Key development: The US and Iran are trading fire in the Strait of Hormuz, with the UAE now joining in—Trump says the ceasefire still stands, but it’s getting hard to tell.
Military Operations
(Update) The Pentagon just released video of US strikes hitting two Iranian oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Confirms the targets were specifically oil tankers, not just generic boats. (Al Jazeera)
Context: This is official footage of strikes the US has been conducting as part of escalating exchanges in the strait. The video release makes clear the US is directly targeting Iran’s oil transport infrastructure.
Sources: Al Jazeera
(Update) The UAE hit back after Iran fired fresh missiles and drones at it Friday. This pulls a new country into the fight beyond just the US-Iran exchange. (France 24)
Context: Iran launched attacks on the UAE hours after targeting three US Navy destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump ordered retaliatory strikes but then downplayed the whole thing, insisting the ceasefire still holds. The UAE’s decision to respond with its own strikes marks a concrete escalation—this is no longer just Washington and Tehran trading shots.
Sources: France 24
(Update) US forces shot at two empty Iranian oil tankers trying to break the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran says it fired missiles back in retaliation. (France 24)
Context: The tankers were heading for an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman when US forces opened fire. Iran’s military command formally accused the US of breaching the ceasefire and said it hit back at “enemy units” in the strait. The US reported intercepting Iranian attacks and striking back at military targets. These are the sporadic clashes both sides keep blaming on each other while claiming they’re still honoring a ceasefire.
| Sources: France 24 | France 24 | France 24 |
(Update) Israel bombed southern Lebanon Saturday after warning people to evacuate. This breaks an existing ceasefire with Hezbollah. (France 24)
Context: The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for several villages, then launched strikes it says targeted Hezbollah positions despite a ceasefire that’s supposed to be in place.
Sources: France 24
Diplomacy
(Update) Trump’s team sent Iran a fourteen-point, one-page peace deal through Pakistani mediators. Iran’s reviewing it now. (France 24)
Context: Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner drafted what they’re calling a “memorandum of understanding” after ten weeks of war and four weeks of stalemate. Pakistan’s acting as the go-between. This is the first concrete proposal we’ve seen beyond vague talk of negotiations—though given the ongoing shooting in the strait, it’s unclear how serious either side is.
Sources: France 24
Secretary of State Rubio told Italy that Trump hasn’t decided on pulling back from NATO, but warned allies are “a problem.” Italy offered to send troops to Hormuz after the war ends. (Euronews)
Context: Rubio met with Italian PM Meloni and Foreign Minister Tajani in Rome. Italy’s pushing for a mission to the Strait of Hormuz once fighting stops, and Trump agreed not to slap tariffs on Italy for now. Rubio promised movement on Iran negotiations but made clear the administration is frustrated that it can’t count on European allies.
Sources: Euronews
Economy
(Update) The EU just ruled airlines can’t add fuel surcharges to tickets you already bought. Rising kerosene costs aren’t an excuse to dodge passenger compensation either. (Euronews)
Context: Fuel prices are spiking because of the Middle East crisis, and airlines have been trying to pass those costs onto customers retroactively. Brussels shut that down with a binding ruling—if you bought a ticket at a certain price, that’s what you pay.
Sources: Euronews
(Update) European airlines might have to switch jet fuel types because of shortages from the Iran war. That creates real safety and operational risks. (Euronews)
Context: Beyond the cost spike, airlines are now looking at potential shortages that could force them to use different fuel types. Switching fuels mid-operation isn’t just a logistics headache—it raises safety concerns across the board for airlines and airports.
Sources: Euronews
What to watch: Whether Iran responds to Trump’s fourteen-point peace proposal, or whether the Strait of Hormuz exchanges spiral into something neither side can call a ceasefire anymore.