President Donald Trump said he has asked about seven countries to send warships to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open as Iranian strikes continued across Gulf nations. He said the United States is negotiating with countries that rely heavily on Middle East oil to form a coalition to police the vital waterway, through which about one fifth of the world’s traded oil passes. He did not name the countries involved.

Dubai International Airport temporarily suspended operations after a drone struck a fuel tank and caused a fire that was later contained without injuries. Tehran accused the United States of using facilities in the United Arab Emirates to launch strikes on Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export terminal, but provided no evidence. Oil prices surged amid the escalating tensions.

Australia said it would not send a warship to the region, with Transport Minister Catherine King stating that no such request had been received. Canberra has instead provided defensive military support to the United Arab Emirates and said it is not taking offensive action against Iran. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have intensified a humanitarian crisis, with more than 850 people killed and over 850000 displaced.