By Staff Reporter

US President Donald Trump has reiterated that the United States has “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz, even as shipping traffic through the strategically important waterway has fallen to a one-week low amid the escalating conflict with Iran.

Iran, meanwhile, has rejected the US claims and vowed to continue resisting American pressure. Tehran says the Strait will remain closed until its demands are met.

Elsewhere in the region, Israel has carried out its first air strikes on Gaza in more than a week and continued bombing and demolition operations in southern Lebanon, despite ceasefires reportedly being in place in both areas.