Qatar Prime Minister Heads to Tehran for De-escalation Talks Amid Rising US-Iran Tensions

The Strait of Hormuz will reopen only if the US accepts Tehran's conditions, warns the IRGC, while the US is not expected to launch new strikes against Iran 'for the time being'. Meanwhile, the US ambassador to Lebanon says talks with Hezbollah are ‘possible’ but only if the group is serious.

China states that Trump's 'Economic D-Day' against Iran only fuels tensions. In the region, Lebanon’s President Aoun says negotiations with Israel are preferable to war, and the Omani foreign minister describes talks on Hormuz in Tehran as 'constructive'.

As Iranians panic buy due to fuel shortages, the Iran ambassador loses diplomatic immunity in Lebanon. Financial markets react as Manus on Markets questions whether US sanctions could shock the system, and The National discusses a new set of sanctions on Iran following the US announcement of a new economic campaign against Iran.

The UN chief calls for an end to the standstill in the Strait of Hormuz, and the US warns allies to back its Iran strategy. President Trump states that Iran is not ready for the 'right' deal, while Pope Leo renews an appeal for Gaza aid and reconstruction, and concerns grow that the South Lebanon ridgeline could be the next flashpoint.