US-Israel-Iran War Live Latest Update Today: US Sanctions 12 Iran-Linked Targets as Tehran Warns Army Ready to ‘Teach a Lesson’ Amid Qatar & Kuwait Push Fresh Ceasefire Talks

Middle East Update: The US imposed new sanctions on Iran-linked entities as Tehran warned of military retaliation. Oil prices climbed nearly 3% amid fears of ceasefire collapse and Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

By: Amreen Ahmad
Last Updated: May 12, 2026 02:31:42 IST

US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Fresh tensions between the United States and Iran deepened global uncertainty on Monday after Washington announced a new wave of sanctions targeting Iran-linked individuals and companies accused of facilitating oil exports and military procurement networks. The move came as Iran’s parliamentary speaker warned that the country’s armed forces were prepared to “teach a lesson” to any aggressor, signaling that diplomatic progress remains fragile.

The latest developments arrive at a time when oil markets remain volatile, the Strait of Hormuz continues to face disruption concerns and global investors are watching every statement from Washington and Tehran closely. Brent crude prices climbed nearly 3% to settle above $104 per barrel, while US crude crossed $98, reflecting rising fears over energy supply stability.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: US Expands Sanctions on Iran-Linked Network

The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 12 Iran-linked targets, including three individuals and nine companies allegedly involved in facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China.

According to US officials:

  • Four companies are based in Hong Kong
  • Four are located in the UAE
  • One company operates from Oman
  • The network allegedly helped Tehran bypass existing restrictions

Washington says the sanctions are aimed at limiting Iran’s ability to fund military programs and regional proxy groups.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Strategic Petroleum Reserve Activated

In an attempt to calm global energy markets, the Trump administration announced plans to loan 53.3 million barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).

Key figures include:

  • 53.3 million barrels approved for temporary release
  • Up to 92.5 million barrels had previously been offered
  • Nearly 20% of global oil flows pass through the Strait of Hormuz

Energy analysts believe the move is intended to prevent another sharp spike in fuel prices if Middle East shipping disruptions worsen.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Iran Warns of Strong Military Response

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a stern warning, saying Tehran’s military forces are fully prepared for retaliation and he stated that:

  • Iran would respond to “any aggression”
  • The US could be “surprised” by Iran’s reaction
  • Military readiness remains at a high level

The remarks followed US President Donald Trump describing the ceasefire as being “on massive life support.”

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Oil Prices Jump Amid Ceasefire Fears

Global oil benchmarks surged after fears emerged that ceasefire talks could collapse and market data showed:

  • Brent crude settled at $104.21 per barrel, up 2.88%
  • WTI crude closed at $98.07, rising 2.78%
  • Brent touched an intraday high of $105.99
  • WTI briefly crossed $100.37

Traders remain concerned about shipping security through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Poll Shows Americans Question War Goals

A new Reuters/Ipsos survey revealed growing skepticism among Americans regarding Washington’s involvement in the Iran conflict and poll highlights:

  • 66% of Americans say Trump has not clearly explained US war objectives
  • Nearly all Democratic voters expressed dissatisfaction
  • Around one-third of Republicans also questioned the administration’s strategy

Despite criticism, Trump’s approval rating reportedly improved slightly from recent lows.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: US Issues Fresh Banking Alert

The US Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an alert warning banks and financial institutions about alleged sanction-evasion methods linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and authorities urged banks to:

  • Monitor suspicious oil-related transactions
  • Track shell companies
  • Watch for covert procurement networks

The warning reflects broader concerns over financial channels being used to bypass sanctions.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Diplomacy Continues Behind the Scenes

Regional leaders continue pushing for diplomatic engagement despite escalating rhetoric while Qatar and Kuwait held talks focused on:

  • Preserving the fragile ceasefire
  • Preventing wider regional escalation
  • Encouraging sustainable negotiations

Diplomatic observers say Gulf nations are increasingly worried about economic and security fallout if conflict resumes.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Lebanon Conflict Adds to Regional Pressure

The United Nations raised alarm after reporting around 100 Israeli strikes on Lebanon within 24 hours.

According to humanitarian officials:

  • 51 people were reportedly killed
  • Two medical workers were among the dead
  • Thousands remain displaced

UN officials warned that continuing violence could further destabilize the broader Middle East region.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Global Markets Brace for More Volatility

Financial markets remain highly sensitive to developments involving the US, Iran and Israel while investors are now monitoring:

  • Potential reopening or closure of the Strait of Hormuz
  • Upcoming Trump-Xi Jinping talks
  • Additional sanctions or military moves
  • Oil supply disruptions across the Gulf

Analysts warn that prolonged uncertainty could push energy prices even higher and place renewed inflation pressure on global economies.

Most Popular

The Sunday Guardian is India’s fastest
growing News channel and enjoy highest
viewership and highest time spent amongst
educated urban Indians.

The Sunday Guardian is India’s fastest growing News channel and enjoy highest viewership and highest time spent amongst educated urban Indians.

© Copyright ITV Network Ltd 2025. All right reserved.