The United States is allowing a Russian oil tanker carrying crude oil to reach Cuba, providing a potential lifeline to the Caribbean island amidst a de facto oil blockade imposed by Washington.

Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has issued strong warnings against a potential US ground invasion, vowing never to accept 'humiliation' as the Pentagon reportedly prepares ground force options and more American marines arrive in the region, even as diplomatic efforts are claimed.