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The standoff over the Strait of Hormuz is entering a dangerous new phase as US and Iranian forces trade fire, negotiations stutter, and Tehran's oil exports fall to a six-year low. US intelligence assesses Iran can withstand the blockade for months, while diplomatic efforts, including Pakistan-led mediation, struggle to gain traction.
A Qatari negotiating team has arrived in Tehran in coordination with the United States to help secure a deal to end the war with Iran, according to multiple sources. Qatar's involvement comes as it has previously been attacked by Iranian missiles and drones, and as Pakistan continues its official mediatory role.
Nine Western countries issued a joint statement Friday condemning Israel's settlement expansion in the West Bank, particularly the E1 project, and calling for accountability for settler violence. The statement, reported by multiple outlets, warns of legal and reputational risks for businesses involved in settlement construction and urges Israel to halt its policies that undermine a two-state solution.
Iran’s Supreme Leader has directed that the country’s stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent must not be sent abroad, hardening Tehran’s position against a core U.S. demand. Roughly 440 kilograms of the material is believed to be held in Iran, short of weapons-grade levels but closer than civilian needs require. Officials on multiple sides differ sharply over whether and how any transfer could occur.
As the US awaits Tehran's response to a draft peace agreement circulated by Donald Trump, control over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile remain key sticking points. Iranian officials assert the strait's strategic value, while Pakistani mediators push for a permanent ceasefire.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev criticise Western policies, accusing the West of aggressive, boundless tactics, including sanctions and military intervention, and of undermining international platforms.
During Operation Epic Fury, US forces expended more than half of their THAAD interceptor stockpile defending Israel against Iranian missiles, according to US officials. In response, Lockheed Martin has begun construction on a new production facility in Alabama, while allies like Japan and South Korea express concern over stockpile depletion.
The US has imposed sanctions on nine individuals, including Lebanese parliament members, an Iranian diplomat, and security officials, for allegedly enabling Hezbollah. A $10 million reward is offered for information disrupting Hezbollah's financial networks. Hezbollah has rejected US-brokered peace talks with Israel.
Two Chinese-operated supertankers were among three vessels that passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, according to ship-tracking data, as Iran appeared to allow more traffic through the strategic waterway. The move comes ahead of a meeting between U.S. and Chinese leaders and amid reports of Iran tightening its control over the strait.
Reports describe a tense phone call between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu over Iran, with Netanyahu favoring renewed strikes and Trump leaning toward a diplomatic deal. Israeli sources say Israel feels sidelined in US-Iran talks, while some analysts suggest the public discord is a calculated feint. Trump publicly praised Netanyahu, saying he will 'do whatever I want him to do.'
The Trump administration threatened to revoke visas for Palestinian diplomats unless they withdrew Riyad Mansour's candidacy for UN General Assembly vice president. Internal State Department cables reveal pressure on the Palestinian Authority, which ultimately withdrew the bid. The move highlights ongoing US opposition to Palestinian statehood and tensions at the UN.
US President Donald Trump has said Washington is ready for further strikes on Iran if no peace deal is reached, while signalling patience of a few days to secure acceptable terms. Negotiations centre on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions and the Strait of Hormuz, with US officials stressing military readiness and regional partners joining a defensive shipping mission.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to expand the conflict beyond the Middle East if the US and Israel launch new attacks. The warning follows US President Donald Trump's mixed signals on negotiations, and comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts mediated by Pakistan.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged an immediate end to hostilities in West Asia during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as two Chinese oil tankers departed the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting comes amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and a reported Iranian peace proposal.
A South Korean oil tanker has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such transit since the U.S.-Iran war began. The vessel, carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil, received passage approval from Iran. Meanwhile, South Korea's oceans minister opposed Iran's reported push to charge transit fees.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on allies to intensify efforts against Iran's financing networks and announced a review of US sanctions designations. The appeal came as G7 finance ministers gathered in Paris amid global economic uncertainty.
The US Treasury has imposed sanctions on Iran's Amin Exchange and associated front companies, alleging they facilitate illicit financial transactions for Iranian banks. The move targets a network spanning multiple jurisdictions, including China and the UAE, and includes 19 vessels linked to Iranian oil shipments.
Israel's ruling coalition has advanced a bill to dissolve the Knesset, setting the stage for early elections, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from ultra-Orthodox parties over a contentious draft exemption bill. The bill passed its preliminary and first readings with overwhelming support, and elections could be moved up from October 27 to as early as September.
President Trump has warned Iran to accept a deal to end the Middle East war or face renewed bombing, while reports suggest talks are at a critical juncture. The ceasefire is described as on 'life support,' and both sides remain entrenched, with Iran seeking to end hostilities and reject nuclear dismantlement.
The United States has sanctioned four activists linked to Gaza aid flotillas, accusing them of supporting Hamas without providing public evidence. The move comes as Israel continues to intercept ships, detaining hundreds, and has drawn criticism from rights advocates who see it as an attempt to stifle humanitarian activism.