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.

India Rules Out US Ethanol Imports for Fuel Blending Amid Ongoing Trade Talks

India has clarified that it has neither offered concessions nor made any commitments to the United States regarding ethanol imports for fuel blending as part of the ongoing bilateral trade negotiations. The Commerce Department said on Thursday that ethanol used under the country’s fuel blending programme continues to be sourced entirely from domestic producers, dismissing reports that suggested India was planning large-scale imports from the US.

China’s Rare Earth Curbs Pressure US Missile Magnet Supply Chain as Domestic Production Ramps Up

Efforts by the United States to strengthen its domestic supply of critical minerals have taken on renewed urgency as China’s restrictions on rare earth materials continue to disrupt production of components used in advanced weapons systems. American companies are now racing to expand processing capacity, but industry leaders say it will take time before domestic supply can meet growing defense demand.

Japan, US Confirm Joint Yen-Buying Intervention, Signal Readiness for More Action

Japan and the United States have confirmed that they carried out a coordinated intervention in the foreign exchange market to support the Japanese yen, marking the first joint currency operation between the two countries in more than a decade. Japanese authorities said they remain prepared to intervene again if necessary, underscoring growing concern over the yen’s prolonged weakness and its potential impact on global financial markets.