Trump calls for producers to pump more oil amid Iran shipping lane fears
President Donald Trump called for the US and other oil-producing economies to pump more oil as crude prices remain volatile following strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Mr Trump urged stepped-up production as the White House sharpened its warnings to Iran against closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas shipping lane, in retaliation for the US strikes on Iran's nuclear programme.
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'To the Department of Energy: DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! And I mean NOW!!!' Mr Trump posted on social media.
He added: 'EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN. I'M WATCHING! YOU'RE PLAYING RIGHT INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. DON'T DO IT!'
The push by Mr Trump comes at an uncertain moment as US embassies and military installations in the Middle East are on high alert for potential retaliation.
The USS Dwight D Eisenhower and other warships cross the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf (Information Technician Second Class Ruskin Naval/U.S. Navy via AP)
Global markets are trying to ascertain what lays ahead after the US struck key Iranian nuclear facilities with a barrage of 30,000-pound bunker busting bombs and Tomahawk missiles.
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Iran's parliament has approved cutting off the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane in the Persian Gulf that about 20% of global oil and gas passes through.
It is now up to Iran's national security council to decide whether to move forward with the idea, which could lead to a spike in the cost of goods and services worldwide.
The price of oil jumped 4% shortly after trading began on Sunday night, but it quickly pared back as the focus shifted from what the US military did to how Iran would react.
Oil futures were flip-flopping in Monday morning trading between gains and losses. They still remain higher than they were before the fighting began a little more than a week ago.
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned Tehran anew against closing the strait, saying 'the Iranian regime would be foolish to make that decision'.
The State Department has doubled the number of emergency evacuation flights it is providing for American citizens wishing to leave Israel, and ordered the departure of nonessential staff from the US Embassy in Lebanon.
It also is stepping up travel warnings around the Middle East because of concerns Iran will retaliate against US interests in the region.
In an alert sent to all Americans worldwide and posted to its website on Sunday, the State Department warned all US citizens abroad to exercise caution.
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt (Evan Vucci/AP)
The US Embassy in Qatar issued an alert on its website on Monday urging American citizens in the energy-rich nation to 'shelter in place until further notice'.
Hours later, the Qatari government issued an extraordinary order to shut its busy airspace.
Qatar, across the Persian Gulf from Iran, is home to Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts the forward headquarters of the US military's Central Command.
Many energy industry analysts are sceptical that Iran would go forward with a full closure of the strait, something that it has threatened to do in the past.
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Iran would face the possibility of retaliation against its own shipments and the possibility that the move would upset China, the biggest purchaser of Iranian crude.
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Daily Mirror
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
All the flights cancelled as airlines axe routes amid Iran-US war fears
The US bombing of three nuclear sites in Iran over the weekend has prompted airlines across the globe to temporary suspend commercial flights to and from the Middle East A number of airlines, from major to low-budget, have temporarily cancelled their planned flights in the Middle East amid the increasing conflict between Iran and Israel. Tension reached a new level today as Iran retaliated after Donald Trump said the US carried out a "very successful" bombing attack on three nuclear sites in Iran over the weekend. Israel first hit Tehran on June 13 as part of a widescale attack against Iran's nuclear programme, which has sparked a series of back and forth bombardments since then. Now, dozens of airlines have deemed it too dangerous to fly commercial planes across certain parts of the Middle East due to the worrying situation. Below is a list of all the planned flights known to be suspended at the time of writing that we've broken down by carrier - please note that information is liable to change at any moment and to check with the airline if you think your flight is affected. Aegean Airlines Greece 's Aegean Airlines has cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv up to and including the early morning flight on July 12, as well as all flights to and from Beirut, Amman, and Erbil through the morning arrivals of June 28, it announced on X/ Twitter. Affected passenger can apply for a refund, credit voucher or a rearranged flight on a different date. Aeroflot Russian airline Aeroflot said that it had cancelled flights between Moscow and Tehran, and made changes to other routes in the Middle East. Air Astana Kazakhstan's Air Astana cancelled flights to Dubai and Doha planned for Monday (June 23) due to "conflict escalation in Middle East" and said it that it will "closely monitor" the situation. Passengers affected by the suspended flights will be offered a full refund or free rebooking to for alternative travel dates, the airline added. AirBaltic Latvia's airBaltic said that all flights to and from Tel Aviv until September 30 had been cancelled. Air Canada A statement from the airline reads: "Due to the ongoing security situation in the Middle East, and as a precautionary measure, Air Canada is temporarily suspending its daily, non-stop service between Toronto and Dubai as of June 18, 2025. The suspension is in effect up to and including July 3, 2025, at which time it may be further extended following a safety assessment in consultation with government and other authorities. It added: 'If your itinerary is affected, we will send you an email with more information about your options,' advising customers who used a travel advisor to contact them directly. Air Europa The Spanish airline said that it has cancelled its flights to and from Tel Aviv until July 31. Air France Air France confirmed it will suspend its services to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates until at least Tuesday (June 24) due to the conflict. The airline will also extend its suspension of the route to Tel Aviv, in Israel, which has been repeatedly targetted by Iran's airstrikes. A spokesperson said: "Due to the current situation, the airline has decided to cancel its flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh until Tuesday, June 24th inclusive." It added that customers whose flights have been cancelled have already been informed and that, "they can change their trip free of charge or request a credit note or a full refund if they no longer travel." Air India Air India said on Monday (June 23) that it has has suspended flights over Middle Eastern airspace after Iranian missile strikes on bases in Iraq and Qatar. Air India Express India's low-budget carrier confirmed that it had already diverted and cancelled flights on affected routes in the Middle East. A spokesperson further said: 'As a result of the ongoing situation in the Middle East and suspension of Qatar airspace, Air India Express has diverted our Doha-bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned our flight bound from Kannur." American Airlines American Airlines suspended its only Middle East route - the daily service between Philadelphia and Doha, Qatar. The airline previously noted: 'American Airlines has made adjustments to its Doha, Qatar (DOH) operation, temporarily suspending flights between DOH and Philadelphia (PHL) until Sunday, June 22. We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation further as needed.' No immediate resumption has been confirmed. Azerbaijan Airlines The Azeri airline said it has suspended flights to and from both Tel Aviv and Tabriz in Iran until June 30 due to, "recent developments in the Middle East and the closure of airspace by several countries." Bluebird Airways The Greek airline has has cancelled all flights to and from Israel until June 30, pending a reassessment of the security situation in the Middle East . British Airways The UK's biggest airline cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Doha yesterday (June 22) but are set to resume today (June 23), albeit with with ongoing monitoring and flexible rebooking options for affected passengers through to July 6. Also suspended flights to Bahrain until June 30. A spokesperson for British Airways said on Sunday: 'As a result of recent events, we have adjusted our flight schedule to ensure the safety of our customers and crew, which is always our top priority. 'We are contacting our customers to advise them of their options while we work through this developing situation.' BA passengers with bookings to Dubai and Doha between now and Tuesday 24 June can postpone their trips up to 4 July by calling the Delta Airlines The US carrier said that travel to, from or through Tel Aviv may be impacted between June 12 and August 31. EasyJet The popular low-budget airline has now extended its already suspended flights to and from Israel until June 30. Initially, flights were suspended until the end of October last year - but this was stretched out until March and then the most recent extension. EgyptAir The Egyptian carrier confirmed that it is cancelling all flights to Beirut, Amman, Baghdad, and Erbil (in Kurdistan) until further notice. "We urge affected passengers to review their bookings by contacting EgyptAir's customer service centre," a spokesperson said. El Al and Sundor Both of Israel's El Al and Sundor carriers have cancelled all of the flights until June 27. A statement from the El Al, which owns the airlines said: "Following developments in the security situation and according to the state's decision, EL AL and Sundor's regular flight schedule is cancelled through June 27, 2025. "Additionally, EL AL and Sundor flights scheduled to depart through July 15, 2025, have been closed for new bookings in the booking systems until the security situation becomes clearer, and with the aim of providing solutions for passengers whose flights were cancelled." Ethiopian Airlines A post on X on June 16 read: "Ethiopian Airlines would like to inform its esteemed passengers that due to operational considerations, all flights between Addis Ababa (ADD) and Tel Aviv (TLV) in both directions have been suspended until 22 June 2025. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and kindly request affected passengers to contact the nearest Ethiopian Airlines ticket office." It added: "We will provide updates as new information becomes available," - no further information on any more cancelled flights has been given. Etihad Airways The airline has suspended all flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv until and including July 15. In a statement the airline said: 'As a result of recent events, we have adjusted our flight schedule to ensure the safety of our customers and crew, which is always our top priority. 'We are contacting our customers to advise them of their options while we work through this developing situation.' Emirates Emirates has announced that it is temporarily suspending all flights to Iran and Iraq, which covers passengers connecting to these destinations via Dubai. This is until and including Monday, June 30. The airline warns that these customers 'will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice'. Finnair The Finnish airline said: "Due to the heightened safety situation in the Middle East, we are suspending flights to Doha and cancelling all flights from June 19 to June 30, 2025, as well as flight AY1982 on July 1, 2025. We will contact all Finnair customers personally about the cancellations. "Flights are cancelled two days before the original departure date to ensure we can offer you the best possible alternative flight(s). Due to the situation in the region, we are currently not rerouting our customers to or via Doha. If your destination is Doha, or your journey starts from Doha, we unfortunately cannot offer you an alternative flight." It added that none of its flights are going through the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Syria or Israel. Flydubai Flydubai said that it had temporarily suspended flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Israel and Syria until June 30. Iberia Express The Spanish budget airline confirmed the suspension of its flights to and from Israel until at least June 30. Indigo The Indian-based carrier said in a statement on X/Twitter on Monday (June 23): "In view of the evolving situation in the Middle East, some of our flights may experience delays or diversions. These adjustments are being made to ensure operations remain within safe and compliant airspace. "We recommend checking your flight status regularly. If your flight is impacted, alternate options can be easily explored through our website. We continue to monitor the situation closely in coordination with the relevant authorities. We appreciate your patience and understanding." Iraqi Airways Iraqi Airways cancelled flights from Amman in Jordan to the Iraq port city of Basra until June 25. hey are expected to resume these flights the following morning of June 26. A statement from the carrier on Monday (June 23) said: 'Due to the current regional situation, we inform Iraqi citizens in Amman who wish to travel to Basra that our company will operate a direct flight from Queen Alia International Airport in Amman to Basra International Airport.' Israir The Israeli airline confirmed that it had cancelled all its flights from and to Israel until June 30 and is not selling any more flights up to an including July 7. Ita Airways The Italian Airline said that it would extend the suspension of Tel Aviv flights until July 31, including two flights scheduled on August 1. KLM Dutch airline KLM said it has cancelled all its flights to and from Tel Aviv 'until further notice" after initially suspending them until at least July 1. It added that some flights to, from or via Beirut until June 29 could also be impacted. 'We assess on a daily basis whether it's safe and responsible to operate,' a spokesperson said. Kuwait Airways Kuwait Airways has all its suspended its flights departing from Kuwait on June 23. A post on X/Twitter read: "Due to developments in the region, flights departing from Kuwait have been suspended. "The weather conditions are being monitored and evaluated. Any updates will be announced in this regard. We hope everyone will follow the news from the official channels of Kuwait Airways. We ask God to protect Kuwait and its people from all harm." The announcement follows a closure of airspace by Qatar and Bahrain as Iran attacked the Al Udeid US military base in Doha. Lufthansa Group Lufthansa Group confirmed that it is suspending its flights to the Middle East as follows: Tel Aviv (until and including July 31); Tehran (until and including July 31); Amman (until and including July 11); Erbil (until and including July 11) and Beirut (until and including June 30). The company's affected airlines include Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings and Swiss. Pegaus The Turkish airline said that it had cancelled flights to Iran until June 30 and flights to Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan until June 23. PIA Pakistan's main airline has temporarily cancelled flights to a number of Middle East destinations, including Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain and Dubai. No indication of when they will resume has been given. "In view emerging situation in the Gulf region, #PIA is temporarily suspending its flights to #Doha, #Kuwait, #Bahrain and #Dubai," a tweet read on Monday (June 23) evening. Passengers have been advised to contact the airline for further information or to rebook an alternative flight. Qatar Airways Qatar Airways issued a statement: "Effective 22 June, 2025: To ensure connectivity and minimise disruption, Qatar Airways has rescheduled a number of flights over the coming weeks in order to preserve the integrity, reliability and resilience of the airline's global network. The airline confirmed it had temporarily cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq and Syria due to the current situation in the region. It added: "The affected airports in Iran include Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA), Mashhad Airport (MHD), Shiraz Airport (SYZ). "In Iraq, the affected airports are Baghdad Airport (BGW), Erbil Airport (EBL), Basra Airport (BSR), Sulaymaniyah Airport (ISU), Najaf Airport (NJF). In Syria, the affected airport is Damascus International Airport (DAM)". SalamAir Oman's budget carrier announced that is has cancelled all flights to Iran , Iraq and Azerbaijan up to and including June 30. "Passengers connecting through Muscat with final destinations of Iran, Iraq or Azerbaijan will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice," the airline added. Singapore Airlines Singapore Airlines said it has cancelled all flights between Singapore and Dubai until June 25. The carrier had earlier cancelled all flights between Singapore and Dubai on 23 June. The company that the cancellations followed 'a security assessment of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East'. Tarom Romania's main airline said that it had suspended all commercial flights to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut and Amman until June 24. Transavia KLM's budget airline said it has cancelled flights to and from Amman in Jordan and Beirut in Lebanon until at least June 30, while the Tel Aviv route is closed until September 7. TUS Airways The Cypriot airline cancelled all its flights to and from Israel scheduled up to and including June 24. Flights scheduled for departure between June 25 and June 30 are currently closed for sale, pending further developments, it said. Turkish Airlines All Turkish Airlines flights to Baghdad, Damascus and Tehran have been cancelled up to and including June 30. United Airlines United Airlines has suspended its daily flights between Newark Liberty International Airport and Dubai. This follow its suspension of all flights to the Tel Aviv Airport last week. United said the decision was "due to conflict in the region," according to CBS, and did not say when flights between the two destinations would resume. Wizz Air The budget airline Wizz Air said that it is avoiding overflying Israeli, Iraqi, Iranian, and Syrian airspace until further notice.
Western Telegraph
29 minutes ago
- Western Telegraph
Iran launches missiles at US base in Qatar in retaliation for American bombing
There were no US casualties, Donald Trump said as he dismissed the attack as a 'very weak response', adding that Washington was warned by Tehran in advance. 'Most importantly, they've gotten it all out of their 'system,' and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE,' the US president posted on Truth Social. Qatar condemned the attack on Al Udeid Air Base but said it intercepted the short and medium-range ballistic missiles. Satellite image showing Al Udeid Air Base (Planet Labs PBC/AP) Iran said the volley matched the number of bombs dropped by the US on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend, adding that it targeted the base because it was outside populated areas. Those comments, made immediately after the attack, suggested Tehran wanted to de-escalate with the US, something Mr Trump said after the strikes early on Sunday on Iran. He said Iran might be able to 'now proceed to Peace and Harmony' and he would encourage Israel to do the same. However, Israel's war on Iran continued, with the Israeli military expanding its campaign on Monday to target sites symbolic for the country's theocracy. Iran announced the attack on Qatar on state television as martial music played. A caption on screen called it 'a mighty and successful response' to 'America's aggression'. Meanwhile, Iraqis said they were informed by US officials that missiles had been launched toward the the Ain al-Assad base housing US troops in western Iraq, but the missiles never arrived, according to an Iraqi security source. A US military official said there was no confirmed attack on the base in Iraq. Donald Trump (Carlos Barria/AP) Iran fired 19 missiles at the base in Qatar, and one impacted the facility but caused no casualties, a Qatari military officer said. Major General Shayeq Al Hajri told reporters that seven missiles were fired initially from Iran and all were intercepted over the water between the two countries by Qatari air defences. Iran then fired 12 more missiles and 11 were intercepted over Qatari territory, but one hit the US base, Maj Gen al Hajri said. It was not clear how much damage was caused by the missile. Mr Trump said 14 missiles were fired, 13 were brought down and one was 'set free' because it posed no threat. The Al Udeid base is home to the Combined Air Operations Centre, which provides command and control of air power across the region, as well as the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, the largest such unit in the world. Just before the explosions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on the social platform X: 'We neither initiated the war nor seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.' The retaliation came a day after the US launched a surprise attack on Sunday morning on three of Iran's nuclear sites.
Leader Live
29 minutes ago
- Leader Live
Iran launches missiles at US base in Qatar in retaliation for American bombing
There were no US casualties, Donald Trump said as he dismissed the attack as a 'very weak response', adding that Washington was warned by Tehran in advance. 'Most importantly, they've gotten it all out of their 'system,' and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE,' the US president posted on Truth Social. Qatar condemned the attack on Al Udeid Air Base but said it intercepted the short and medium-range ballistic missiles. Iran said the volley matched the number of bombs dropped by the US on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend, adding that it targeted the base because it was outside populated areas. Those comments, made immediately after the attack, suggested Tehran wanted to de-escalate with the US, something Mr Trump said after the strikes early on Sunday on Iran. He said Iran might be able to 'now proceed to Peace and Harmony' and he would encourage Israel to do the same. However, Israel's war on Iran continued, with the Israeli military expanding its campaign on Monday to target sites symbolic for the country's theocracy. Iran announced the attack on Qatar on state television as martial music played. A caption on screen called it 'a mighty and successful response' to 'America's aggression'. Meanwhile, Iraqis said they were informed by US officials that missiles had been launched toward the the Ain al-Assad base housing US troops in western Iraq, but the missiles never arrived, according to an Iraqi security source. A US military official said there was no confirmed attack on the base in Iraq. Iran fired 19 missiles at the base in Qatar, and one impacted the facility but caused no casualties, a Qatari military officer said. Major General Shayeq Al Hajri told reporters that seven missiles were fired initially from Iran and all were intercepted over the water between the two countries by Qatari air defences. Iran then fired 12 more missiles and 11 were intercepted over Qatari territory, but one hit the US base, Maj Gen al Hajri said. It was not clear how much damage was caused by the missile. Mr Trump said 14 missiles were fired, 13 were brought down and one was 'set free' because it posed no threat. The Al Udeid base is home to the Combined Air Operations Centre, which provides command and control of air power across the region, as well as the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, the largest such unit in the world. Just before the explosions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on the social platform X: 'We neither initiated the war nor seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.' The retaliation came a day after the US launched a surprise attack on Sunday morning on three of Iran's nuclear sites.
