The US and Israel have been accused by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of maintaining an "evil and criminal presence" in the region, as oil prices rebounded after a five-day decline. The IRGC's statement comes amid ongoing diplomatic talks between the US and Iran, which have raised concerns about regional stability.
Meanwhile, the US under President Donald Trump has proposed a $10 billion regional infrastructure fund to help rebuild energy infrastructure in the Middle East, aiming to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for oil and gas transport. This initiative is seen as a response to the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, which has disrupted maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.
Iran has also warned that it would significantly alter its defensive and anti-air operations in the event of a new US attack, potentially changing the dynamics of the conflict. The IRGC's growing influence in Iran, following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has further complicated the geopolitical landscape.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments, has seen a sharp decline since the start of the conflict, highlighting the economic and strategic stakes involved.
