Morning update
Good morning Middle East Eye readers,
Tensions across the Middle East remain high as military exchanges, economic pressure and diplomatic friction converge around Iran and the wider region.
Fresh clashes along the Israel-Lebanon border, tightening US-led measures targeting Iran’s oil trade and warnings over disruption in the Strait of Hormuz point to a volatile start to the day.
Global markets are reacting, with oil prices rising and supply chains showing strain, while diplomatic channels appear uncertain amid competing demands and hardened positions.
Here are the latest updates:
Russia and Iran pledge to back each other “under any circumstances”, defence minister Andrei Belousov has said.
Iran condemns EU sanctions and US tanker seizures, calling the actions unlawful and an act of "piracy".
Nuclear diplomacy faces hurdles as the “zero enrichment” demand by the US complicates efforts to restart talks.
Cross-border violence continues, with Hezbollah launching attacks and reports of Israeli troops being injured in southern Lebanon.
Strait of Hormuz tensions deepen, with the UN warning that disruption could trigger a global food emergency.
US pressure intensifies as an Iranian-flagged tanker is stopped and further sanctions threats are issued.
Iran's oil shipments fall sharply as blockade tightens, raising concerns over global energy supply.
Brent crude rises above $108 amid escalating regional instability.
Satellite images show Iranian oil tankers clustering near Chabahar, suggesting continued exports.