China Presses Iran to Reopen Strait of Hormuz as US Reports Massive Conflict Costs

China has urged the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz during high-stakes talks with Iran's Araghchi. Meanwhile, the US Energy Secretary announced that the East-West pipeline should reopen within days, even as the ongoing conflict with Iran has cost the US $38 billion.

Bessent reported that the US has seen 'forward-facing' statements from the UAE regarding cutting off Iran finances. Concurrently, Iran has been accused of using spyware on dissidents overseas, and the US expects a change in the Red Sea security situation 'soon'.

New footage purports to show Houthis fighting Saudi-backed forces, while Massad Boulos stated that the region's security is a red line for the US. In other developments, Trump blasted AI critics while calling the Nvidia CEO mid-panel, and the RAK tourism chief revealed new brands set to open in the emirate.

Additional reports highlight the moment a US airman was pulled from Iran in a daring rescue, guardians of energy markets gathering in Bangkok, and Blair noting that the US and Gulf states are more resilient than Iran thinks. A Houthi projectile also struck Saudi Arabia’s Jazan region, Djibouti received about 1,400 refugees from Yemen, and Trump and Hegseth denounced Iran at a 9/11 memorial.