Japan is preparing to support efforts by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to expand alternative crude export routes amid the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz. ^[1] The Strait of Hormuz has been closed for a prolonged period, necessitating alternative export routes for regional nations. ^[2] Iran accused Washington of attacking a wedding party, killing five people and injuring dozens, though Reuters could not independently verify the incident. ^[3] The United States and Iran engaged in their most significant military exchange since July, with US forces attacking southern Iran and Iran launching missiles at US bases across the region. ^[4] The Revolutionary Guards of Iran stated that they attacked US military bases in Kuwait and the UAE with missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. ^[5] Iraq is working to refurbish a pipeline connection to Syria with U.S. help. ^[6] Oil-producing countries facing bigger challenges than Saudi Arabia and the UAE, such as Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar, could represent unique opportunities as well. ^[7] Iran responded by attacking what it said were US assets in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq, stating its goal is to expel US forces from the region. ^[8] The Jordanian army said it intercepted 10 of 13 missiles fired at it, with three falling in remote areas, while the Revolutionary Guard claimed to have killed US soldiers in Jordan, which US officials denied. ^[9] Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed to have struck the Ahmed al-Jaber base in Kuwait, targeting US satellite communication systems, equipment depots, and aircraft hangars. ^[10] Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported that the El Minhad base in the UAE was targeted with missiles and drones, affecting US forces and radar systems. ^[11]