Morning update
Good morning Middle East Eye readers,
There are early signs of a possible diplomatic shift after the US paused “Project Freedom”, the naval escort mission in the Strait of Hormuz, as talks with Iran appear to gain momentum. Donald Trump said the operation would be halted while negotiations move closer to what he described as a “final agreement”.
Tensions remain high across the region, with continued military activity in Lebanon, warnings at the UN over Hormuz and growing economic pressure linked to the conflict.
Here are the latest developments:
US pauses “Project Freedom” naval escorts in Hormuz amid renewed Iran talks.
Marco Rubio says “Operation Epic Fury” is over and the US is now acting defensively.
Iran’s foreign minister arrives in Beijing for strategic talks with China.
China calls the US-Israel war against Iran “illegitimate” amid growing diplomatic divisions.
Draft UN resolution urges Iran to halt actions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.
More than 600 attacks have targeted US sites in Iraq since tensions escalated, an official says.
Hezbollah reports drone attack on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
Demand for oil falls sharply as war impacts global consumption and supply chains.
Air defences engaged drones over Iran’s Qeshm island, Iranian officials say.
Iran seeks guarantees from FIFA before attending the 2026 World Cup in the US.