Middle East war live: Iran says it can 'keep fighting for six months'

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated that the country could sustain an “intense war” with the United States and Israel for at least six months. This declaration came as Israel reported targeting Iranian commanders in a strike on a seaside hotel in central Beirut. Concurrently, U.S. and Israeli strikes reportedly hit an oil depot in Tehran, marking the first reported attack on Iran's oil infrastructure, according to Iranian state media. In response to escalating tensions, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has agreed to release a record 400 million barrels of oil amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The situation has intensified in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has declared the waterway closed and threatened to fire upon any ships attempting to pass through. This strait is crucial for global oil and gas transportation, accounting for a significant portion of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) claimed to have “complete control” over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any vessel navigating through the strait risks being attacked. This assertion comes amid a reported 90% decrease in maritime traffic through the strait, raising concerns about the security and stability of this vital shipping route. The IRGC's control over the strait could have significant implications for global oil and gas markets, reflecting the heightened tensions in the region.