Middle East Tensions Mount as Kushner Claims Iran Rejects Deal and Shipping Slows

Recent shipping data indicates that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed down significantly. Meanwhile, Saudi Civil Defence reported that potential danger in Jazan has now passed, even as Iran reroutes its oil flow with loading resuming at the Kharg Island terminal.

In legislative developments, the Iranian parliament has approved stiffer penalties for speaking with foreign media. Additionally, Axios reports that the US established a back channel to reach Iran’s IRGC during talks, while Iran's Ghalibaf referred to an agreement with the US as a 'document of honour'. Trump has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will be 'territory' of the US.

Further regional updates include Israeli strikes in Gaza resulting in two deaths, ongoing evaluations of the Houthis' military arsenal, and Trump admitting to an Air Force One escape over an Iran threat. Tensions continue as Trump fires back at Iran over compensation, claims the US destroyed Iran’s nuclear programme, and discussions persist regarding whether the US Iran June deal will be revised, alongside a US fighter jet refueling mid-air in the Middle East.