'Largest ever' oil reserve release agreed by 32 countries, as Strait of Hormuz ships attacked

BBC update

THE 32 members of the International Energy Agency agree to their largest-ever release of oil reserves, in an effort to calm markets.

The IEA - which includes the UK and US - will release 400m barrels. That's about four days' worth, our reporter says.

The move comes after three commercial ships were damaged by "unknown projectiles" in the Strait of Hormuz - here's why the shipping channel is so important.

Earlier, the US military said it "eliminated" 16 Iranian mine-laying ships in the area.

In Dubai, four people were injured when two drones fell near Dubai airport. It's the second drone attack in the area in recent days.

Israel has launched more attacks on Iran and Lebanon - in central Beirut, there is "absolute shock" after an apartment building was hit, our correspondent says.

Meanwhile, Iran's sports minister says Iran's footballers won't play at the 2026 World Cup - but, says our reporter from BBC Persian, it's too early to rule them out.