Rubio: Peace agreement between Israel, Lebanon possible, but Hezbollah 'poses problem' | LIVE

Rubio: Peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon is possible, but Hezbollah is 'problem'

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said peace between Israel and Lebanon was possible, while acknowledging that Hezbollah was an obstacle, Reuters reports.

"Overall, I think a peace agreement between Lebanon and Israel is eminently achievable, and should be," he told reporters at a White House briefing. "The problem between Israel and Lebanon is neither Israel nor Lebanon; it's Hezbollah."

Israel blasting houses in Byut al-Sayyad, Sour district

An Israeli force infiltrated from Bayyada towards Byut al-Sayyad (Sour), where it carried out operations to dynamite homes before withdrawing.

This is the first Israeli incursion into this area, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

'Gaza Flotilla': Lula demands 'immediate release' of activists detained by Israel

Brazilian President Lula has demanded the “immediate release” of Brazilian Thiago Avila and Spaniard Saif Abu Keshek, pro-Palestinian activists on the Gaza flotilla, deeming the extension of their detention by Israel “unjustifiable.”

“Our government, as well as that of Spain, whose citizen is also being detained, demands that they be granted all security guarantees and be released immediately,” Silva stated on the social network X.

Arrested last Thursday off the coast of Crete, the two activists had their detention extended until Sunday by the Israeli courts.

Iran claims it has not launched any attacks against UAE in recent days

Iran's military operations commander, Khatam al-Anbiya, stated that he had not conducted any attacks against the United Arab Emirates in recent days, while warning of an "overwhelming response" should the Gulf state take action against Iran.

The UAE has been the target of a second day of what it describes as missile and drone attacks originating from Iran, following four weeks of relative calm since the United States announced a cease-fire.

Latest developments in south Lebanon, according to our correspondent

Israeli warplanes bombed Zawtar al-Sharqieh, Shoukin, and Mount Hamdani, located between Zibdine and Shoukin, in the Nabatieh district.

Another Israeli airstrike targeted Habboush, where ambulances were dispatched following reports of injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli aircraft conducted a raid on Burj Qalaway (Bint Jbeil), according to our correspondent in the South.

For its part, Hezbollah claimed that its fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in Rshaf (Bint Jbeil) and Israeli army vehicles in the Wadi al-Jamal area, between the towns of Mais al-Jabal and Houla (Marjayoun). The party also indicated that it had targeted the "newly established site" in Blat (Marjayoun) with a salvo of rockets.

Latest developments in south Lebanon, according to our correspondent

Israeli warplanes bombed Zawtar al-Sharqieh, Shoukin, and Mount Hamdani, located between Zibdine and Shoukin, in the Nabatieh district.

Another Israeli airstrike targeted Habboush, where ambulances were dispatched following reports of injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli aircraft conducted a raid on Burj Qalaway (Bint Jbeil), according to our correspondent in the South.

For its part, Hezbollah claimed that its fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in Rshaf (Bint Jbeil) and Israeli army vehicles in the Wadi al-Jamal area, between the towns of Mais al-Jabal and Houla (Marjayoun). The party also indicated that it had targeted the "newly established site" in Blat (Marjayoun) with a salvo of rockets.

Trump considers direct Lebanon-Israel dialogue 'the fastest way' to a lasting agreement

Sources within the U.S. State Department told Lebanese channel MTV that U.S. President Donald Trump believes “direct dialogue between Lebanon and Israel is the fastest way to a lasting agreement that guarantees peace and stability.”

Israel ready to deploy 'full air force' against Iran if necessary

Israel is ready to deploy “its full air force” against Iran “if necessary,” its new chief declared Tuesday at his swearing-in ceremony.

“We are closely monitoring developments in Iran and are prepared to deploy the entire air force eastward if necessary,” said General Omer Tischler, who succeeds General Tomer Bar in this key position.

Berlin offers "nuanced support" for Israeli invasion of South

The German foreign minister offered "nuanced support" on Tuesday for the Israeli military invasion of Lebanon, while criticizing the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the "de facto annexation" in the West Bank, during a visit by his Israeli counterpart to Berlin.

Israel claims it destroyed 5 underground tunnels, killed more than 250 Hezbollah fighters in south Lebanon

The Israeli army announced that its 146th Division forces destroyed five underground tunnels and “thousands of terrorist infrastructures” in southern Lebanon, in addition to having “eliminated more than 250 Hezbollah fighters in direct clashes and airstrikes,” without specifying the location or time period.

In a post on X, the Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, claimed that Israeli forces had discovered “hundreds of weapons, including drones, explosive devices, anti-tank missiles, and RPG rocket launchers.”

Trump believes Iran 'should wave the white flag of surrender'

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday downplayed Iran’s military capabilities, saying Tehran “should wave the white flag of surrender,” while being too proud to do so.

Speaking to reporters, he said the Iranian military was now reduced to “firing firecrackers,” adding that Tehran privately wanted to reach a deal, despite its belligerent rhetoric in public.

“They’re playing games, but let me tell you something: they want to make a deal. And who wouldn’t, when your military is totally wiped out?” he said.

The U.S. president also praised the blockade imposed by the United States on Iranian ports in the region. “It’s like steel. Nobody’s going to challenge the blockade. And I think it’s working very well,” he said.

When asked what Iran would have to do to violate the cease-fire, he replied: "You'll know, because I'll tell you... They know what they shouldn't do."

Trump calls Iran war a 'little skirmish'

Donald Trump, attempting to downplay the scale of the Iran war, called the conflict a "little skirmish."

"We're in a little skirmish militarily. I call it a 'skirmish' because Iran doesn't stand a chance," the U.S. president said at the White House during an event focused on physical exercise in schools. He also called on Iran to "do the smart thing."

Israel intercepted 'suspicious aerial target,' Hezbollah drone reported in southern Lebanon

Israeli army spokesperson Ella Waweya stated on X that “an interceptor missile was fired at a suspicious aerial target before it entered Israeli territory.”

She clarified that “no alert was triggered, in accordance with established procedures.”

She added that “earlier on Tuesday, Hezbollah launched a drone that crashed near forces operating in southern Lebanon, without causing any injuries.”

Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling continues in southern Lebanon

• An Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Shoukin and another targeted the Arid neighborhood in Qaaqayet al-Jisr (both located in Nabatieh).
• An Israeli airstrike targeted Kafar Dounine (Bint Jbeil).
• An Israeli warplane airstrike targeted a house in the town of Deir Kifa (Sour).
• Israeli artillery shelling targeted the towns of Kafra, Haris (both located in Bint Jbeil) and Touline (Marjayoun).

Hezbollah targets Israeli army’s artillery position in Robb Thalathin

Hezbollah targeted the newly established artillery position of the Israeli army in the town of Robb Thalathin (Marjayoun) with a swarm of attack drones.

Israeli airstrike targeted Shoukin, reports our correspondent

An Israeli airstrike targeted Shoukin in the Nabatieh district. In addition, Israeli artillery fire targeted the wooded area between the towns of Shebaa and Shuya in the Hasbaya district.

Hezbollah claims responsibility for attacks in Adsheet al-Qusair, Bayyada

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting a gathering of Israeli soldiers and army vehicles in Adsheet al-Qusair (Marjayoun) with artillery shells.

The party also stated that it targeted a group of Israeli military vehicles in Bayyada (Sour) with a salvo of rockets.

Israeli airstrikes, artillery fire in south Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes targeted Beit Yahoun (Bint Jbeil), Harouf (Nabatieh), and Mansouri (Sour), the latter being targeted twice.

A third airstrike today targeted Tibnin (Bint Jbeil).

Intense artillery fire targeted the center of Braasheet (Bint Jbeil).

UAE intercepts missiles, drones from Iran

The UAE Defense Ministry reports that its air defenses are facing missile and drone attacks originating from Iran.

Israel is considering escalating its attacks against Hezbollah if the truce with Iran collapses, CNN reports

Israel is considering intensifying its strikes against Hezbollah across Lebanon if the truce with Iran collapses, CNN reported, citing an Israeli source.

According to the same source, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed U.S. President Donald Trump of Israel's willingness to resume high-intensity fighting against Hezbollah.

An Israeli security source also indicated that the army would press for the lifting of restrictions imposed by Washington in order to resume its strikes north of the Litani River, which separates southern Lebanon from the rest of the country.

Israeli phosphorus artillery strikes target Kounin, Beit Yahoun

Israeli warplanes carried out several strikes in the South, targeting Kafra (Bint Jbeil), Majdal Zoun (Sour), and Qabrikha (Marjayoun), reports our regional correspondent.

Meanwhile, Israeli artillery bombardments using phosphorus shells targeted Kounin and Beit Yahoun (Bint Jbeil). Other artillery fire struck Braasheet and Kounin (Bint Jbeil), as well as Qaaqaiyet al-Jisr (Nabatieh), where ambulances were dispatched following reports of injuries.

Iran: US military ready to resume 'major combat operations' if ordered to do so, reports AFP

Members of Macron's team in Beirut

L’Orient-Le Jour has learned that members of French President Emmanuel Macron's team traveled to Beirut on Tuesday, where they met with President Joseph Aoun, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

According to our sources, the discussions focused on current events in Lebanon, as well as the post-UNIFIL phase (the U.N. peacekeeping mission's mandate expires at the end of 2026). Also on the agenda was the conference in support of the Lebanese Army, scheduled to take place in Paris, which had been postponed due to the war.

This visit comes two weeks after the Macron-Salam meeting at the Élysée Palace.

Death toll since March 2: 2,702 killed and 8,311 wounded, according to the Health Ministry

The Lebanese Health Ministry announced that the cumulative death toll from Israeli airstrikes since March 2 has now reached 2,702, with 8,311 wounded.

Israeli airstrikes and phosphorus shelling hit multiple south Lebanon towns

Israeli warplanes carried out several strikes in south Lebanon, targeting Kafra (Bint Jbeil), Majdal Zoun (Sour) and Qabrikha (Marjayoun), according to our correspondent.

At the same time, Israeli artillery fired phosphorus shells at Kounin and Beit Yahoun.

Additional shelling hit Braasheet and Kounin, as well as Qaaqaaiyet al-Jisr, where ambulances were dispatched following reports of casualties.

Hezbollah claims series of attacks on Israeli positions in Bayyada

Hezbollah said it carried out a series of attacks against Israeli army positions in Bayyada (Sour district).

In a statement, the group said it targeted a Merkava tank with a guided missile and struck a gathering of military vehicles with a drone. It also claimed targeting an Israeli military helicopter with a surface-to-air missile and shelling a group of soldiers with artillery fire.

In the Marjeyoun district, Hezbollah said it targeted an Israeli military vehicle with a drone in Qantara and struck a gathering of military vehicles in Deir Siryan with a rocket salvo.

Iran will face ‘overwhelming firepower’ if commercial ships attacked

The U.S. defense chief has warned Iran it will unleash heavy attacks if vessels carrying out trade are targeted during its operation Project Freedom.

“As a direct gift from the United States to the world, we have established a powerful red, white, and blue dome over” the Strait of Hormuz, said Hegseth.

“Iran will face overwhelming firepower if it attacks commercial shipping.”

‘We’re not looking for a fight’ with Iran, says Pentagon chief Hegseth

The U.S. military seeks “to break Iran’s illegal stranglehold” over the Strait of Hormuz in its Project Freedom naval operation, says U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

“US aims to protect shipping from Iranian aggression. The U.S. won’t need to enter Iranian airspace or waters as part of opening the Strait of Hormuz,” he told a press conference at the Pentagon.

“We’re not looking for a fight. They said they control the strait, they do not.”

France's Macron to speak with Iran president on Tuesday

French President Emmanuel Macron will speak with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian later on Tuesday, as he pushed for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

"I will be speaking with the Iranian president shortly," Macron told reporters at a press conference in Yerevan, adding that France had long advocated for "the restoration of freedom of navigation" in the vital waterway.

Hezbollah targets Israeli helicopter and soldiers in Bayyada

Hezbollah said it targeted an Israeli army helicopter in the skies over the town of Bayyada (Sour) with a surface-to-air missile, achieving a confirmed hit. The party also said it targeted a gathering of Israeli army soldiers in the same town using artillery shells.

US, Israel preparing possible new strikes on Iran, CNN reports

Israel is coordinating with the United States on preparations for a potential new round of strikes against Iran, CNN reports, citing an Israeli source.

The coordination includes plans targeting energy infrastructure and possible strikes against senior Iranian officials, with many options already prepared ahead of the early April ceasefire, according to the source.

The aim would be a short campaign to pressure Tehran into further concessions in negotiations, though any decision to resume hostilities ultimately rests with Donald Trump.

Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are seen as putting the truce at risk.

Injuries reported is Israeli artillery shelling in southern Lebanon

• Artillery shelling targeted the towns of Braachit and Kounine (both located in Bint Jbeil.)
• Heavy artillery fire also struck Qaaqaiyet al-Jisr in the Nabatieh district, with ambulances heading to the area following reports of injuries.
• An Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Majdal Zoun (Sour.)

Iran FM to visit China for talks on Middle East

Abbas Araghchi will travel to China on Tuesday for talks on regional developments, Iran’s foreign ministry said.

He is set to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues.

Israeli strikes and shelling continue across south Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes, artillery shelling and heavy machine-gun fire are ongoing across south Lebanon, according to our correspondent.

A strike targeted Zebdin, though the missile reportedly did not explode, while additional strikes hit Zawtar Sharkiqieh and Qaaqaaiyet al-Jisr.

Two more airstrikes targeted Tebnin.

Artillery shelling struck the outskirts of Harouf and Zebdin, while sustained fire also targeted Mansouri, Qlaya, Hanin and Bayyada.

In images:

Lebanon condemns Iranian attacks on UAE

The foreign ministry said it “strongly condemns the rejected Iranian attacks” targeting the United Arab Emirates with missiles and drones, calling them a “blatant violation” of sovereignty, international law and the U.N. Charter.

In a statement, the ministry warned the strikes pose a “serious threat” to regional security and stability, and expressed Lebanon’s “full and steadfast solidarity” with the UAE’s leadership, government and people.

It also affirmed support for the UAE’s “legitimate right” to defend its territory and protect its citizens and residents.

The UAE on Monday accused Iran of carrying out the missile and drone barrage, prompting widespread condemnation from Arab states.

Rubio to hold ‘frank’ talks with Pope Leo amid tensions over US policies

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Pope Leo on Thursday for what the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See described as a “frank conversation” on the Trump administration’s policies, according to The Guardian.

Ambassador Brian Burch said the talks would aim to address disagreements “through fraternity and authentic dialogue,” adding that Rubio is approaching the meeting in that spirit.

The visit coincides with the first anniversary of Leo’s papacy and comes weeks after Donald Trump publicly criticized the Chicago-born pontiff over his condemnation of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Pope Leo had suggested a “delusion of omnipotence” was driving the conflict and described Trump’s threat to annihilate Iranian civilization if Tehran refused U.S. demands — including opening the Strait of Hormuz — as “truly unacceptable.”

Iraq offers steep discounts on Basrah Medium crude

Iraq is offering discounts of up to $33.40 per barrel below official prices for its flagship Basrah Medium crude, according to Bloomberg News.

The move signals aggressive pricing as Baghdad seeks to maintain market share amid heightened volatility in global oil markets.

Red Cross seeks access to retrieve bodies after deadly south Lebanon strike

The International Committee of the Red Cross is continuing contacts to recover the bodies of four Syrian nationals killed Saturday in south Lebanon, our correspondent reports.

The victims — all from the same family, including two children — were killed on May 2 in an Israeli strike between Zawtar Sharqieh and Mayfadoun. They were traveling in a pickup truck and a car and were reportedly filling water from a reservoir belonging to the “Douceurs d’Orient” factory at the time.

Rescue teams attempted to retrieve the bodies on Monday but were unable to access the area due to repeated artillery shelling.

The Red Cross is now coordinating with the relevant mechanism to secure authorization to reach the targeted vehicle and recover the remains.

India condemns drone strike on UAE oil site, urges Hormuz access

India has condemned a drone attack on the oil facility in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, in which three Indian nationals were injured on Monday.

New Delhi called for ensuring access through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route through which roughly half of its crude oil imports transit, according to AFP.

Israeli strikes and shelling hit multiple south Lebanon towns

Israeli warplanes carried out their first strikes of the morning in south Lebanon, targeting Kafra and Jibsheet, according to our correspondent.

One strike hit Kafra (Bint Jbeil), while two others targeted Jibsheet (Nabatieh), more than two hours after an evacuation warning was issued for residents of Jibsheet and nearby Srifa.

At the same time, Israeli artillery is shelling Zawtar Sharqieh.

Hezbollah claims 5 attacks on Israeli positions in south Lebanon

Hezbollah said it carried out five attacks this morning against Israeli soldiers and armored vehicles in south Lebanon.

In a statement, the group said it struck a Merkava tank overnight in Bayyada (Sour district) with a guided missile, claiming the tank was seen on fire. It also reported targeting Israeli soldiers and vehicles in the same area with missiles.

Hezbollah further claimed three drone attacks this morning: at 7:00 a.m. against a Merkava tank in Kawzah (Bint Jbeil), at 9:00 a.m. against an Israeli Caterpillar D9 bulldozer in Rshaf (Bint Jbeil), and at 9:15 a.m. in Khallet Raj, near Deir Siryan (Marjayoun), reporting “direct hits.”

South Korea to review stance on US Hormuz operations after cargo blast

South Korea said Tuesday it will “carefully review its position” on potentially joining U.S.-led operations in the Strait of Hormuz, after a South Korean-linked cargo ship was hit in an explosion.

The vessel, the "HMM Namu," chartered by HMM, was struck on Monday but no casualties were reported.

While stopping short of announcing any policy shift, Seoul’s defense ministry said it would reassess its stance based on international law, the security of global maritime routes, its alliance with the United States, and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula.

The ministry added that Seoul is already “actively participating in international discussions” aimed at ensuring safe passage through the vital shipping lane.

According to shipping data, the "HMM Namu," is a roughly 180-meter multipurpose cargo vessel sailing under the Panamanian flag.

Amal official: 'Time for talking is over'

Moustapha Fouani, head of the executive body of the Amal Movement, said that “the time for talking is over and has given way to commitment” in the face of ongoing Israeli attacks and occupation in South Lebanon.

Speaking at a press conference in Sour, Fouani reaffirmed the movement’s “rejection of any concession over a single square meter of Lebanese territory.” He called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces, an end to the attacks, and the launch of large-scale reconstruction efforts to restore residents’ dignity.

He also stressed the need for national unity, saying Lebanon “can only be governed by consensus and protected by its unity.”

Status quo 'intolerable' for the United States, says Ghalibaf

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf said the continuation of the status quo is intolerable for Washington, in a message posted on X.

“The new equation in the Strait of Hormuz is taking shape. The security of maritime navigation and energy transit has been endangered by the United States and its allies through ceasefire violations and the imposition of a blockade; naturally, their effects will fade. We know full well that maintaining the status quo is unbearable for the United States, while we are still only at the beginning,” the Iranian official said.

New Hegseth press conference scheduled in Washington

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to hold a new press conference Tuesday morning in Washington on Middle East operations, alongside Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine.

Von der Leyen condemns Iranian strikes on the UAE

The attacks carried out by Iran constitute “a clear violation of sovereignty and international law,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, expressing her “full solidarity” with the United Arab Emirates, AFP reports.

Saudi Arabia calls for continued mediation

Saudi Arabia warned against further “military escalation” in the Gulf and called for continued mediation efforts between Iran and the United States to reach a political solution that would spare the region further instability.

Iran denies intent to target the UAE, denounces 'US military adventurism'

The Islamic Republic had no “plan” to strike the key Emirati oil site of Fujairah, Iranian state television said, citing an unidentified senior officer.

The officer condemned the consequences of “U.S. military adventurism,” referring to the operation announced by Donald Trump aimed at allowing ships trapped in the Gulf due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to transit.

Hormuz: No 'damage' except South Korean vessel hit, says Trump

The U.S. president said there had been no “damage” in the Strait of Hormuz, except for fire targeting a South Korean vessel, AFP reports.

According to South Korea’s Foreign Ministry, an “explosion” followed by a fire struck a ship chartered by a South Korean company in the strait.

Israeli army says it killed two Hezbollah members in South Lebanon

The Israeli military said on X it identified and killed two Hezbollah members in a drone strike in South Lebanon while they were traveling on a motorcycle, releasing a short video of the strike.

It also said it destroyed a building from which Hezbollah had fired at one of its tanks, claiming the attack caused no damage. No footage was provided to confirm the failed attack or the building’s destruction.

US accused of targeting civilian vessels bound for Iran, killing five

Iranian media, citing military sources, said the United States targeted two civilian vessels transporting goods to Iran — not Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps speedboats as Washington claimed.

According to these reports, cited by Reuters, five civilians were killed.

Overnight attacks in South Lebanon

Overnight from Monday to Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes hit the outskirts of Zawtar Sharqieh toward Maifadoun, the outskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh), as well as Rshaf (Bint Jbeil).

Artillery also targeted Haris (Bint Jbeil) and Hennieh (Sour).

The Lebanese Army said an officer and a soldier were lightly wounded in an Israeli strike in Kafra (Bint Jbeil) while moving between military positions.

Partial toll of Monday’s Israeli attacks

According to our correspondent in South Lebanon:

• Israeli warplanes struck 23 localities, most of them multiple times.
• No drones were used.
• Nineteen localities were subjected to heavy, sometimes continuous, artillery shelling.
• A powerful explosion was triggered by the Israeli army in Ainata (Bint Jbeil).
• Hezbollah carried out 13 attacks targeting Israeli military gatherings in occupied Lebanese territory.

Israeli army issues evacuation warning for Jibsheet and Srifa

The Israeli military called on residents of Jibsheet (Nabatieh district) and Srifa (Sour) in south Lebanon to evacuate their homes and move at least 1,000 meters away.

“For your safety, you must immediately evacuate your homes and move away from the villages by at least 1,000 meters toward open areas,” the statement said, adding that the decision follows “Hezbollah’s violation of the cease-fire agreement.”

“Anyone near Hezbollah elements, facilities or combat means is putting their life at risk,” the statement added.

No strikes had yet been reported in South Lebanon this morning, according to our correspondent.

The Israeli army also said, in a statement relayed by Haaretz, that Hezbollah fired several mortar shells at an area in southern Lebanon where Israeli troops are operating, in two separate incidents over recent hours. No injuries were reported.

Calls for de-escalation after US-Iran clashes around Hormuz

Calls for de-escalation in the Gulf are mounting Tuesday after clashes between Iranian and U.S. forces around the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian strikes toward the United Arab Emirates — the first against a Gulf country in nearly a month of truce.

Early Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron called the Iranian strikes on the UAE “unacceptable,” while Saudi Arabia warned against further escalation.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Tehran to “genuinely engage in negotiations” for a long-term diplomatic solution. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz added: “Iran must return to the negotiating table and stop holding the region and the world hostage."

Welcome to our live coverage

Welcome to our live coverage of another day under a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon — strained by ongoing Israeli strikes in the south, where Tel Aviv says it is creating a “buffer zone,” and by attacks claimed by Hezbollah against Israeli forces.

We are also tracking regional developments, especially in Iran, where a ceasefire is still in place. Donald Trump has announced a plan to allow ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite warnings from Tehran.

Tensions rose further on Monday when the United Arab Emirates was hit by strikes. Abu Dhabi and the United States blame Iran, which denies any involvement.

➡️ Catch up on everything you missed over the weekend by reading our Morning Brief.