First Night Without US Strikes in Two Weeks as Tensions Persist

For the first time in nearly two weeks, no new US strikes on Iran were reported overnight into Saturday, marking a potential pause in the escalating conflict. However, tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran accusing the US of violating their interim deal and the US reimposing a blockade. Source: Al Jazeera Source: AP News

The Strait of Hormuz Dispute

Control of the strategic waterway remains a central point of contention. Iran claims the right to set transit routes under the June MoU, while the US disputes this. Source: Al Jazeera The US has expanded its strikes deeper into Iran, targeting infrastructure and military installations after the ceasefire collapsed. Source: ground-news

Regional Escalation

Iran's military launched drone strikes against US bases in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait in retaliation. Source: CNA Meanwhile, Houthi rebels attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, threatening to disrupt another key shipping route. Source: SCMP Oil prices spiked above $100 a barrel. Source: BBC

Diplomatic Signals

Despite the strikes, US President Donald Trump appeared open to talks, saying he is “willing to listen.” Source: Al Jazeera However, he also threatened a “massive attack” and said he would use frozen Iranian assets to pay for shipping damages. Source: CNBC Source: DW News Iran’s foreign minister called this an “incendiary precedent.” Source: BBC The EU, meanwhile, granted a US request to delay satellite images of the region. Source: Ars Technica