President Donald Trump urged allied nations to send warships to secure the vital Strait of Hormuz as fighting between the United States, Iran and Israel showed no signs of easing. Iran, meanwhile, called for evacuations from three ports in the United Arab Emirates, alleging without evidence that the United States used facilities there to launch strikes on Iran’s key oil export hub at Kharg Island.

Iran’s foreign minister warned that Tehran would target oil, economic and energy infrastructure linked to the United States and its allies if Iranian oil facilities were hit. Iranian officials said recent strikes on Kharg Island caused no significant damage to oil infrastructure, while emphasizing that the Strait of Hormuz would be closed only to countries attacking Iran.

Regional tensions intensified as missile and drone attacks continued across the Middle East. A missile struck inside the United States Embassy compound in Baghdad, and the United States identified six service members killed in a military aircraft crash linked to operations against Iran. Lebanon’s humanitarian crisis also worsened amid Israeli strikes on Iran-backed militants, with hundreds killed and hundreds of thousands displaced.

Global concerns over oil supplies and shipping security mounted as Britain and other allies discussed options to protect maritime traffic. The United Arab Emirates said it reserved the right to defend itself but would continue to exercise restraint despite Iran’s threats.