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- October 19, 202616°
- BIST10011,722-2.89%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,195.30+0.34%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,720+0.86%
- October 19, 202616°
US and Saudi Arabia strike Iran-backed groups in Iraq, oil prices rise
US and Saudi forces launched airstrikes in eastern Iraq against Iran-backed militants in retaliation. The strikes, amid rising Middle East tensions, pushed crude oil prices up by more than 4%.
A joint US-Saudi air operation on Wednesday targeted logistics and weapons facilities belonging to Iran-backed groups in eastern Iraq. According to a US military statement, warplanes struck targets belonging to "Iran-aligned terrorists."
The Saudi defense ministry announced the strikes were linked to actions by "terrorist militias loyal to Iran" against the kingdom's oil facilities. A pause in the days-long clashes ended on Tuesday night.
Crude oil prices rose by more than 4% as the fresh military tensions in the Middle East fueled global supply concerns.
Iran claims 'full control' of Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Revolutionary Guard announced on Wednesday it had attacked and stopped three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials claimed they have "full control" over the strategic waterway.
Washington had earlier said the pause in hostilities aimed to launch a new round of negotiations, including over the Strait of Hormuz. US forces reported intercepting missiles fired by Iran at American bases in the Gulf.
Amid these developments, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Washington. It was their first face-to-face meeting since the Middle East war that began in late February.
Trump-Netanyahu meeting and Iran focus
The closed-door meeting, which lasted about an hour and a half, was described as "positive and productive" by the US administration. In a video message after the meeting, Netanyahu said, "It was one of the best meetings I've had with the US president."
The Israeli prime minister said they discussed "ensuring our common goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons." Trump posted on social media: "A very good meeting!" and added, "Frankly, many important issues were discussed."
Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon said Netanyahu's visit came "at a critical time for the Middle East," noting that Iran continues to "choose terror over negotiation" and block the Strait of Hormuz.
Israel had not taken part in the latest round of US-Iran clashes, which flared up earlier this month after the April ceasefire collapsed. The meeting was also expected to address the implementation of the US-sponsored framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon signed last month, as well as diplomatic efforts for Gaza's reconstruction. However, it was not clear whether the leaders discussed these issues.
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