The World in Brief from The Economist

Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, claimed Iran no longer has the capability to enrich uranium or make ballistic missiles; Scott Bessent, America’s treasury secretary, said the Trump administration would consider easing sanctions on Iranian oil at sea as it tries to quell volatile energy markets.

Donald Trump said he “knew nothing” about Israeli strikes on the Iranian segment of the South Pars gas field. Also, the Bank of Japan left its main short-term interest rate unchanged at 0.75%, as expected.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, jumped above $110 a barrel after an Iranian missile strike on Ras Laffan, Qatar’s main energy hub.

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.