UAE suspends Iran trade as Gulf tensions rise

Another tense day is unfolding across the Middle East, with developments involving the UAE, Iran and the US adding to concerns about where the conflict goes next. The UAE says two ballistic missiles detected on Tuesday were launched from Iran, prompting it to suspend trade and financial dealings with Tehran. Iran has denied being behind the launches. Hopes of diplomacy have also suffered another setback. US President Donald Trump says there are no talks with Iran under way or planned. Tehran, meanwhile, says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington meets its conditions, keeping one of the world’s most important shipping routes at the heart of the crisis. The economic impact is becoming harder to ignore. Brent crude finished Tuesday above $91 a barrel as concerns grow over how long disruption to energy supplies could last. Elsewhere, at least six Palestinians were killed and 14 wounded in an Israeli strike on a café at Gaza City’s fishing harbour, according to local health officials. Israel said Hamas commanders and militants were the target. And in Syria, Washington says it is working on a new mechanism aimed at preventing clashes involving Israel, Turkey and Syria. Follow our live blog for the latest developments and reaction from across the region.