Gulf Escalation: Iran and the U.S. traded fresh blows as Tehran’s IRGC said it hit a U.S. base in Jordan’s Al Azraq and two U.S. destroyers, while Jordan’s air defenses intercepted 18 of 20 ballistic missiles and reported no casualties. Maritime Pressure: The U.S. then struck five IRGC-linked Iranian crude tankers, disabling them after Iran’s attempted missile attacks on a U.S. warship; oil prices jumped above $99 as the Strait of Hormuz crisis deepened. Regional Spillover: Iran-backed Houthis escalated the wider fight by attacking four Saudi cities and targeting oil facilities, injuring more than 70 people, prompting further U.S. action at sea. Sanctions Drive: Washington also ratcheted economic pressure with new sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector, including airlines and firms tied to Mahan Air, as part of “Operation Economic Outcast.” Gaza & Accountability: In Gaza, Israel continued strikes despite a ceasefire, killing children and others, while a UN rapporteur warned that Israel’s rubble removal could erase war-crime evidence. UK-Israel Rift: Britain moved to ban trade in goods from West Bank settlements, and Israel retaliated by closing the UK consulate in East Jerusalem and expelling/limiting UK involvement. Diplomatic Tensions: The UAE and Israel traded accusations over whether the UAE warned Netanyahu about the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack, with Netanyahu’s office denying any warning and the UAE refusing to confirm details.