Iran announced on Sunday that it has closed the Strait of Hormuz, claiming a vessel was moving through an unauthorized route and was stopped after being attacked. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy stated that the ship had turned off its identification system, disrupting maritime security. The IRGC warned that the strait would remain closed until further notice and until U.S. interference in the region ends, adding that any aggression against Iran would be met with a strong response.

Senior U.S. officials said on Friday that Washington wants Iran to publicly commit to halting attacks on ships and to keep all maritime routes open without tolls. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that despite rising tensions, both sides agreed to continue talks and that a ceasefire had ended. Reuters reported that Iran, the United States, Qatar, and Pakistan had agreed in principle to hold discussions, with Oman facilitating contacts.

Oman’s foreign minister met Iran’s Abbas Araghchi in Muscat to discuss measures ensuring safe navigation. Oman’s state news agency said technical and political talks on the issue would continue. The conflict, which began after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in February, has driven up global energy prices.

Iran has warned that it will not leave the recent U.S. attack unanswered and declared itself fully prepared for war. The statement came from Ali Safari, adviser to the spokesperson of Iran’s Foreign Ministry, who accused Washington of failing to honor commitments made under a memorandum of understanding signed on June 16. According to that agreement, Iran was to take responsibility for the future management of the Strait of Hormuz through discussions with Oman and other countries.

Safari criticized the creation of a southern maritime route under U.S. pressure, saying it obstructed the earlier agreement and posed serious security risks and potential conflict in the region. He described the continued use of that route as irresponsible and warned that the United States must either respect the agreement it signed 23 days earlier or withdraw from it.

Reaffirming Iran’s position, Safari stated that the country is far stronger than Washington imagines and is ready for war if necessary.

Iran is reportedly attempting an unprecedented move to assert control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, following a recent attack on a ship off the coast of Oman. According to Ian Ralby, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Center for Maritime Strategy, Tehran is seeking not only to impose a permit system but also to enforce payment and monitoring mechanisms in the waterway, potentially through military means.

Ralby described the development as unprecedented and warned that it poses risks to global free navigation and the world economy. He noted that if Iran succeeds, other nations might follow similar paths, undermining international maritime norms. The recent attack has already led to a sharp decline in commercial shipping activity in the area, with most vessels now navigating only through Iranian waters.

The report suggests that Iran’s strategy is beginning to take effect, signaling a shift in control dynamics in one of the world’s most critical maritime routes.

European countries are considering a proposal to introduce a voluntary navigation service fee for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes. The plan would only proceed with the backing of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy warned that a mandatory toll could be disastrous, while some UK ministers suggested adopting a model similar to the Malacca Strait and English Channel.

The United States urged Iran to publicly affirm that the strait remains open and safe for commercial shipping, citing internal Iranian divisions as a barrier to agreement. Iran denied such divisions, asserting unity in its leadership. Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his successor Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to avenge his father’s killing. Oman proposed a cooperative management model for the strait and expressed willingness to send legal experts to Tehran for discussions.

Diplomatic sources said the main disputes concern control and long-term administration of the strait once it fully reopens. The IMO council meeting in London reaffirmed that mandatory transit fees are not permitted under international law, though voluntary safety and environmental services may be discussed.

American journalist and political commentator Anna Kasparian has sharply criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as ‘evil behavior.’ In a statement shared on social media, she said Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza have drawn growing international condemnation and outrage.

Kasparian claimed that many people around the world are expressing anger and disgust at Israel’s conduct. Her remarks come at a time when Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and its humanitarian consequences are being widely debated internationally. Supporters of Israel emphasize the country’s security and self-defense arguments, while critics continue to voice concern over civilian casualties and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The controversy underscores the deepening global divide over Israel’s military strategy and the humanitarian toll of the conflict, as public discourse intensifies across political and media platforms.

At least 15 Indian tourists were killed when a tourist boat capsized near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island on Saturday. Local authorities confirmed that the victims included 13 men and two women, and rescue operations were still ongoing. The boat had 36 people on board, including 32 Indian tourists, three crew members, and one assistant. The vessel overturned shortly after departing from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island for An Thoi port due to rough seas and strong winds.

State media reported that 21 people had been rescued and hospitalized, with two in critical condition. The Indian Embassy in Vietnam said it was coordinating with local authorities to gather information and assist in rescue efforts. The Indian ambassador and embassy officials were traveling to Phu Quoc to provide consular support to affected citizens.

Indian mobile phone manufacturer Lava Mobiles confirmed that some of its employees and channel partners were among the passengers. The company stated it was in constant contact with the Indian Embassy and local administration to support victims’ families. The Indian mission also opened two control rooms in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi for assistance.

Iran has reopened a rail bridge in Golestan province’s Aqqala County less than 24 hours after it was damaged by a United States strike. Authorities said the bridge’s restoration has allowed train operations to return to normal. The bridge is part of the Gorgan–Incheh Borun railway, which connects northern Iran with Turkmenistan and the wider Central Asian rail network.

According to Iran’s state radio and television news agency, Golestan Governor Ali-Asghar Tahmasbi described the rapid reopening as a practical response to enemy threats and actions. Earlier, Iranian state media reported that the US attack occurred early Wednesday near Aqqala, damaging a section of the railway.

The Gorgan–Incheh Borun line forms a key segment of the China–Turkmenistan–Iran rail corridor, an important route linking Iran to Central Asia. The swift restoration underscores Iran’s effort to maintain regional connectivity despite external attacks.

On June 17, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a preliminary agreement with Iran at France’s Palace of Versailles, aiming to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for shipping and allow Iran to resume oil sales. The deal was intended to ease years of sanctions and encourage peaceful relations. However, within a month, three ships were attacked near the strait, prompting Trump to revoke Iran’s oil export permission and order airstrikes on more than 170 Iranian military sites. No new talks have been scheduled since.

Both Trump’s military and diplomatic strategies have failed, returning the United States to sanctions and strikes. Vice President J.D. Vance warned of harsher responses to future attacks, while experts questioned the effectiveness of repeating past measures. Former diplomat Richard Haass said no clear strategy is visible as both sides escalate attacks on energy facilities.

The situation is further complicated by Iran’s internal turmoil following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and public anger toward government officials. Disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved, leaving future negotiations uncertain.

The United States has asked Iran to make a public commitment to stop attacks on commercial ships and to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. Washington intends to raise this demand in talks scheduled to begin Saturday in Oman. US media, citing unnamed officials, reported that Tehran privately admitted to President Donald Trump’s advisers that the recent ship shooting was a mistake, blaming an uncontrolled internal faction for the incident.

According to senior US officials quoted by CBS News and Reuters, Washington wants Iran to publicly acknowledge the attack as an error and to declare the waterway open for safe navigation. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s adviser Jared Kushner are expected to lead the US delegation. A Qatari delegation also visited Tehran on Friday to help ease tensions and facilitate dialogue.

The Oman talks follow a June ceasefire agreement and a 14-point memorandum aimed at expanding the truce and defining future maritime administration of the strait in coordination with Oman and other Gulf states.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi arrived in Muscat on Saturday to meet with Oman's foreign minister as part of ongoing discussions on managing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The two countries have been holding talks for the past two months on arrangements for vessel movement through the strategic waterway.

Iranian officials have repeatedly stated that Tehran holds sovereign rights over the management of the Strait of Hormuz to ensure its safety and security. According to Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, the ministers are expected to discuss strategies to guarantee the safe passage of ships through the strait.

Araghchi’s visit comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts following recent reciprocal attacks between the United States and Iran, signaling attempts to stabilize regional tensions through dialogue.

The United Nations has reported that the rate of Palestinian displacement in the occupied West Bank has doubled due to a sharp rise in demolitions of homes and structures by Israeli authorities. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), at least 67 Palestinians were newly displaced this month after 24 structures were demolished by Israeli forces.

OCHA stated that the demolitions were carried out on the grounds of lacking building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain from Israeli authorities. The UN agency also reported that more than 3,200 Palestinians have been displaced this year due to settler violence and demolitions linked to permit issues. On average, 17 Palestinians are being displaced daily, double the rate recorded over the past three years.

The data, cited from Al Jazeera, underscores a worsening humanitarian situation in the occupied West Bank, with displacement trends showing no sign of slowing.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Muscat, the capital of Oman, on Saturday for discussions focused on bilateral relations and the current regional situation. According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, senior Omani officials welcomed him upon arrival. Although the detailed schedule of the visit has not been released, IRNA reported that the tense situation in the Strait of Hormuz is expected to be one of the main topics of discussion.

The visit comes amid renewed tensions between Iran and the United States following recent attacks on three commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which both sides have blamed on each other. In response to a U.S. strike last Thursday, Tehran launched missile and drone attacks targeting American military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan. These developments follow a memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June, brokered by Pakistan, aimed at reducing military conflict and establishing a lasting peace agreement between Iran and the United States.

Araghchi’s trip to Oman takes place against this backdrop of escalating hostilities, suggesting diplomatic efforts may be underway to ease the crisis.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on Iran and the United States to adhere to their previously announced commitments and the memorandum of understanding signed between them. The appeal came during a recent phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, where Sharif expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East.

During the discussion, Sharif emphasized the urgent need to restore regional peace and stability, stressing that both Washington and Tehran must uphold the pledges made in last month’s memorandum. According to the report, Pakistan has long served as a key mediator in behind-the-scenes diplomacy between the two nations.

Islamabad has urged both sides to exercise restraint to maintain peace in the current volatile situation, reflecting Pakistan’s continued role in promoting dialogue and stability in the region.

A United States military delegation has arrived in Beirut to assist in implementing a framework agreement aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The delegation, sent by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), reached Lebanon on Friday, according to a report by the Financial Times.

The visit comes ahead of technical-level discussions scheduled next week in Rome between Lebanese and Israeli representatives. Lebanese officials told the Financial Times that the talks will focus on executing the US-brokered framework signed on June 26, which includes a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. The Anadolu news agency reported that a US State Department spokesperson confirmed CENTCOM is coordinating closely with both countries.

The deployment underscores Washington’s active role in facilitating the ceasefire process and ensuring compliance with the recently signed agreement.

The United Arab Emirates is reportedly constructing a military base in Somaliland, an internationally unrecognized region in the Horn of Africa. According to a report by the French newspaper Le Monde, the UAE is converting the Berbera airport, located near one of the world’s most strategic maritime routes, into a military installation. The report claims the project is intended to serve the interests of Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv, and Washington.

Somaliland, with its capital in Hargeisa, lies along the Gulf of Aden and has an 800-kilometer coastline near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key global trade and energy supply route between Asia and Europe. Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, the region has drawn attention from regional and international powers. Despite opposition from Arab and Muslim countries, Israel has recognized Somaliland as an independent entity.

Le Monde further reported that military cooperation between Israel and Somaliland is expanding, with regular visits by military and intelligence officials, training of Somaliland officers in Tel Aviv, and frequent inspections by Israeli teams at the Berbera base.