The UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) has paused its evacuation plan for over 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf after a cargo vessel was hit by an unknown projectile in the Gulf of Oman. The attack damaged the ship's bridge but caused no casualties or environmental damage, according to UKMTO.

Israel has stated it will not withdraw forces from southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed, as the fifth round of US-mediated talks continues in Washington. Israeli spokesperson David Mencer said: “We will not withdraw as long as Hezbollah remains a threat.” Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has refused to disarm.

Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf rejected US claims that unfrozen Iranian assets would be used to buy American agricultural products, stating that the US “only exports GMO soybeans, broken promises and trash talks.” The interim US-Iran deal partially lifts sanctions on Iranian oil.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on a Gulf tour, warned that imposing tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz would lead to “total chaos.” He emphasized that international waterways do not belong to any nation and such fees could spread globally. Rubio also sought to reassure Gulf allies that their interests would be protected.

Oil prices have fallen to pre-war levels, with Brent crude dropping below $73 a barrel, as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the interim agreement ease supply fears. However, Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned vessels to stick to Tehran-designated routes, calling unauthorized passage “unacceptable and extremely dangerous.”

Source: www.dw.com