Airlines face disruptions that surpass previous Middle East conflicts

Trump says Iran strikes could last four to five weeks

President Donald Trump says the U.S. operation against Iran could continue for four to five weeks, describing it as the “last best chance” to act. He outlined four objectives: destroying Iran’s missile capabilities, dismantling its navy, preventing it from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and stopping Tehran from arming and directing groups abroad.

The Pentagon says additional U.S. forces are being deployed to the Middle East as the conflict widens. Four American troops have been killed so far, with Trump warning more casualties are possible. Iran’s security chief says Tehran will not negotiate with Washington.

More than 500 Iranians have been killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes, according to the Red Crescent, while deaths have also been reported in Lebanon, Israel and the UAE. Qatar says it halted LNG production after intercepting two drones near a key energy facility, as oil and European gas prices surge amid fears of supply disruption. Etihad Airways and Emirates have begun restarting a limited number of flights from the UAE.

The United Arab Emirates has closed its main stock exchanges at the start of the trading week as conflict across the region escalates.

The Capital Market Authority says the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market will remain shut on Monday and Tuesday. Nasdaq Dubai has also halted trading for the same period.

Authorities say they will continue monitoring the situation and take further action if necessary. The closures affect key financial hubs in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, home to major sovereign wealth funds and regional business activity.

France calls for immediate end to military escalation

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot says the military escalation in the Middle East must stop as soon as possible, warning that the situation risks spiralling further.

He said the Iranian regime, which has lost its leader, must end its attacks and move towards de-escalation. Barrot urged Tehran to make significant concessions and adopt what he described as a radical change in posture.

France says only a political solution can prevent further instability and restore security in the region.

Black smoke seen near US embassy in Kuwait after latest strikes

Black smoke was seen rising from the vicinity of the U.S. embassy in Kuwait City on Monday following the latest wave of Iranian strikes, according to an AFP correspondent.

Sirens sounded across the city earlier in the day as new attacks were reported across the oil rich Gulf region, where hostilities have intensified since Saturday.

The embassy did not confirm it had been directly hit but issued a security alert advising people to stay away from the area.

Australia has 36 days of petrol supply, Bowen says

Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen says Australia currently has 36 days of petrol supply on hand, describing national fuel stocks as the highest level in 15 years.

Bowen made the comments after being questioned by One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce about the potential impact of the United States’ conflict with Iran on Australia’s domestic fuel security. Joyce asked what steps the government had taken to safeguard supplies and sought details on how much diesel was currently held on shore.

The exchange comes amid global market volatility and concerns about energy supply disruptions as tensions in the Middle East escalate.