At least 26 people were killed and more than 80 injured in Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine on Tuesday afternoon. Ukrainian officials reported that the strikes targeted Kramatorsk in the east, Zaporizhzhia in the southeast, and Chernihiv in the north. Zaporizhzhia regional governor Ivan Fedorov said at least 12 people were killed in his area. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that five people died in Kramatorsk and four in Dnipro following separate attacks.

Officials also confirmed that overnight airstrikes hit state gas facilities in the Poltava and Kharkiv regions, killing at least five people. The attacks came a day after Kyiv and Moscow had separately announced a ceasefire to take effect later in the week.

The renewed wave of strikes underscores the continuing intensity of the conflict despite the pending ceasefire announcement, raising concerns about further civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has described the United States and Israel’s military actions against Iran as “illegal.” He made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to Tasnim News Agency. Wang stated that the Middle East is at a “decisive turning point” and emphasized that a comprehensive ceasefire is “essential” for regional stability. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to easing tensions and urged direct dialogue between the parties involved.

During the meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi praised China’s “firm stance,” particularly its condemnation of the US-Israel attacks. He said that cooperation between Tehran and Beijing would strengthen further in the future.

Analysts cited in the report noted that the meeting signals China’s continued diplomatic engagement with Iran amid regional tensions and its ongoing efforts to mediate and promote calm in the Middle East.

The United States is reportedly planning new attacks in Iran in coordination with Israel, despite an ongoing ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. According to CNN citing Israeli sources, preparations are underway for a new phase of strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure and senior officials. The plan was largely finalized before the ceasefire in April, and the final decision rests with US President Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, tensions have escalated in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian and US naval forces clashed earlier this week. Iran claimed that US attacks killed five civilians and destroyed several vessels, while the US Central Command denied the allegation, saying its forces targeted Iranian boats obstructing commercial shipping. Iranian officials accused Washington of aggression and warned against further military actions in the region.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the ceasefire remains in effect but warned that the strategic waterway must remain open. Global oil prices rose sharply amid fears of renewed conflict, with Brent crude reaching over $114 per barrel before easing slightly.

A 15-year-old boy named Mahmoud Sahweil was killed when Israel carried out a strike on a police station in Gaza. The attack also injured several police officers. According to his aunt, the boy had been selling bread to help support his 15-member family at the time of the incident.

The strike is part of ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza, where at least 830 Palestinians have been killed since the October 2025 ceasefire. The incident highlights the continuing civilian toll in the region despite the declared truce.

The report underscores the persistent instability in Gaza and the human cost of renewed violence following the ceasefire.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that American forces attacked and sank seven Iranian fast boats in the Strait of Hormuz. He said the action was part of Washington’s effort to secure safe passage for ships stranded in the Gulf region. The US military confirmed using helicopters in the operation, while Iranian state media denied Trump’s account. Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported instead that two Iranian cargo vessels were hit, killing five civilians.

The United Arab Emirates and South Korea also reported attacks on their vessels in the same area, with the UAE confirming a major fire at Fujairah port following Iranian strikes. The UAE said its air defenses intercepted multiple missiles and drones, and three people were injured. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attacks, calling them unacceptable and pledging support for Gulf partners.

Following the Fujairah incident, global oil prices rose by five percent to $115 per barrel. The situation remains tense as both Iran and the US maintain blockades in the region, and thousands of sailors remain stranded since the February conflict began.

Tensions have escalated in the Gulf region following accusations from Mohammad Eslami, a researcher at Tehran University, that the United Arab Emirates has decided to act as a proxy for Israel. Eslami stated that Iran will not tolerate such a stance and warned that the UAE is becoming increasingly isolated, not only from Iran but also from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. He argued that this growing estrangement threatens regional stability.

Eslami further commented that the global economy is under pressure and urged the United States to reconsider its military and diplomatic strategies. He criticized Washington’s lack of a clear approach, saying it is worsening the conflict-ridden situation. Despite the rising tension, Eslami emphasized that Iran prefers a diplomatic solution, clarifying that this does not mean surrender but rather a search for political compromise.

Analysts cited in the report warned that the ongoing strain in the Gulf could evolve into a larger geopolitical crisis if the involved parties fail to pursue dialogue and reconciliation soon.

Iran has called on Gulf countries to stop depending on external powers for their regional security. In an interview, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Gulf states should build their own regional security framework instead of 'borrowing security' from others. He argued that the United States’ military presence in the Gulf has become a liability, creating instability rather than ensuring safety. Baghaei accused Washington of using its bases and logistical support in the region to advance aggressive actions against Iran.

He added that Iran harbors no hostility toward neighboring countries but has taken defensive measures in response to aggression from the United States and Israel. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates reported that at least 15 missiles and several drones launched from Iran struck its territory, damaging an oil facility in the Fujairah region.

The statements and reported attacks highlight escalating tensions in the Gulf, with Iran emphasizing regional self-reliance in security matters while neighboring states report direct impacts from Iranian actions.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Monday unveiled a new map expanding its claimed maritime control beyond the Strait of Hormuz to include parts of the United Arab Emirates’ coastline. The move came as US President Donald Trump launched “Project Freedom,” a naval campaign to reopen the vital waterway, largely closed since the US-Israel war on Iran began on February 28. On the same day, the UAE reported drone and missile attacks, including one that ignited a fire at Fujairah’s energy hub. The UAE blamed Iran, which later appeared to acknowledge responsibility while accusing the US of provoking the conflict.

Analysts cited in the report said Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz has become its key strategic leverage in the ongoing war with the US and Israel. The narrow passage handles about a quarter of global seaborne oil trade, and Iran’s disruptions have slowed tanker traffic to a standstill, raising energy and shipping costs worldwide. Experts described this control as a “strategic equaliser,” allowing Iran to impose economic pressure without direct confrontation.

The fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran appeared under renewed strain following the Fujairah attack, with regional analysts warning that Gulf states may soon view Iran’s actions as an existential threat.

The ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains in effect despite renewed clashes around the Strait of Hormuz, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday. He confirmed that President Donald Trump will decide when the truce ends, indicating Washington’s willingness to tolerate limited Iranian attacks during efforts to reopen the waterway under “Project Freedom.” Hegseth emphasized that this mission is separate from the broader US-Israeli campaign against Iran, known as “Epic Fury.”

The Pentagon chief said the US has secured the strait and is coordinating with shipping companies and insurers to restore maritime traffic, though most vessels remain stalled. Monday saw the most intense fighting since the April 8 truce, with both sides reporting attacks and casualties. Iran claimed strikes on US ships, while Washington said it destroyed seven Iranian boats. A South Korean vessel and UAE facilities were also hit.

Oil prices have surged since the conflict began, driving inflation in the US and posing political risks ahead of November’s midterm elections. Hegseth said the US operation is temporary and will eventually be handed over to other nations, though allies have so far declined to join.

The United States Navy has launched a military operation called “Project Freedom” to secure safe passage for commercial vessels through the blocked Strait of Hormuz, according to a US Central Command spokesperson. The operation, which has just begun, aims to reopen the vital waterway that has been effectively sealed by Iran amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran that started on February 28. US officials said the initiative is defensive, temporary, and focused on protecting international shipping from Iranian threats involving mines, drones, missiles, and fast-attack craft.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that ten civilian sailors have died in the conflict and that the US Navy destroyed seven Iranian fast boats. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said thousands of commercial vessels remain stranded, while two US-flagged ships have reportedly crossed the strait under military escort. Iran denied any crossings and rejected accusations of attacking the United Arab Emirates, though it admitted firing warning shots at a US warship.

Analysts warned that the operation increases the risk of miscalculation between the US and Iran. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps issued new navigation corridors and threatened a decisive response to violations, while US leaders insisted Iran cannot block international commerce.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that Iran will face a strong military response if any commercial vessel is attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at a Pentagon press conference on Tuesday, he issued a clear message to Tehran, urging it not to carry out any form of assault on ships in the strategic waterway.

Hegseth stated that during the ongoing 'Operation Project Freedom,' any targeting of commercial ships would trigger a major military strike against Iran. He added that the United States has established a robust defense system in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure global security.

According to Hegseth, any attack on a vessel would bring serious consequences for Iran, underscoring Washington’s commitment to maintaining maritime safety in the region.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the United States does not want any conflict with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at a Pentagon press conference, he said Washington is taking necessary steps to ensure free and safe navigation in this vital maritime route. The US has launched an initiative called 'Operation Project Freedom' aimed at protecting international shipping lanes.

Hegseth clarified that the US effort to keep the Strait open does not require entering Iranian airspace or waters. He emphasized that the United States seeks neither tension nor confrontation. According to him, although Iran claims control over the Strait, it does not actually hold such control.

The Defense Secretary added that maintaining stability in this strategically important waterway remains the United States’ primary objective.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is traveling to Beijing today for an official visit, where he will hold an important meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. According to a brief statement from Iran’s Foreign Ministry, the discussions will cover bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments.

The meeting comes at a time when negotiations between Washington and Tehran over ending the war initiated by Israel and the United States on February 28 remain stalled. China, which has long adhered to a policy of non-interference in other nations’ internal affairs, has positioned itself as a diplomatic force in this crisis.

Beijing’s ability to maintain relations with all parties involved in the conflict has strengthened its role in ongoing discussions, highlighting China’s growing influence in regional diplomacy.

South Korea announced it will reassess its position on joining a United States-led operation in the Strait of Hormuz following an explosion aboard a South Korean cargo ship. The incident occurred Monday on the vessel HMM Namu, causing a fire that has since been brought under control. All 24 crew members, including six South Korean nationals, were reported safe. US President Donald Trump urged Seoul to join the American initiative aimed at securing stranded ships in the vital waterway.

The South Korean Ministry of Defense stated that any decision will be made cautiously, taking into account international law, global maritime security, the alliance with the United States, and the overall security situation on the Korean Peninsula. The Foreign Ministry confirmed that Seoul is actively participating in international discussions to ensure safe navigation through the strait.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for South Korea’s energy imports, and maritime traffic there has been severely disrupted since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East on February 28.

A maritime trade organization has expressed concern over the United States’ plans to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The statement came after a Maersk vessel successfully crossed the strait under heavy escort, which the organization described as only a minor development in resolving broader disruptions to maritime traffic.

Tim Wilkins, managing director of Intertanko, which represents independent tanker owners and operators, told BBC Radio 4 that the passage of one ship under strict security did not signal a major change for other vessels still stranded. He said there was no organized security team or coordination mechanism in place for safe transit, prompting members to ask who would initiate and manage such operations.

Wilkins added that shipowners were discussing these critical questions with their crews, particularly regarding communication with authorities and contingency plans if Iranian forces obstructed movement. The organization’s comments highlight ongoing uncertainty about maritime safety in the region.