US carries out more strikes on Iran and resumes blockade of nation’s ports – Middle East crisis live

The United States has carried out a third consecutive night of strikes on Iran and reinstated a blockade of the country's ports, The Guardian reports. President Donald Trump announced a new maritime blockade covering the Strait of Hormuz, saying the shipping route remains open to all vessels except Iranian ships, while Washington issued fresh Iran-related sanctions on Tuesday. The strikes and the blockade have lifted oil prices to their highest level since the two countries agreed a peace deal earlier this month. Economists warn that if the renewed conflict isn't resolved within a week, those resurgent oil and fuel prices could cement a fourth interest rate rise in Australia this year.

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