US President Donald Trump may launch a ground operation against Iran and send troops to Kharg Island, but the decision on their return will be made by Tehran, not the American leader, said Iran's First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref.
“Trump may decide to send his troops to Kharg Island“, Aref was quoted as saying by Qatari television channel Al Jazeera. "But in that case, the decision to return them will not be his, but the Iranian side's," the first vice president added.
An oil tanker was hit by a shell and caught fire 31 nautical miles (54 km) northwest of Dubai, UAE, the Royal Navy's Merchant Marine Operations (UKMTO) said.
“The company's safety officer reported that an unknown shell hit their tanker on the starboard side, causing a fire on board. "No crew members are missing and are safe," the UKMTO said, without giving details but saying no oil leak had been detected.
According to the International Maritime Organization, seven seafarers have died, nine have been injured and one is missing in the Strait of Hormuz since the current escalation of tensions over Iran began.
An effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz for another month could push Brent crude prices to $150 a barrel, according to Bruce Kasman, chief economist at US bank JP Morgan.
“A scenario of the canal being closed for another month could push oil prices to $150 a barrel and disrupt power supplies for industrial users,“ the Times newspaper quoted him as saying.
On March 30, the price Brent crude oil futures for June 2026 delivery on the London ICE Futures Exchange exceeded $115 per barrel for the first time since March 19, 2026, but later fell to $112.78.