President Donald Trump has warned that any damage to cargo ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz will be paid for with seized ‘Iranian money.’ 

The commander-in-chief made the announcement on his Truth Social platform Thursday evening as tensions mount in the strait, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil supply traverses.

‘Please let this statement serve to represent, until further notice, that from this point forth, any and all damages done to Ships, Cargo, or anything related thereto, will be paid for by Iranian Money that the United States has in its possession, and controls,’ Trump posted.

‘These damages may be very substantial but, nevertheless, this is the fair and equitable thing to do.’

Control over the Strait of Hormuz had been a sticking point in the US’s negotiations with Iran, as the Islamic regime tries to retain control of the waterway.

It has repeatedly struck vessels trying to pass through the strait, and on Thursday, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels said they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.

Following the strikes, Trump said he was considering a ‘massive attack’ on Iran.

He had claimed leaders in Tehran wanted a deal but had not yet felt ‘enough pain’ to properly negotiate. He did not say when he would finalize his decision.

The commander-in-chief made the announcement on his Truth Social page

Trump also claimed that Israel would join the new strikes if he were to ask, though he insisted that its help was not needed.

Already, the Pentagon has flown a B-1 bomber over the region for the first time since the ceasefire collapsed and surged extra special operations forces into the area. 

A further 150 medics have also been sent to a military hospital in Germany that treats US troops wounded in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said on X that Iran would harshly respond to any military action taken against it.

‘Our defense doctrine is clear: Eye for an eye,’ he wrote. ‘Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response.’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio then shot back, telling reporters that US policy would be a ‘head for an eye’ when it comes to retaliating against Iranian action. ‘They will pay a very heavy price for the things they’re doing,’ Rubio added.

But as the war continued, the price of Brent crude oil, the international standard, spiked more than six percent, to about $100 a barrel. 

That is the highest level since May, before the two sides reached a preliminary peace agreement last month that has since collapsed.

Houthi rebels claimed on Thursday they struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea

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Previous Iranian attacks damaged an Iraqi vessel moving through the Strait of Hormuz in March

Trump has made repeated threats against the Iranian regime, but since the collapse of the memorandum of understanding, the US has been unable to restore traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Iranian leaders have argued they have a right to manage traffic and potentially charge fees in the Strait of Hormuz, which was open to all and toll-free before the war.

They have since attacked ships using a route through the strait that is overseen by US forces and intended to be outside Tehran’s control.

As the hostilities now continue, Trump is facing pressure at home to wrap up the war as Republicans, facing crucial midterm elections in November, fear a bloodbath if gas prices remain elevated and push inflation higher.

Many Democrats have voiced opposition to the war since its inception. 

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was grilled in a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday, where even a Republican senator rebuked him for not giving ‘straight answers’ to questions.

Hegseth testified that the cost of the war has already exceeded $37.5billion, and the White House is asking Congress for even more than that in emergency war funding.

The US has bombed Iranian radar and missile systems along the Strait of Hormuz for nearly two weeks after Trump’s ceasefire collapsed 

That request, however, comes after four US soldiers were killed over the weekend, bringing the death toll to 18 since the war’s beginning. 

Three died in an Iranian missile and drone attack on an air base in Jordan. One died after an attempted controlled detonation of an Iranian drone. 

More than 400 US troops have been wounded in the fighting.

Nearly half of voters, 49 percent, now say launching military action in Iran was the wrong thing to do, according to a Daily Mail/JL Partners poll of 1,021 registered voters taken between July 17 and 20.

Iran has warned that Britain’s RAF Fairford is a ‘legitimate target’ after the US used the base to launch a B1 bomber raid. 

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement threatening the ‘British regime’ with attacks if it continues to support America’s war effort against Tehran.

‘The aggressive US military, which had been using cruise missiles from its ships in the Indian Ocean in its aggressions after the official resumption of the war, turned to using B1 aircraft flying from Fairford Air Base in England […] as the missile reserves of the aforementioned ships ran out,’ the statement said, according to the IRNA news agency.

‘As Foreign Ministry officials have also clarified, any base used to invade Iranian territory is our legitimate target,’ it added.

According to US news website Axios, the B1 – which can carry two-dozen 2,000lb bombs – took off from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Tuesday. 

It marks the first such mission launched from the UK since Andy Burnham became prime minister.

It was also the first time the US has carried out a B1 mission since fighting in Iran resumed nearly two weeks ago. 

Bloomberg reported earlier this week that Burnham, who took power on Monday following Sir Keir Starmer‘s formal resignation, had approved the use of UK military bases by the US. 

This screen grab from handout video footage released by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on July 17 shows what the US military says are precision strikes on strategic Iranian military sites

Military personnel gather next to a US Air Force B-1 Lancer bomber parked on the tarmac at RAF Fairford in south-west England on March 10

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It is not currently known what the B1’s target in Iran was, but Axios reports the long-range plane was used to hit IRGC assets.

During Operation Epic Fury, B1s were used to hit missile bases, command centres, weapons storage facilities and air defence systems. 

Burnham had agreed to continue Starmer’s policy of allowing Washington to use the air base in Gloucestershire, as well as Diego Garcia airfield in the Chagos Islands for ‘defensive strikes’, according to Bloomberg. 

‘We warn the British monarchy, which is the main cause of the misfortunes of the people of our region and has a dark record of dividing Islamic countries […] not to burden itself any further with this case,’ the IRGC’s statement said.

The military group accused the UK of causing ‘widespread massacres’ in Islamic countries, ‘imposing authoritarian governments’, and organising ‘the occupation of Palestine and the creation of the Israeli Nakba’.

The Nakba, which means ‘catastrophe’ in Arabic, refers to the mass displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.

The statement also condemned Britain for the ‘greatest participation in the recent aggressions of the United States and the Zionist regime’, referring to Israel. 

Ed Miliband, the foreign secretary, has long been against the government’s policy of permitting the US to use British airbases during the war – prompting concern from the White House over his appointment. 

In February, he led opposition on the National Security Council to the use of UK bases for US bombers, triggering tension across the Atlantic. 

Donald Trump warned on Wednesday he would hit a bridge or power plant for every vessel Iran attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. 

It came as oil prices climbed back above $100 a barrel for the first time in two months – after Iran-backed Houthi militants struck two Saudi oil tankers as part of its naval blockade on Saudia Arabia.

The attack risks creating a second chokepoint on the world’s oil supplies amid Iran’s near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20 per cent of the globe’s oil and liquefied natural gas usually flows.

The Yemeni group said it deployed missiles and drones to strike the vessels Encelia and Layla, accusing them of violating its embargo of the Red Sea. 

It followed the Houthis’ announcement this week they were imposing a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia – threatening to unravel a four-year ceasefire with the kingdom.

The benchmark oil price surged sharply on Thursday, after reaching $95 a barrel the day before amid concerns that Yemen’s militia could strangle Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea.

Trump unleashed a 12th consecutive night of strikes against Iran, threatening intense attacks on the nation’s power plants and bridges, with the Islamic Republic also firing at targets in the Middle East. 

The Houthis control ⁠northern Yemen, including territory along the Bab el-Mandeb, a vital maritime trade route that links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Arden and the Indian Ocean.

While the rebels have not formally announced the closure of the waterway, as some had feared might happen, the militia group’s threat to ships using Saudi ports has raised serious concerns over the safety of navigating a channel used by 7 per cent of global maritime traffic. 

File image: oats float near the coast of Bab el-Mandeb, Yemen April 2, 2026

Pictured: Houthi supporters hold up their weapons during a protest against Saudi Arabia

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Even before the group’s renewed threats to shipping traffic in the Red Sea, Tehran’s near-total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz had already stoked inflation around the world, pushing up oil prices and raising fears of a global recession.

The rebels said the operation against the Saudi tankers used cruise missiles and drones, claiming ‘precise’ strikes on both ships that caused blazes to break out on board. 

Naval operations against the kingdom would continue, they added.

They also said Yemeni armed forces had made about 10 vessels ‘retreat and return’.

The group warned that any military action against Yemen would trigger major operations ‘deep within’ Saudi territory, cautioning against further escalation.

The Saudi Arabian state news agency SPA, ​citing an official source at the General Transport Authority, said an attack caused a fire on the bow ​of the tanker Encelia but all crew members were safe. 

SPA did not say who ⁠had targeted the vessel. 

Authorities have secured the vessel and its crew and taken measures to protect the marine environment, describing ​the attack as a violation of international law, SPA reported.

A maritime security ​source said earlier on Thursday that the Encelia had transmitted a distress call via VHF radio, reporting it had ​been struck by a missile while operating at the outer port limits of Saudi Arabia’s Jizan, in the Red Sea, and was on ‌fire. 

Five tankers changed course in the Red Sea to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Wednesday, and three ⁠tankers loaded with Saudi oil for China and India made U-turns on Tuesday.

It remains unclear how fully the Houthis could enforce a naval blockade against the kingdom, but the threat could compound the shock of the Hormuz closure – endangering Riyadh’s ability to bypass the strait for some oil exports.

Millions of barrels per day of Saudi oil has been heading to the kingdom’s Red Sea port of Yanbu to avoid the Strait of Hormuz. 

If shipments cannot pass through the Red Sea’s southern strait, they have only the northern route through the Suez Canal, adding weeks and costs to the journey.

The Houthi threat to impose a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia could significantly widen the war and strain the US military, current and former US officials said.

Two Chinese crude carriers carrying a combined four million barrels of Saudi Arabian oil were heading toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Thursday, shipping data showed.

It comes as Britain withdrew remaining diplomatic staff from Iran as the conflict with the US continued to escalate with a twelfth night of airstrikes and attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea.

A statement on the Foreign Office (FCDO) website said: ‘Due to the security situation, UK staff have been temporarily withdrawn from Iran. Our embassy continues to operate remotely.’

The FCDO advises against all travel to Iran, saying British and dual British-Iranian residents face ‘significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention’.

A similar move was made in February ahead of the start of US and Israeli combat operations.

US Central Command said late on Wednesday that the 12th night of attacks was designed to ‘further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters’.

Announcing the end of the latest wave of strikes on Thursday morning, they said US forces struck military targets including maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites and air defence assets.

‘The strikes further degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial vessels,’ they said on X.

Missiles struck near the cities of Ahvaz, Ramshir and Andimeshk in western Iran, according to Iranian state media, who said two people were killed in the town of Shalamcheh on the Iraqi border.

Kuwait’s army said on X that the country’s air defences were ‘confronting attacks by hostile drones, following the sinful Iranian aggression’.

The US president had warned earlier that one bridge or power plant would be destroyed for each ship shot at by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

‘From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT,’ Trump wrote on social media.

Scattered debris and smoke, at an unknown location, during what CENTCOM says are strikes on Iran

Heavy machinery is targeted at an unknown location, during what CENTCOM says are strikes on Iran

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Foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi also said an ‘eye for an eye’ approach would be adopted by Iran.

‘Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response,’ he posted on X on Wednesday.

Iran’s army and its Revolutionary Guards on Thursday said they attacked several US bases in Kuwait following attacks by American forces on Iran. 

They also attacked and destroyed several American military assets in Jordan.

The targets included a radar for the US THAAD missile defence system, a Patriot system, a C-RAM radar and a helicopter hangar, according to a statement from the Guards aired by state TV.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Thursday they stopped three oil tankers from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as Washington and Tehran continue to vie for control over the vital waterway.

In recent weeks, Iran has hit tankers using a route hugging the Omani coast to traverse the strait, in a bid to strongarm vessels into using its own waters and pay for safe passage.

‘Three oil tankers, provoked and tempted by the child-killing American army, were trying to pass through the mine-laid route south of the Strait of Hormuz, but after one of them exploded and caught fire, the other two quickly turned around and turned back,’ the Guards said in a statement quoted by Iranian state media.

 ‘The Strait of Hormuz is under our control… and any ship that is deceived by the US and intends to pass without coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran will suffer the same fate,’ the statement added.

The statement did not say when the incident happened.

Donald Trump will allow Saudi Arabia to develop its own civilian nuclear program under a sweeping new deal as the Iran war spirals into the Red Sea

The 11th night of strikes on Iran into Wednesday saw air defences opening fire over the capital Tehran.

Iran launched a missile attack on a Jordanian city while alerts were sounded in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Iran has responded to US attacks by targeting energy infrastructure and desalination plants which provide drinking water in neighbouring Gulf countries.

The Guards claimed attacks on Ali Al Salem base, Camp Udairi and a telecommunications tower, while the army said it targeted Camp Doha, Ali Al Salem base and Camp Arifjan, according to separate statements by the forces carried by state TV.

International law generally prohibits such attacks unless the infrastructure is being used for military purposes.

The US on Wednesday announced a landmark deal with Saudi Arabia that would establish a civilian nuclear program in the Gulf country, with Washington insisting the agreement includes nonproliferation safeguards.

The move comes as Trump fights a war with Iran that began in large part over concerns with Tehran’s nuclear program – an issue that remains a key point of contention during now-stalled peace talks.

Two agreements – one on ‘peaceful nuclear cooperation’ and another on ‘bilateral safeguards’ – were signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the US Energy Department said.

The text of the deals was not immediately made public.

‘Together, these two agreements lay the legal foundation for a decades-long, multi-billion-dollar partnership that advances several priority economic and strategic objectives, including nuclear nonproliferation,’ the department said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has previously vowed that his country would ‘without a doubt’ build nuclear weapons if Iran developed them.

The kingdom has faced mounting drone and missile attacks by Iran on its military and civilian infrastructure since Tehran’s war with the US resumed earlier this month.

Saudi officials insist the program is strictly civilian and will allow the kingdom to power its homes with nuclear energy, freeing up more crude for export. 

A government spokesperson said on Thursday: ‘Our Armed Forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it’s on our soil or from abroad. The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself.

‘This includes through operating a layered approach to air and missile defence, provided by Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force assets equipped with a range of advanced capabilities, working closely with our Nato allies.

‘The UK’s approach to the conflict remains the same – we are committed to defending our people, our interests and our allies, acting in accordance with international law and not getting drawn into the wider conflict.’

A issue was identified, which stalled the repair works

Repairs are set to restart on a Cambridge sinkhole as an issue resulted in delays. A sinkhole, described as the “size of a family car”, appeared along Milton Road in Cambridge on July 14.

As a result, a part of the road where the sinkhole formed was closed to repair it. Works were expected to be completed last week, however Anglian Water identified issues within its water network, therefore halting the repairs.

Cambridgeshire County Council has provided an update on the sinkhole repairs. A council spokesperson said: “Anglian Water have now repaired their damaged sewer.

“We’re liaising with our highways contractor to restart the repair work on the road as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding. We’ll provide a further update once we have more information.”

Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in from across the county? Sign up to our dedicated newsletter to make sure you never miss a big story from Cambridge or anywhere else in the county. You can also sign up to our dedicated Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in.

New figures from GfK show overall consumer confidence rose by six points in July to minus 17 – the largest monthly increase since November 2023.

Although confidence remains below zero, the sharp improvement suggests households are becoming more optimistic after years of high inflation and cost-of-living pressures.

The research was carried out between July 1 and July 14, before Andy Burnham officially entered Downing Street, meaning respondents were reacting largely to expectations surrounding the new Prime Minister rather than his policy announcements.

Confidence in the UK’s economy over the past year climbed 10 points to minus 39, while expectations for the year ahead improved by eight points to minus 28.

People also appeared more willing to spend, with GfK’s Major Purchase Index – which measures confidence in buying expensive items such as furniture, electrical goods and cars – jumping eight points to minus 12, its greatest improvement in months.

Confidence in personal finances over the next year also edged into positive territory, rising three points to plus one.

Neil Bellamy, Consumer Insights Director at GfK, said: “Hot on the heels of the summer heatwaves, July has delivered a wave of optimism.”

He suggested several factors had combined to improve sentiment.

“The sense of a fresh start following the appointment of a new Prime Minister surely accounts for some of this bounce.”

Bellamy also pointed to hopes that tensions in the Middle East would ease.

“There were also hopes at the start of July that the Middle East conflict might stabilise and bring UK fuel prices down.”

He added that England’s performances at the FIFA World Cup had also helped boost morale.

“The feel-good factor of the Fifa World Cup will have reinforced sentiment too.”

Despite the sharp improvement, Bellamy cautioned that households are not yet out of the woods.

“July’s improved Overall Index Score remains within the narrow range seen since the end of 2023, and it is a decade since the headline score was in positive territory.”

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He said the Government would now need to turn optimism into lasting economic improvement.

“For the ‘Burnham bounce’ to be sustainable and boost consumer confidence, it will require consistent delivery by the refreshed UK Government against deep cost-of-living challenges and persistent low economic growth.”

The figures provide an encouraging early sign for Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey, who have already announced a series of cost-of-living measures, including a cut to VAT on electricity bills, the return of the £2 bus fare cap and plans to review the frozen £12,570 income tax personal allowance in the Autumn Budget.

While confidence remains in negative territory, the biggest monthly rise since 2023 suggests households are beginning to believe the economic outlook could finally be improving.

Good weather, sporting success or cost of living help – what’s making you feel positive this summer? Tell us in the comments below…

LAS VEGAS (AP) — An investment group that includes ex-Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has bought a minority stake in the Athletics in anticipation of their move to Las Vegas in 2028.

Thursday’s announcement by Harbinger Sports Group did not say what percentage of the Athletics it had acquired. Cuban, who maintains a minority stake in the Mavericks, is the general partner and president of the Atlanta-based group. Atlanta Falcons minority owner Rashaun Williams is the founder and chief investment officer.

Co-founder and CEO Steve Cannon is vice chairman of AMB Sports and Entertainment that oversees Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Atlanta Falcons. Managing partner Jonathan Mariner is the former chief financial officer for Major League Baseball.

“We are minority investors looking to make our investors a lot of money,” Cuban said.

John Fisher is the majority owner of the A’s and is overseeing construction of a $2 billion, 33,000-capacity domed stadium on the Las Vegas Strip.

“We are very pleased to welcome Harbinger Sports Partners as an investor in the Athletics,” the team said in a statement. “The experience of their principals across sports, media, and entertainment, combined with their long-term perspective, makes them a valuable addition to our ownership group as we work to build the future of the franchise in Las Vegas.”

The A’s are playing the second of three planned seasons at a Triple-A ballpark in West Sacramento, California.

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AP Sports Writer Schuyler Dixon in Dallas contributed to this report.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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Residents said the smoke had caused a “fogginess” and “acrid smell” stretching for several miles between Torfaen and Pontypool.

SWFRS warned residents to keep windows and doors closed, and advised commuters to switch air conditioning to recirculation mode in their vehicles.

The fire service said it had cut a full perimeter line around the incident.

“This offers a line of protection with the aim of keeping the incident contained, supported by two additional water bowsers from partners and contractors,” it said.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said crews continued to monitor the situation in Capelulo, near Sychnant Pass, in the wake of a large grass fire on Conwy Mountain.

Elsewhere, firefighters have tackled fires at Hope Mountain and Brymbo, in Wrexham county, Pentrefelin, Holyhead, and Pentre Halkyn overlooking the A55 in Flintshire.

The fire service said they were continuing to oversee conditions as a precaution, with teams from Mid and West Wales Fire Service on hand to help.

The North East Business Awards, now in their 26th year, celebrate the very best of the region’s business community across three areas: Northumberland & Tyneside, Durham, Sunderland & South Tyneside, and Teesside.

Nine Teesside businesses will head to the grand final in October.

Made in the North East award – Binding Solutions Ltd.

Binding Solutions Ltd. (Image: Binding Solutions Ltd)

Binding Solutions has been recognised for its manufacturing excellence, flying the flag for products designed and made in the region.

Binding Solutions are a fast-growing technology company with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and energy use, primarily in the production of steel.

Business Person of the Year – Laura Edgar, Aura Infection Control.

Aura Infection Control’s Managing Director, Laura Edgar, takes the Business Person of the Year title, highlighting her leadership and impact within the infection control sector.

Aura Infection Control is the market leader in dental infection control products and solutions.

Growth award – BA Joinery.

BA Joinery. (Image: BA Joinery)

BA Joinery’s success in the Growth category reflects rapid expansion and ambition, underlining the strength of Teesside’s joinery and construction supply chain.

Small Business of the Year – Colewood Digital.

Colewood Digital has been named Small Business of the Year, showcasing the growing influence of Teesside’s digital marketing firms.

Innovation award – Salesfire.

Tech company Salesfire takes the Innovation award, representing the region’s credentials in software, data, and e-commerce solutions.

Business for Good award – Binding Solutions Ltd.

Binding Solutions adds a second win with Business for Good, recognising the company’s wider social, environmental, or community contribution alongside its commercial performance.

Start-up award – Cognitive HealthTech Ltd.

Cognitive HealthTech Ltd is named Start-up of the Year, for their work in revolutionising brain health monitoring using AI-powered technology.

Best Place to Work award – Aura Infection Control Ltd.

Aura Infection Control Ltd. (Image: Chris Booth, Aura Infection Control)

Aura Infection Control is also crowned Best Place to Work, with the double success pointing to a strong workplace culture as well as effective leadership.

Business of the Year – ProPharma.

Drug development group ProPharma takes the Teesside Business of the Year title and will now compete for the overall North East crown.

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The grand final of the North East Business Awards will take place on Thursday, October 1, at Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield.

The event is expected to bring together leading figures from across the region’s business community, along with sponsors and partners including headline partner Sage and associate partner Newcastle University.

For the Teesside firms, it will be a chance not only to celebrate success but also to showcase the area’s innovation, resilience, and growth to a wider audience.