terrorism is regularly deployed as an instrument of State policy," he said.

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'Pakistan Should Put Its Own House in Order'

Concluding his remarks, the Indian envoy urged Pakistan to focus on its internal challenges instead of levelling accusations against India.

India's intervention came after Pakistan raised issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir during the UNSC session, prompting New Delhi to respond with a firm reiteration of its position on Kashmir, terrorism and bilateral cooperation.

US Sets June 2027 Drug Trafficking Trial For Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

Deutsche Welle — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:14:20 +0530

Edited by: Sean Sinico

A US judge on Wednesday set a date for Venezuelan former President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, to go on trial in New York, where they will face charges of drug trafficking.

The two have been detained since early January, when US forces entered Venezuela and seized them from their Caracas home.

The unprecedented middle-of-the-night raid was hailed by US President Donald Trump as a "surgical law enforcement operation" in a criminal case, which had been brought against the couple six years ago.

Maduro has maintained his innocence, calling himself a prisoner of war and referring to his capture as a kidnapping.

Judge Alvin Hellerstein set June 1, 2027, as the trial date for Maduro and his wife, following a joint request from prosecutors and defense counsel.

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Hellerstein also scheduled an upcoming hearing for November 17 to discuss defense motions, including a challenge to the legality of how Maduro and Flores were captured and brought to the United States.

"The ‌parties all agree that this is a realistic schedule. We don't think it's going to slip, but obviously if anything comes up we will inform your honor," Maduro's lawyer Barry Pollack told the judge on Wednesday.

Maduro Faces Life In Prison

US prosecutors have accused Maduro of using the power of the Venezuelan state to protect and promote illegal drug smuggling. He has also been accused of forming alliances with cartels to bring tons of cocaine into the United States.

If found guilty, Maduro and Flores face potential life prison sentences.

The pair sat through the 15-minute hearing separately at a defense table, surrounded by their lawyers. They did not speak during the proceedings. But Maduro waved to an unknown person in the courtroom's gallery as he was led out of the courtroom by authorities.

Pollack said his team plans to challenge the indictment on sovereign immunity grounds, saying that if successful, Maduro won't have to continue litigating the case.

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Since Maduro was removed from power, Venezuela has been led by his former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.

Rodriguez reestablished bilateral relationships with the US, with Washington effectively taking over control of Venezuela's oil exports.

In turn, the US has eased sanctions on the country's oil industry, while foreign companies have expanded oil and gas projects.

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Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.

US Attacks Iran For 12th Night, Tehran Claims Kuwait Strikes As Red Sea Tensions Rise

Deutsche Welle — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:09:50 +0530

US launches 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran
A US-Iran ceasefire deal fell apart on July 8
Yemen's Houthis attack Saudi oil tankers in Red Sea, say the tankers violated a naval blockade
Trump admin announces historic US-Saudi Arabic nuclear energy deal

Iran says it hit US baes in Kuwait

Iran has carried out strikes on US targets in Kuwait, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported on Thursday.

Fars cited Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) as saying that they had attacked Udairi landing zone in northwestern Kuwait, as well as the Ali Al Salem air base that lies nearly 60 kilometers (37.3 miles) west of Kuwait City.

Meanwhile, the Iranian army said that it had attacked the Arifjan base in the south and also the Doha base near the Kuwaiti capital.

US forces complete 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran

US Central Command, or CENTCOM, says American forces have completed another round of strikes against Iran.

According to CENTCOM, the operation targeted Iranian maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites and air defense assets. The US military said the strikes were aimed at further reducing Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping and civilian mariners.

The latest operation comes as Washington continues both its air campaign and naval blockade against Iran. CENTCOM said US forces have redirected nine commercial vessels and disabled one ship in recent weeks to prevent traffic to and from Iranian ports.

The US military also said that more than 50,000 American service members are currently deployed across the Middle East and remain on high alert as tensions with Tehran continue.

READ: US and Saudi Arabia reach historic nuclear energy deal

The United States said on Wednesday it had signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, alongside a separate bilateral safeguards pact.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed the agreements with Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.

Yemen's Houthis says they targeted Saudi oil tankers in Red Sea

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement says it has targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, escalating tensions around one of the world's key energy shipping routes.

The group identified the vessels as the Encelia and Layla, saying they were attacked with ballistic and cruise missiles for allegedly violating a Houthi naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, announced earlier this week.

A maritime security source told Reuters, the Saudi-flagged tanker Encelia sent a distress call after reporting it had been hit by a missile and caught fire near the Saudi port of Jizan.

Maritime security firm Vanguard and the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO) also reported a tanker being struck by an unidentified projectile in the same area, causing a fire onboard. No casualties have been reported.

According to UKMTO, the ship’s master reported the incident approximately 70 nautical miles (130 kilometers) south-west of Al-Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis also claimed to have targeted a second vessel, Layla, though that report has not been independently confirmed.

The attack comes days after the Houthis announced a blockade of Saudi ports in the Red Sea, raising concerns about disruptions to global energy supplies. Ship-tracking data showed several tankers changing course on Wednesday following Houthi warnings to avoid Saudi ports.

US launches 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran

The US military says it has begun a 12th consecutive night of strikes against Iran, as the conflict shows no sign of easing.

US Central Command (CENTCOM), said the strikes aimed to reduce further Iran’s ability to threaten ships in regional waters amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The announcement came as US President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric toward Tehran, warning that the United States would respond directly to any new attacks on vessels in the strategic waterway.

Trump said the US would destroy one bridge or power plant for every Iranian attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest developments underline a growing focus on civilian and economic infrastructure as both sides continue to expand their military campaign around one of the world's most important energy and shipping routes.

The US military has launched a 12th straight night of strikes on Iran as tensions continue to escalate.

Meanwhile, the US and Saudi Arabia have signed a civilian nuclear cooperation pact, accompanied by a separate bilateral safeguards agreement, US officials said.

Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.

Nawaz Sharif Says He Wants To Become PoK's Premier Amid Unrest Ahead Of Elections

Ayesha Fatima — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:21:52 +0530

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said he wants to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), expressing a desire to personally oversee the region's development as it remains gripped by widespread anti-government protests.

Sharif, the elder brother of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, made the remarks during an election rally in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, earlier this week.

Calling PoK his "second home", the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo said his ancestral roots trace back to Kashmir and that he would seek the region's top political post if his party emerged victorious in the upcoming elections.

'PoK Is My Second Home': Nawaz Sharif

Addressing supporters at the rally, Sharif said he wanted to play a direct role in the development of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

"It is my second home. My ancestors migrated from Kashmir," he said.

Sharif added that if the PML-N won the elections, he would request his brother, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to appoint him as the Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

"If my party wins, I will ask PM Shehbaz Sharif to make me the prime minister of Kashmir (PoK) so that I can personally oversee the region's development," he said.

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PoK Continues to Witness Widespread Unrest

Sharif's remarks come at a time when Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is witnessing sustained anti-government protests, violent clashes and an intensified security crackdown across several districts.

Major demonstrations have been reported in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Mirpur and Sudhnoti, with protesters accusing the authorities of failing to address longstanding economic grievances.

The movement is being led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), which has been demanding subsidised wheat, lower electricity tariffs, royalty from regional hydroelectric projects and an end to what it describes as excessive privileges enjoyed by government officials and the political elite.

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Protests Continue Ahead of Polls

The developments come ahead of elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, scheduled to be held between July 27 and August 10, where the PML-N is contesting against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), its ally in Pakistan's federal government.

The unrest has claimed 30 lives so far, adding to tensions in the region.

Last week, the JKJAAC temporarily suspended its planned march until July 21, saying it was giving the Pakistani government a final opportunity to address its demands. However, the group has since announced that its planned long march towards Muzaffarabad will resume this week while sit-in protests across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir continue.

Saudi Oil Tanker Hit By Houthi Missile As US Pounds Iran For 12th Straight Night

Ayesha Fatima — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:51:49 +0530

A Saudi oil tanker was reportedly struck by a Houthi missile near Yemen on Wednesday, triggering a fire aboard the vessel in the Red Sea. The Iran-backed Yemeni group is reported to have carried out the attack as tensions across the region continued to escalate.

The incident came as the United States launched its 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iranian targets, with President Donald Trump issuing another warning to Tehran over attacks on commercial shipping.

The conflict has also continued to roil global energy markets, with Brent crude rising above $93 a barrel and briefly crossing the $95 mark in after-hours trading.

US Continues Military Campaign Against Iran

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces targeted a range of Iranian military assets during the latest operation.

According to CENTCOM, the strikes hit maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites and air defence systems.

"The mission will continue to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters," CENTCOM said.

The US military said the operation lasted around five hours and added that American forces have struck dozens of Iranian military sites throughout July while maintaining a naval blockade against Iran.

ALSO READ | 'Attack Ships In Hormuz And We'll Blow Up Bridges, Power Plants': Trump's Open Threat To Iran

Trump Issues Fresh Warning to Tehran

As military operations continued, President Donald Trump warned Iran that attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz would invite direct retaliation against the country's infrastructure.

"From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT," Trump wrote on social media.

The latest warning comes amid continuing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime trade routes.

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'They'll Be Ready Very Soon': Trump

Speaking later at a rally in Georgia, Trump said Iran was continuing to resist a deal despite facing sustained military pressure.

"They're not ready to make a deal because every time they make a deal, they want to change it and everything. They're not ready. They'll be ready very soon," Trump said, according to the Associated Press.

He also expressed confidence that oil prices would eventually decline despite the recent surge linked to the escalating conflict in the region.