The Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil chokepoint is once again at the center of a rapidly escalating geopolitical confrontation. In a dramatic escalation of the Iran crisis, US President Donald Trump has called on major global powers to deploy warships alongside the United States in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the strategic waterway remains open. The move comes after Iran’s leadership signaled plans to shut down the strait, a vital corridor through which nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supply moves every day. Trump announced the push for a multinational naval presence, urging countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom to send ships to the region. WATCH

A missile attack has struck the United States Embassy compound in Baghdad, sending smoke rising from the heavily fortified Green Zone in the Iraqi capital. Security sources said the projectile landed within the embassy perimeter and hit a helipad inside the compound, damaging part of the facility’s air defense system. The attack marks the second time the US Embassy in Baghdad has been targeted since the regional war began on February 28. Iraq has once again become a key battleground in the conflict between Iran and the United States. Iranian-aligned militia groups have launched attacks on US bases in the region, while US forces have carried out strikes on pro-Iran groups.