US requests for UNSC meeting over Venezuela 'crisis'

Speaking at a Women's History Month event at the White House, the US president said he had been fully briefed on the situation and described the incident as "terrible."

In a post by the White House, President Trump, while acknowledging that the United States is currently the world's leading oil producer and stands to benefit financially from higher crude prices, emphasised that his administration's overriding mission remains the permanent dismantling of Iran's nuclear program.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned a drone strike on the commercial vessel Arctic Metagaz in the Mediterranean. Calling it "a terrorist attack & a war crime," she detailed the crew's rescue after a gas explosion, criticised Malta's refusal to assist the injured, and denounced the European silence.

The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution condemning Iran's "egregious attacks" against regional neighbours, demanding an immediate halt to hostilities and interference with maritime trade. While 13 members voted in favour, Russia and China abstained, with Tehran dismissing the move as a "manifest injustice" and a "serious setback."

Two oil tankers caught fire near Iraq after being struck by an "unknown projectile," with UKMTO reporting all crew are "evacuated and safe." This follows a surge in maritime attacks amid regional conflict, drawing a sharp response from India and warnings from President Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

The Trump administration has launched "unfair trade practice" probes into 16 nations, including India and China, to reinstate tariff pressure. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated the "investigations will focus on economies" with "structural excess capacity." Additional probes into forced labour could lead to new tariffs by July.

The US will release 172 million barrels of oil "beginning next week" to stabilse markets amid war with Iran. President Trump vowed to "finish the job" despite Tehran's threats to "destroy" the economy. While Trump suggests there is "practically nothing left to target," Israel claims it has "a broad bank of targets."

Saudi Arabia intercepted multiple drones targeting the "Shaybah oil field" as regional tensions soar. Amid the conflict, Russia and Saudi Arabia "emphasised the need" for international efforts to prevent escalation. Meanwhile, the US warned Russia not to intervene, despite Trump and Putin discussing "opportunity for some peace" in Ukraine.

"Over the past 11 days, our military has virtually destroyed Iran. Tough country," Trump said. Describing the Persian Gulf country as "tough", he asserted that its core military systems had been "virtually destroyed".

He said that Iran was paying a big price for inflicting 47 years' worth of damage to the world.