In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump has ordered the military to 'shoot and kill' Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite Iranian claims of seizing two ships, Trump asserted that the US has 'total control' over the strait. The US has also announced a $10 million bounty for information on Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, the leader of the Iran-backed Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada militia in Iraq, which has been implicated in attacks against US personnel. Amid these tensions, a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been extended for three weeks, with hopes for further negotiations. The situation has led to rising oil prices, with Brent crude reaching $105.07 per barrel. The international community has expressed outrage following the killing of Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil by Israeli forces, with Lebanon's Prime Minister condemning the incident as a 'war crime.' As diplomatic efforts continue, the potential for further conflict remains high.