Hamas has named Khalil al-Hayya as its new overall leader as the US widened its military offensive against Iran, Kuwait reported attacks from Tehran, and oil prices climbed following strikes and a vessel fire in the Strait of Hormuz.
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Key facts
- Hamas named Khalil al-Hayya as its new overall leader.
- Kuwait's army said it was confronting missile and drone attacks from Iran.
- The US expanded its offensive against Iran, targeting military and coastal sites.
- Brent crude for September delivery rose 2.72% to $90.50 a barrel.
- A vessel caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Palestinian militant group Hamas has named Khalil al-Hayya as its new overall leader, according to the Guardian, as the wider Middle East crisis continued to escalate. The announcement came amid a series of military developments involving the United States and Iran.
Kuwait’s army said it was confronting missile and drone attacks originating from Tehran, the Guardian reported. The statement pointed to a widening of the conflict beyond the immediate parties involved.
The United States expanded its offensive against Iran, even as diplomats claimed talks were ongoing. According to CENTCOM, US assets targeted Iranian military command centers, air defense and coastal surveillance sites, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and communications networks.
CENTCOM said the strikes were intended to further diminish Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels and civilian mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The US military said it was holding Iran accountable at the direction of the Commander in Chief.
The developments had an immediate effect on energy markets. The price of oil jumped in early Asian trade on Monday after the latest wave of US strikes on Iran and after a vessel caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, the Guardian reported.
Brent crude for September delivery rose 2.72% to $90.50 a barrel by around 0100 GMT, after briefly crossing $91 a barrel. That marked its highest price since June, reflecting concern over supply routes through one of the world’s most important shipping corridors.
Why it matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global oil shipments, so instability there can push energy prices higher worldwide. The combination of a new Hamas leader, reported attacks on Kuwait and an expanding US offensive signals a broadening conflict with potential regional and economic consequences.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new leader of Hamas?
According to the Guardian, Hamas named Khalil al-Hayya as its new overall leader.
How did oil prices react?
Brent crude for September delivery rose 2.72% to $90.50 a barrel by around 0100 GMT, after briefly crossing $91 a barrel, its highest price since June.
What did the US strikes target?
CENTCOM said US assets targeted Iranian military command centers, air defense and coastal surveillance sites, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and communications networks to reduce Iran's ability to attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Timeline
- Hamas names new leader as Kuwait says it is under fire from Iran – Middle East crisis live
The Guardian World: Palestinian militant group names Khalil al-Hayya as new overall leader as Kuwait army says it is confronting missile and drone attacks from Tehran US expands Iran offensive as diplomats claim talks ongoing The price of oil jumped in early Asian trade on Monday after the US carri