The United States military conducted strikes against targets in Iran on Tuesday, according to CBC News. The strikes targeted areas on Karg Island, described as Iran’s most critical oil export hub, following concerns about threats to the Strait of Hormuz.

During the live broadcast, US President Donald Trump was reported to have stated that if an agreement is not reached by 8 p.m. Eastern Time, U.S. forces will target civilian infrastructure in Iran, warning of significant regional damage. An Iranian official stated there are no negotiations, only US pressure for surrender, and that Iran will not close the Strait of Hormuz without a response. The official warned that if the situation escalates, Iran’s allies, specifically the Houthis in Yemen, may close the Bab al-Mandreb strait, effectively cutting off the Red Sea.

While the US stated it deliberately spared oil infrastructure during the attack on Karg Island, Israel also conducted strikes within Iran, specifically targeting rail lines. According to reports, Israel warned Iranians to stay away from train stations and railway lines before the strikes, which killed two people. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel is “crushing the terrorist regime in Iran with increasing intensity,” targeting railways and bridges used by the Revolutionary Guard.

Gulf States Express Concern

The Gulf region is facing increasing pressure, with Kuwait’s foreign ministry warning the region is “on the point of no return,” stating there will be no winners if the conflict continues. Saudi Arabia’s petrochemical site was also reportedly hit. According to Dania Thal of the Gulf International Forum, Gulf states are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on water desalination and the importance of their energy facilities to the global economy.

Canada’s Response

CBC News’ Karina Roman reported that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is carefully choosing his words regarding President Trump and Iran. Carney stated Canada respects the rule of law but is mindful of not antagonizing the White House. He emphasized that Canada expects all parties to respect international law and not target civilians. He also noted that discussions are ongoing, but did not provide details.

When questioned about his initial support for the conflict, Carney reiterated that it was based on the objective of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and addressing its support for terrorism.

Rising Costs and Travel Disruptions

The conflict is also impacting global markets. Air Canada Vacations has added a $50 surcharge to all bookings for sunny destination packages, while Porter Airlines added a $40 fuel surcharge to VIP points bookings and WestJet a $60 surcharge to companion voucher bookings. Experts cited the skyrocketing price of jet fuel due to the Middle East conflict as the reason for the increases. Some travel agents are advising customers to book vacations now before further surcharges are added.

Artemis II Mission Update

The Artemis II crew successfully completed a slingshot maneuver around the moon, briefly losing communication with Earth before re-establishing contact. The crew, including Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, surpassed the distance record set by Apollo 13. They requested a new crater on the moon be named after Carol Taylor Wiseman, a loved one who died of cancer in 2020. The crew is now on their journey back to Earth, expected to splash down in the Pacific on Friday.

A team at the University of New Brunswick is tracking the Artemis II mission, successfully receiving signals from the spacecraft.