US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a UN shipping agency, has cautioned that imposing a toll on the Strait of Hormuz – a critical waterway through which 20 per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) is transported – would have far-reaching and potentially hazardous implications.
According to an IMO spokesperson, there currently exists no international agreement that would permit the imposition of tolls on vessels passing through international straits. This stance is rooted in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which has been adopted by IMO member states and guarantees the right of transit passage for ships navigating these waterways.
Under the terms of UNCLOS, states bordering straits are prohibited from impeding or suspending the transit passage of vessels. The Strait of Hormuz, however, falls outside the category of international waters.
This warning comes in response to reports from Iranian media suggesting that Iran is contemplating the imposition of tolls on vessels transiting the strait, with potential revenue to be shared with Oman. Specifically, some reports indicate that Iran could charge up to $2 million per ship, while others propose a per-barrel charge of $1 for oil shipments.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered the initiation of direct diplomatic talks with Lebanon at the earliest opportunity, citing purported requests from the Lebanese government for such negotiations.

In a significant development, German Chancellor Fredrich Merz has disclosed that his government is resuming direct talks with Iranian leaders, marking a shift after a prolonged period of diplomatic inactivity. This move comes as part of a coordinated effort with the US and European partners, following a recent ceasefire agreement. Merz emphasized that Germany’s participation in securing the Strait of Hormuz will be carried out under an international mandate, as previously discussed with US President Trump. The Chancellor also expressed his confidence in Trump’s intentions, distancing himself from the US leader’s earlier inflammatory remarks that sparked widespread concern. Furthermore, Merz expressed deep concern over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon, warning that it could jeopardize the entire peace process and urging all parties to exercise restraint.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has issued a stern rebuke of Israel’s military actions in Lebanon, cautioning that they pose a significant threat to the delicate negotiations currently underway. In a strongly worded statement, the ministry highlighted the devastating impact of these attacks, which it claims are precipitating a humanitarian disaster and exacerbating Lebanon’s already dire social and economic plight.

Analyst Sultan Barakat asserts that Iran’s reluctance to terminate the ceasefire in Lebanon, despite ongoing Israeli bombardment, suggests a genuine commitment to maintaining the fragile peace.

From a Lebanese viewpoint, people will likely scrutinize Iran’s stance, questioning whether it genuinely prioritizes the safety and protection of the Lebanese people, Barakat explained to Al Jazeera.

He noted that Iran, much like the United States, required a pause to replenish and reorganize its resources, and that exploring further negotiations, despite the risk of the US not being in good faith, is a viable option.

However, Barakat emphasized that Iran should exercise caution and pose several critical questions before accepting US intentions, particularly in light of the region’s complex dynamics and Iran’s dwindling diplomatic options.

The loss of Pakistan as a mediator, coupled with the GCC countries’ withdrawal following the strikes, would severely limit Iran’s diplomatic avenues, Barakat warned. In such a scenario, he cautioned that confrontation would become the only viable course of action.

Iran has unveiled a set of guidelines it claims will govern its management of the strategic waterway, despite the fact that the US has yet to officially endorse the terms ahead of a scheduled meeting in Islamabad on Saturday.
According to experts, Tehran’s continued dominance over the strait is unlikely to be well-received by Washington and other nations.
During the recent crisis, only a limited number of vessels from countries deemed friendly to Iran and those that have paid a toll have been granted safe passage. It is believed that at least two tolls were paid in Chinese yuan, a move that appears to be a deliberate attempt to undermine the US dollar and circumvent US sanctions. China, which accounts for 80 percent of Iran’s oil exports, has already been paying Tehran in yuan.

In a move shrouded in secrecy, the Israeli government has given the green light to a record 34 new settlements within the occupied West Bank, a development that has sparked controversy and raised eyebrows in the international community. This decision, reportedly made at the behest of the US administration, has significant implications for the region, as it paves the way for settlements to be established in areas previously considered off-limits, including those under the jurisdiction of Palestinian-controlled cities. This unprecedented approval is in line with the Israeli coalition’s long-term vision, first outlined in 2022, which envisions the full annexation of the occupied West Bank. Notably, this recent decision brings the total number of new settlements approved by the current government to an astonishing 103 since its inception.

According to Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, a ceasefire in the Iran conflict would not be enough to prevent lasting economic damage to the global economy. Even the most optimistic outcome, she stated, would result in a reduction in global growth, with no swift return to pre-conflict economic conditions.

Abdel-Malik al-Houthi, the Houthi movement’s leader in Yemen, has hailed the recently brokered truce between the United States and Iran as a resounding triumph for Tehran and its allies within the so-called “axis of resistance”, a coalition of Iran-backed groups across the Middle East.
According to a statement aired on the Al Masirah TV station, which is affiliated with the Houthi movement, al-Houthi described the ceasefire announcement as a significant victory for the Islamic Republic of Iran, its regional partners, and the broader Islamic community, as well as a testament to the resilience of the global community’s desire for peace.
In a video address, al-Houthi also noted that the conflict had served to reassert Iran’s strategic deterrent capabilities.

Lebanon’s healthcare facilities are on the brink of a crisis, with the World Health Organization warning that essential trauma medical supplies may dwindle to alarming lows within a matter of days. This dire situation has been precipitated by the recent surge in casualties resulting from Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours. According to Dr Abdinasir Abubaka, the WHO’s representative in Lebanon, the country’s trauma management supplies are already critically low, and a complete depletion is imminent. The life-saving trauma kits, which comprise vital items such as bandages, antibiotics, and anaesthetics, are crucial for treating patients who have suffered war-related injuries.