Reuters

The United States carried out overnight strikes on a military site in Iran that it said posed a threat to American forces and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Hours later, sirens sounded in Kuwait following a missile and drone attack. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said: We struck a U.S. base in response to the attacks in Iran.

Syria’s representative to the global chemical weapons watchdog said authorities have uncovered a site containing raw materials used to make chemical bombs. According to him, the site was used by the military of deposed dictator Bashar al-Assad. Eighteen people allegedly involved in concealing the materials have been arrested.

In a post on X, Iranian parliament spokesman Ebrahim Rezaei warned the U.S. and Israel, saying lawmakers may consider 90% enrichment if Iran is attacked again. U.S. and Israeli intelligence agree: Tehran’s nuclear program won’t be curbed unless its enriched-uranium stockpile is removed or destroyed.

EU foreign ministers back penalties on four groups and three individuals over alleged violence against Palestinians. Israel’s Gideon Sa’ar blasts the move as political and rejects any comparison to Hamas.

With trade tensions in the backdrop, Trump heads into a meeting with Xi aiming to extend a minerals deal and steady U.S.–China ties. Washington may also ask Beijing to push Tehran toward a nuclear agreement, while Taiwan fears being left exposed.

Yuval Steinitz, head of Rafael, says that since the 'Swords of Iron' war began in October 2023, Hamas and Hezbollah have fired about 40,000 rockets at Israel; he says Iron Dome intercepted most of them with near-100% success, and that in two rounds of fighting since 2024 only a few dozen Iranian missiles were not intercepted—denying any shortage of interceptors.

An Israeli political source responded to reports of progress between the U.S. and Iran, stressing: "It was made clear to us from the conversations that President Trump is standing by his red lines, first and foremost the removal of the nuclear material." He said Netanyahu is in near-daily contact with Trump.

Pakistani officials say a major breakthrough is paving the way for a U.S.-Iran agreement: Tehran would freeze uranium enrichment for 12 years while Washington lifts most economic sanctions.

A Reuters report cites internal Hezbollah sources who say the real death toll is far higher than the Health Ministry’s figure, even as battles rage and the group seeks leverage over Iran–U.S. talks.

Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency, warns of a historic energy crisis amid $120 oil and fears of prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. "Oil and gas markets are experiencing major difficulties, and that is putting heavy pressure on many countries," he says.

Washington is casting doubt on Tehran’s bid to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before any nuclear talks. President Donald Trump hasn’t ruled it out, but he’s split on what to do next.

Washington is weighing steps against key NATO partners that, officials say, failed to back U.S. operations against Iran. An internal email circulated among top Pentagon ranks outlines options ranging from sidelining Spain to revisiting the U.S. stance on the Falklands.

As the U.S. gets ready to open talks in Pakistan, Tehran sends mixed signals about whether negotiations will even happen. Israel is watching closely and preparing scenarios for a rapid escalation.

Foreign reports say at least five tankers transited the Strait of Hormuz today, including one tied to a Chinese firm under U.S. sanctions, and two that departed Iranian ports. The U.S. military says that does not amount to breaking its blockade.