• WTI crude briefly surpasses $100 per barrel; Brent reached $113.44.
• Prices go beyond Feb 27 levels of $67.02 (WTI) and $72.48 (Brent).
• After Trump warning, Iran threatens to blow up energy sites of US, allies.

TOKYO: Oil prices rose early Monday after US President Donald Trump gave Iran a 48-hour ultimatum to open the Strait of Hormuz or face decimation of its energy infrastructure, and Israel warned the war would continue for several more weeks.

Shortly after the 2200 GMT open, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US benchmark crude, for May delivery was up 1.8 percent to just over $100 per barrel, before retreating slightly.

The price of North Sea Brent crude for May delivery rose at a similar rate, to $113.44 per barrel before sliding to around $111 some 45 minutes into trading.

On February 27, the day before the US-Israeli attacks began on Iran, they stood at $67.02 and $72.48 per barrel, respectively.

Trump and Tehran have issued tit-for-tat threats as the war entered its fourth week, with the US president demanding the Islamic republic reopen the blocked Strait of Hormuz, through which some 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas shipments transit.

The bottleneck has nearly halted all petroleum shipments through the narrow waterway, and oil prices have spiked.

Trump posted late Saturday on Truth Social that US forces would “hit and obliterate” Iranian power plants – “starting with the biggest one first” – if Tehran did not fully reopen the strait within 48 hours, or 23:44 GMT on Monday, according to the time of his post.

In response, Iran’s army said it will target energy and desalination infrastructure “belonging to the US and the regime in the region,” according to the Fars news agency.

Meanwhile Israel’s military chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, said Sunday his forces were expanding their ground campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, and warned of a lengthy operation.

“We are now preparing to advance the targeted ground operations and strikes according to an organised plan,” he said.

In retaliation for the US and Israeli military operation, Iran is carrying out missile and drone strikes against infrastructure – particularly energy targets – in countries allied with Washington, as well as against ships in the Gulf, specifically threatening those venturing into the strait.

Tom Holland has given his seal of approval to Zendaya’s upcoming film, and he’s not holding back his enthusiasm.

The Spider-Man star took to Instagram ahead of The Drama‘s release to urge his followers to get their tickets, writing: “I honestly couldn’t be more excited for you to see this movie and believe me when I say it’s gonna floor you. Get your tickets now!”

The Drama, directed by Kristoffer Borgli, stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as Emma and Charlie, a happily engaged couple whose wedding week is thrown into chaos by an unexpected revelation. 

The film also features Alana Haim, Mamoudou Athie and Hailey Gates, among others. 

It hits cinemas on 3 April.

Holland didn’t walk the red carpet at the film’s Los Angeles premiere, but Zendaya was equally warm when the subject of her partner came up.

Speaking to Deadline, she said she is “so excited” to be reuniting with Holland onscreen in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, due on 23 July. 

“Tom is so talented, and he’s so great. And he cares so much,” she said, adding with a laugh that she acknowledged being “biased.” 

“I think people will not be disappointed.”

It’s a mutual appreciation society that shows no signs of letting up, and with two major releases featuring the pair arriving within months of each other, their fans have plenty to look forward to.

Carrie Anne Fleming, a familiar face to fans of cult horror has died at the age of 51. 

The Canadian actress passed away on February 26 in Sydney, British Columbia, following complications related to breast cancer, her Supernatural co-star Jim Beaver confirmed.

Over the years, Fleming quietly built a career that spanned television, film, and theatre often leaving a lasting impression in roles. 

She became a recognisable presence in genre television, appearing in fan-favourite series like Supernatural and iZombie, where she portrayed Candy Baker across multiple seasons.

Born on August 16, 1974, in Digby, Nova Scotia, Fleming later moved to British Columbia, where her passion for performance began to take shape. 

Early roles included appearances in the action series Viper and a small part in the Adam Sandler comedy Happy Gilmore.

On Supernatural, Fleming portrayed Karen Singer, the wife of Bobby Singer, bringing warmth and humanity to a storyline often filled with darkness.