The World in Brief from The Economist

QatarEnergy said an Iranian missile strike caused “extensive damage” to Ras Laffan, Qatar’s main energy hub; The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged and noted that developments in the Middle East had “uncertain” implications for America’s economy.

Iran’s army chief vowed a “decisive” response to the killing of Ali Larijani, secretary of the country’s Supreme National Security Council. Also, Iran hit Tel Aviv with cluster warheads, killing two people.

One of the Trump administration’s top officials resigned in protest against the Iran war.

One of the Trump administration’s top officials resigned in protest against the Iran war; Iranian state media confirmed that Israel killed Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, as well as Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard’s Basij militia. 

Donald Trump asked China to delay a meeting with Xi Jinping “by a month or so”. Also, America’s president also denounced allies who refused his request for assistance in reopening the strait.

Donald Trump said he asked China to delay his much-anticipated meeting with Xi Jinping “because of the war” and needing to stay in Washington.

Donald Trump said America had hit more than 7,000 targets in Iran and “literally obliterated” the regime; America’s president also denounced his allies for refusing his earlier request for assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. 

Donald Trump again demanded that other countries help America open up the Strait of Hormuz. Also,  America’s energy secretary said the war against Iran is “likely” to end within a few weeks.