United States President Donald Trump has called on major world powers to help secure the Strait of Hormuz after Iran choked off the vital shipping lane amid an escalating regional war. Strikes have hit the United States embassy in Baghdad and a major energy facility in the United Arab Emirates, while oil prices have surged by 40 percent as the conflict disrupts global supplies.

The fighting, which began after joint United States and Israeli attacks on Iran, has spread across the region, including renewed clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran has warned that United States-linked oil and energy firms would be 'turned into a pile of ashes' if targeted, while more than 15,000 sites in Iran have reportedly been struck. Iranian authorities say over 1,200 people have been killed and millions displaced, though figures could not be independently verified.

As both sides intensify military operations, concerns are growing about wider regional instability and a potential humanitarian crisis. Israeli officials say the war has entered a decisive phase and will continue as long as necessary, while diplomatic appeals to end the hostilities have so far failed to gain traction.