Iranian President PEZESHKIAN said Iran cannot allow some countries to use the Strait of Hormuz freely while simultaneously using it to attack Iran.

Argentina's foreign ministry issued a démarche to the UK embassy in Buenos Aires on the 22nd protesting authorities in the Malvinas (Falkland) Islands, with UK support, for extending oil and gas licences for firms operating in the islands and disputed waters. The ministry said unilateral exploration and exploitation of natural resources on Argentina's continental shelf violates international law and infringes Argentine sovereignty. The government said it will deploy diplomatic, economic and legal measures and sanction companies and individuals that attempt to extract resources unlawfully.

Spot gold's intraday decline widened to nearly $30, slipping below $4,290/oz; spot silver fell $0.50 to $64.68/oz.