Middle East live: US carries out 'self-defense' strikes on Iran
Key takeaways
- Issued on: 26/05/2026 - 03:48Modified: 26/05/2026 - 03:59
- The move threatens to further destabilise a fragile ceasefire as Iranian negotiators arrived in Doha for high-stakes talks aimed at ending the war.
- Despite low odds of an imminent deal, hopes of peace have pushed oil below $100 a barrel, eased pressure on emerging-market currencies, and boosted risk sentiment.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Issued on: 26/05/2026 - 03:48Modified: 26/05/2026 - 03:59
By: FRANCE 24 A US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle departing for a combat mission at an undisclosed location on March 16, 2026 during Operation Epic Fury. © AFP, Handout US Air Force US forces have struck missile sites and boats allegedly laying naval mines in southern Iran on Monday, according to United States Central Command. The move threatens to further destabilise a fragile ceasefire as Iranian negotiators arrived in Doha for high-stakes talks aimed at ending the war. Follow our liveblog for all the latest updates.
The dollar nursed losses on Tuesday on rising investor optimism of a deal being struck to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz and end the three-month-long Iran war, although fresh US attacks on Iranian targets weighed on sentiment. Despite low odds of an imminent deal, hopes of peace have pushed oil below $100 a barrel, eased pressure on emerging-market currencies, and boosted risk sentiment.