Iran has declared full control over the Strait of Hormuz and issued strict navigation directives for all commercial and military vessels. According to a statement published in Iranian media by the country’s central military headquarters, Khatam al-Anbia, all ships, including tankers, must follow designated routes and obtain permission from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. Tehran warned that any violation of these rules would put the safety of the vessels at serious risk.

The statement also cautioned foreign military forces operating in the area, saying that any attempt to interfere with maritime management or navigation would be met with action. The announcement underscores Iran’s assertion of authority over one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, through which a significant portion of global maritime trade passes.

The warning signals heightened tension in the region, as Iran reinforces its control and issues clear restrictions on naval movement through the strait.

A memorandum of understanding to extend the ceasefire between the United States and Iran has reached its final stage, but it still awaits the formal approval of US President Donald Trump. Despite holding a key meeting with his advisers in the White House Situation Room on Friday, Trump left without making a final decision on the proposed framework for extending the truce.

Earlier reports indicated that both nations were close to finalizing the agreement, which would not only prolong the current ceasefire but also potentially reopen the Strait of Hormuz and initiate discussions on resolving nuclear issues. However, none of these developments have yet materialized.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking from Singapore on Saturday, expressed optimism about reaching an agreement but confirmed that the US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz would remain until the deal is finalized. He emphasized that the United States remains fully prepared to resume military action if necessary and that its regional military posture is stronger than ever.

Newly released satellite images have revealed a vast military installation under construction in China’s Xinjiang desert, sparking renewed international concern. The octagonal complex, located near a long-range missile center, includes hundreds of bunkers, missile launch pads, and other military structures. Analysts suggest the facility is part of Beijing’s plan to strengthen its strategic nuclear capabilities and ensure retaliatory capacity in the event of a conflict with the United States.

The imagery, analyzed by Reuters, shows the development of command centers, barracks, transport routes, and an airbase, indicating that the site is evolving into a full-scale military complex rather than a simple weapons depot. According to experts, China already possesses long-range missiles capable of striking multiple U.S. cities, and the new underground infrastructure aims to protect and sustain these weapons after potential attacks.

The construction comes amid heightened U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan. A recent Pentagon report noted China’s goal to amass 1,000 nuclear weapons by 2030, adding further speculation about the purpose and scale of the Xinjiang facilities.

The death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has reached 72,938, with 172,919 others injured, according to the latest update from Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry reported that in the past 24 hours, hospitals received seven bodies, including six killed in recent strikes and one who died from earlier injuries. Another 25 wounded individuals were admitted for treatment.

The ministry stated that Israeli assaults have continued even after a declared ceasefire that took effect on October 11. Since then, at least 929 Palestinians have been killed and 2,811 injured. Rescue teams are still searching through rubble and previously inaccessible areas, recovering 781 bodies so far.

Health authorities warned that the actual number of casualties could be higher, as many people are believed to remain trapped under debris. The report underscores the scale of destruction and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) played a covert military role in the recent war against Iran, coordinating with the United States and Israel to carry out dozens of strikes inside Iranian territory. The report, published on Friday, cited individuals familiar with the matter who said the UAE began attacks near the start of the conflict and continued operations until the day after a ceasefire was declared. The strikes reportedly targeted sites including Qeshm and Abu Musa islands, Bandar Abbas, Lavan Island’s oil refinery, and the Asaluyeh petrochemical complex.

According to the report, some UAE strikes were retaliatory responses to Iranian attacks on Emirati oil and gas infrastructure, which faced more than 2,800 missile and drone strikes during the conflict. The Journal said Abu Dhabi’s involvement was deeper than previously understood, contrasting with Saudi Arabia’s more cautious diplomatic stance. Riyadh reportedly complained to Washington that UAE attacks were heightening risks to regional energy facilities and urged diplomatic restraint.

The UAE Foreign Ministry responded that Iran bore full responsibility for the conflict and its consequences, while earlier incidents had already drawn international attention to Emirati strikes inside Iran.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has described Pakistan as a 'true friend', highlighting the strengthening ties between Washington and Islamabad. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore, Hegseth credited Pakistan’s leadership for playing a key role in peace initiatives aimed at ending the Iran war. His remarks were later published by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the event’s organizer.

Hegseth praised Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for their constructive contributions to the peace process. He said an unexpected but genuine friendship is emerging between the two nations. According to Hegseth, this growing partnership was also evident when US President Donald Trump successfully mediated to ease military tensions between India and Pakistan last year.

The comments underscore a shift in US-Pakistan relations, with both sides finding common ground in regional stability and conflict resolution efforts.

Several sources have reported that hundreds of alleged Bangladeshis have been gathered near the Hakimpur border area in India’s West Bengal, reportedly for repatriation to Bangladesh. These individuals are said to have entered India illegally at different times and are now being held in temporary centers for identity verification. Local reports suggest that the Border Security Force (BSF) may have already sent some people toward the Bangladesh border, though this has not been officially confirmed.

Bangladesh’s Border Guard (BGB) and local authorities have denied any forced repatriation or formal handover, stating that no such incidents have occurred. Officials in Satkhira and other border districts said the situation on the Bangladeshi side remains normal, with no evidence of mass entry or push-in attempts. BGB has increased surveillance and remains on high alert.

According to BGB officials, any formal repatriation must follow established procedures, and claims of secret mass transfers are unrealistic. They confirmed that previous push-in attempts were prevented, with the last reported case occurring on May 26.

US President Donald Trump this week urged several Arab and Muslim nations to normalize relations with Israel as part of a proposed deal to end the war with Iran. He asked these countries to sign the Abraham Accords, but none of the nations he named have responded to his proposal. Analysts described Trump’s last-minute condition as abrupt and unrealistic, noting that the countries whose cooperation he needs are not taking the demand seriously.

Aaron David Miller of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace called the move a diversionary tactic. Former Pakistani diplomat Asif Durrani said on social media that Gulf states, already facing security and economic losses from regional tensions, would risk deepening divisions by normalizing ties with Israel. Although Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Bahrain did not join the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran, they have faced Iranian counterattacks.

According to the report, none of the eight countries Trump mentioned have issued official reactions, and even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained silent. Regional officials reiterated that recognition of Israel would depend on credible progress toward establishing a Palestinian state.

Israel has announced it will sever all ties with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres after the UN added Israel to a blacklist of countries accused of sexual violence in conflict zones. The decision was revealed on Thursday in a video message posted on X by Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, who said Israel would no longer work with the Secretary-General. Danon criticized the upcoming UN report, calling the allegations that Israel used sexual violence as a weapon of war 'unreasonable.'

The UN report placed Israel among nations whose military and security forces have repeatedly committed acts such as rape against detainees or vulnerable populations. The Secretary-General had previously warned that such measures could be taken. In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement labeling the UN as a 'political and corrupt organization' that systematically targets Israel and has abandoned its founding principles.

Israel stated it would not re-engage with the Secretary-General’s office until a new UN chief is appointed. Guterres’s current term is set to end on December 31.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that no final agreement has been reached with the United States to end the ongoing war. He explained that several issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, remain unresolved. Baghaei confirmed that message exchanges between Tehran and Washington are continuing, but no conclusive understanding has been achieved so far.

Speaking to state television on Friday, Baghaei emphasized that Iran is currently focused on ending the war rather than discussing details of its nuclear plans. He also asserted that no Western power can compel the Islamic Republic to act against its will, stressing that Iran makes decisions based on its national interests and rights.

The comments, reported by Al Jazeera, highlight the ongoing diplomatic exchanges between Iran and the United States while underlining Tehran’s firm stance on sovereignty and independence in decision-making.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the United States is fully capable of resuming war against Iran if necessary, citing a weapons stockpile exceeding current needs. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, he emphasized that Washington is prepared to act should the situation demand it.

Hegseth explained that the US maintains a balance between advanced and abundant weaponry, ensuring readiness for any potential conflict. He also declared that the era of subsidizing wealthy nations is over. During his remarks, he warned that domination of the Pacific region by any hegemonic power would disrupt the regional balance of power.

He added that while discussions about a possible conflict with Iran have continued for months, the United States remains committed to maintaining a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for military operations in the Middle East, has stated that American forces remain present and alert throughout the region. The announcement was made through a post on social media platform X, where the command shared an image related to its ongoing operations.

According to CENTCOM, the shared image shows an F-16 fighter jet flying over Middle Eastern airspace while on patrol. The post underscores continued US military vigilance in the area, though no additional operational details were provided in the statement.

The information was reported by Al Jazeera, and the CENTCOM post reflects ongoing monitoring and readiness activities by US forces in the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump has held Hezbollah solely responsible for the ongoing conflict with Israel, according to remarks conveyed to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Senator Marco Rubio stated that Hezbollah must immediately stop its attacks to create an opportunity for easing tensions with Israel. Rubio also praised Aoun’s courage and foresight in continuing direct talks with Israel.

Rubio said Hezbollah is attempting to undermine efforts to seize a historic opportunity for advancing peace and stability. He reaffirmed Washington’s support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border.

Despite a ceasefire, Israel continues to carry out full-scale attacks in Lebanon, while Hezbollah is conducting retaliatory strikes, according to the report sourced from Middle East Eye.

US President Donald Trump has announced the lifting of the naval blockade imposed on Iran last month. The announcement was made through a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump stated that the blockade on Iranian ports would soon be removed, allowing detained ships to return to their destinations.

In his post, Trump outlined several conditions for a potential US-Iran agreement. He said Iran must pledge never to develop nuclear weapons and ensure free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz without any tolls. He also demanded that any mines in the strait be cleared, claiming that US forces had already destroyed several through explosions.

Trump further claimed that the United States, with assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency, would recover and destroy uranium that had been damaged in an underground Iranian facility during a US B-2 bomber strike about eleven months ago.

Iran has confirmed that message exchanges with the United States are ongoing but no final agreement has been reached. The statement came from Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, who issued a formal response emphasizing Tehran’s cautious stance. He strongly rejected the tone and language used by U.S. President Donald Trump, asserting that Iran abandoned the language of imposed conditions 47 years ago.

Baghaei stressed that Iran bases all its decisions solely on the interests and rights of its people. Addressing the issue of the naval blockade and the Strait of Hormuz, he said that what the United States calls a blockade is, from Iran’s perspective, an illegal act since the beginning of the war, violating both the ceasefire and international maritime freedom. He added that Iran will observe whether the announced lifting of the blockade is implemented in practice or remains a mere publicity claim.

Overall, Tehran’s message was one of caution, indicating that despite ongoing discussions, the main contentious issues between the two countries remain unresolved.