US-Iran war updates: Trump’s Strait of Hormuz blockade tested, no White House ceasefire extension requested
LIVE UPDATES: Donald Trump’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is being tested, as new footage from a standoff between the US and Iran surfaces.
Scroll down for the latest news and updates.
Madeline Cove and Max Corstorphan are reporting live.
Inferno at critical Australian refinery during oil crisis
Firefighters are responding to a “significant” blaze at Viva Energy’s Geelong refinery after emergency services received multiple reports of explosions late on Wednesday night.
Fire Rescue Victoria confirmed crews were called to the Corio facility about 11pm following calls describing flames and loud blasts at the major fuel site.
Authorities said the fire was not yet under control when emergency teams arrived, all workers on site have been accounted for and no injuries have been reported.
Smoke was still visible rising from the refinery on Thursday morning as authorities continued to assess the extent of the damage, which remains unclear.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed the incident would affect supply from one of Australia’s two remaining oil refineries, with early indications pointing to disruption to petrol production.
“Petrol, high octane petrol – in particular diesel and jet fuel – continues to be produced at the refinery. But obviously I’ve been talking to the Chief Executive over the last several hours and will continue to talk to him today to get better assessments. As you’d understand that it’s very early in terms of assessments on production,” he told Sunrise.
“It will impact on production at this point, petrol rather than diesel and jet fuel. But we’re going to continue to really work closely with Viva, the company, and really monitor and work together on any impacts.”
‘That is not true’: White House shuts down Iran claim
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has shut down claims that the US had asked Iran for a ceasefire extension, meaning US President Donald Trump could return to threats of destruction and annihilation of Iran within days.
“I saw some bad reporting this morning that we had formally requested an extension of the ceasefire. That is not true at this moment,” Ms Leavitt said on Wednesday.
“We remain very much engaged in these negotiations, in these talks.
“We feel good about the prospects of a deal... and it’s obviously in the best interest of Iran to meet the President’s demands.
“I think he has made his red lines in these negotiations very clear.”
‘Prepare to be boarded’: Standoff in Strait of Hormuz
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has released a video that includes audio of a standoff in the Strait of Hormuz after Mr Trump’s blockade began.
The US has deployed 10,000 military personnel to enforce the strict blockade in an attempt to starve Iran of influence.
“Prepare to be boarded,” a voice can be heard saying.
“If you do not comply with this blockade, we will use force. The whole of the US Navy is ready to force compliance.”
In another update, CENTCOM said: “The guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) successfully redirected the vessel, which is heading back to Iran.“
The US claimed that 10 ships have now been turned away and “ZERO ships have broken through”.
