Oil prices surged to their highest in five months, Brent crude briefly topped $81 a barrel, after the US joined Israel in striking key Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered a stern warning following US airstrikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, calling the attacks a “heinous crime” that risks “everlasting consequences” for international security.

Ramping up NATO members’ defence spending has gained momentum, supported by Germany and driven by the US administration’s objective to enhance military budgets across Europe.

The United States has launched attacks on three Iranian uranium enrichment sites, marking its entry into the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

Donald Trump’s military actions against Iran risk escalating into a broader regional or global conflict, dependent largely on responses from Iran’s key allies, Russia and China.

Donald Trump is betting that US airstrikes have effectively destroyed Iranian nuclear sites, despite military officials suggesting full destruction is unlikely and that the strikes may only set back Iran’s programme.