Key facts
- Iran and Oman are reportedly in the final stages of drafting an agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
- Two Israeli soldiers were killed and four injured in an explosion in southern Lebanon.
- The Israeli army conducted strikes in southern Lebanon in response to an alleged Hezbollah ceasefire violation.
- A tanker reported hearing two blasts near Oman while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
- US President Donald Trump stated the US prefers a deal with Iran over military action.
Tensions remain high across the Middle East as Iran announced it is in the final stages of drafting an agreement with Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz waterway. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, stated that a joint statement would be issued if certain parties do not obstruct the process, apparently referring to the U.S. The agreement is likely contingent on the U.S. lifting its blockade on Iran's ports. The Strait of Hormuz is crucial to global shipping and energy supplies, with approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas passing through it before the current conflict.
Meanwhile, two Israeli soldiers were killed and four seriously wounded in an explosion in southern Lebanon, according to the Israeli military. These deaths mark Israel's first since a truce was implemented between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The Israeli army launched strikes in southern Lebanon in response to what it described as Hezbollah's violation of the ceasefire. The escalation occurred as Lebanese and Israeli negotiators met in Rome to discuss the implementation of a June deal for Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas in exchange for Hezbollah's disarmament.
A tanker also reported hearing two blasts near Oman's Kumzar while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, though the vessel and its crew were reported safe. US President Donald Trump has stated that Washington prefers an agreement with Iran over military action.