Global oil prices dropped sharply after Iran announced the Strait of Hormuz would remain open during the ceasefire. Brent crude fell to $88 per barrel from over $98, triggering gains across global stock markets. About 20% of global oil flows through the Strait, making its reopening a major relief for energy markets. Donald Trump welcomed the move but confirmed the US naval blockade on Iran continues. Despite optimism, shipping bodies like BIMCO and the International Maritime Organization warn risks remain, including potential mines. Experts caution tanker traffic may not immediately return to normal, limiting short-term supply recovery. (PC: Getty Images)

US President Donald Trump claimed a diplomatic breakthrough after Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz during a ceasefire linked to Israel-Lebanon tensions. Trump said most terms of a US-Iran deal are already negotiated and could conclude soon, while maintaining a naval blockade targeting Iran. He credited Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar for facilitating talks, and criticised NATO as ineffective. Trump also asserted that the US has prohibited Israel from attacking Lebanon and vowed to address Hezbollah separately. He further claimed Iran is removing sea mines with US assistance and has agreed not to weaponise the Strait again, signalling possible de-escalation in West Asia.

US President Donald Trump said Washington has “prohibited” Israel from carrying out airstrikes on Lebanon following a recently announced 10-day ceasefire. Posting on Truth Social, Trump asserted that Israel would no longer bomb Lebanon, emphasizing direct US intervention to enforce restraint. The statement comes amid fragile de-escalation efforts in West Asia after weeks of conflict involving Israeli forces and Hezbollah. Trump also indicated that the US would coordinate with Lebanon to address Hezbollah-related concerns moving forward. While the claim signals a strong diplomatic stance, there has been no immediate independent confirmation from Israeli or Lebanese authorities regarding enforcement mechanisms or compliance. (PC: Reuters)

Families of US service members deployed in West Asia report worsening food shortages aboard warships like the USS Tripoli and USS Abraham Lincoln. Images show minimal meals, raising concerns of troops going hungry during the ongoing US-Iran conflict. Fresh produce is reportedly unavailable, and portions are meagre. Efforts by families to send care packages have stalled after the United States Postal Service suspended deliveries to 27 military ZIP codes due to airspace closures and logistical disruptions. While mail is being securely held, there is no timeline for resumption, intensifying distress among families and highlighting operational strain despite the ceasefire.

Donald Trump stated that a deal between the United States and Iran could be finalised “very quickly,” claiming most key points have already been negotiated. He confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz is open for full commercial passage, while a US naval blockade remains in force specifically targeting Iran until the agreement is fully completed. The remarks suggest significant progress in ongoing negotiations amid heightened regional tensions. Trump’s statement underscores a dual-track approach maintaining military pressure while advancing diplomatic efforts toward a comprehensive resolution.

Iran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial shipping during the ongoing ceasefire, signalling a temporary easing of regional tensions. Abbas Araghchi confirmed the move, stating the waterway is “completely open” and aligned with the broader truce framework linked to developments in Lebanon. The decision ensures uninterrupted maritime traffic through a route critical to global oil and gas flows. Markets and shipping firms are closely monitoring the development. However, Iran maintains it prefers a long-term resolution over a short-term ceasefire amid continuing diplomatic negotiations. (PC: X)

US service members aboard USS Tripoli and USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East report food shortages amid deployment linked to the Iran conflict. Families shared images of meagre meals and said supplies, including fresh produce, are running low, forcing rationing and impacting morale. Efforts to send care packages have stalled after the United States Postal Service suspended deliveries to 27 military ZIP codes due to airspace closures and logistical disruptions. Packages remain held in transit with no timeline for resumption, raising growing concerns over the well-being of troops during extended deployments at sea. (PC: Times Now)

U.S. President Donald Trump said the Iran war “should end soon” and indicated that both sides may meet over the weekend as diplomatic efforts intensify to secure a broader peace deal. His remarks come amid ongoing U.S.-mediated negotiations involving regional intermediaries, with discussions focusing on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and de-escalation of hostilities. Trump suggested that a temporary ceasefire already in place could be extended or replaced by a lasting agreement if talks succeed. The conflict, which has caused severe regional instability and economic disruption, has entered a sensitive phase with growing international pressure for a settlement. Markets have reacted positively to peace signals, while uncertainty remains over whether negotiations will produce a formal agreement. (PC: Reuters)

The United States has deployed an advanced MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone over waters near Cuba, signalling a broader geopolitical strategy aimed at monitoring China’s energy supply routes. The drone, capable of flying over 24 hours at high altitude, tracked key Caribbean shipping lanes linking the Atlantic and Panama Canal. United States officials appear to be sending a strategic message to Beijing as part of a wider effort to control global oil chokepoints, including routes near Strait of Hormuz and Malacca. The move highlights rising tensions and a calculated attempt to pressure China’s energy security. (PC: NDTV)

The United States has informed several European allies that deliveries of previously contracted weapons will likely be delayed due to the ongoing Iran conflict, which is heavily straining U.S. military stockpiles. Countries in the Baltic and Scandinavian regions are expected to be affected, particularly those awaiting arms through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The delays highlight growing pressure on U.S. defense resources, already stretched by support for Ukraine and Israel. European officials fear the disruptions could weaken regional defense readiness, especially amid tensions with Russia. Some nations are now considering boosting domestic arms production due to recurring delays and supply uncertainties. (PC: Reuters)