US President Donald Trump's administration has bypassed congressional review to approve $8.6 billion military sales to Middle Eastern allies Israel, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE. These include Patriot air and missile defence replenishment services costing $4.01 billion and APKWS, a laser-guided weapons kit.
The US military conducted strikes on military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, the Axios news outlet reports, citing an unidentified senior US official. Several blasts have been reported on the Island, a vital oil export terminal for the country, stated Iranian media, adding a rail bridge has been struck in central Iranian city.
US President Donald Trump has rejected any negotiations with Iran and raised the possibility that the Iran war would only end once Tehran no longer has a functioning military or any remaining leadership in power.
Oil prices were hovering near seven-month highs on Wednesday as the threat of military conflict between the US and Iran that could disrupt supply continued to worry investors as talks between the parties are set for Thursday. Brent prices soared to $71.10 per barrel, their highest since July 31, 2025.