Former President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would continue its blockade of Iranian ports. This decision underscores the risks facing the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passageway through which 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas flow during peacetime.

In response to escalating tensions, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued a stark warning on Wednesday, pledging to deliver “crushing blows beyond the enemy’s imagination” to remaining adversaries in the region.

On the previous night, supporters of Iran’s theocratic regime gathered for rallies where the Revolutionary Guard displayed missiles and launchers. This act of defiance was aimed at both Israel and the U.S., whose recent airstrike campaign targeted Iran’s ballistic missile stockpile.

The timing of future diplomatic talks remains uncertain. Two Pakistani officials, speaking anonymously due to a lack of authorization to discuss the matter publicly, informed The Associated Press that Islamabad is waiting for Tehran to propose a date for the next round of discussions. Meanwhile, Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, head of the Iranian mission in Egypt, stated no delegation would visit Pakistan until the U.S. lifts its blockade.

One killed in drone attack in Lebanon

Meanwhile, in Lebanon, conflict erupted between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah shortly after joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran initiated the hostilities. The state-run National News Agency reported that an Israeli drone strike on the village of Jabbour resulted in one fatality and injured two others early in the morning.

However, Israel’s military has denied carrying out any attacks in the area.

Since a 10-day ceasefire went into effect there on Friday, there have been several Israeli strikes while Hezbollah claimed its first attack on Tuesday.

Since the war started, at least 3375 people have been killed in Iran, according to authorities. More than 2290 people has been killed in Lebanon, 23 people have died in Israel and more than a dozen have died in Gulf Arab states.

Fifteen Israeli soldiers in Lebanon and 13 US service members throughout the region have been killed.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.