US Sees Near-Term Hormuz Deal as Gulf States Sign Defense Pact

WASHINGTON, United States — The United States expects a possible agreement between Iran and Oman that could restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed a mutual defense pact amid escalating regional tensions. The developments came as Washington continued diplomatic efforts to contain the wider conflict involving Iran, Israel and Iranian-backed groups.

Israel Strikes Southern Lebanon After Two Soldiers Killed as Rome Security Talks Continue

Israel-Lebanon border tensions resurfaced on Wednesday after two Israeli soldiers were killed during an operation in southern Lebanon, prompting Israeli retaliatory strikes that Lebanese authorities said left at least one person dead. The violence unfolded while Israeli and Lebanese officials continued security discussions in Rome aimed at reducing hostilities along their shared border.

Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam Condemns Israeli Attacks, Calls Them ‘Blatant Violation’ of Ceasefire

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has condemned recent Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, describing them as a “blatant violation of the ceasefire” and accusing Israel of breaching Lebanon’s sovereignty and international law. His statement came on Friday as tensions persist along the border ahead of another round of US-brokered negotiations between the two countries.