Trump's announced breakthrough with Hamas fuels growing discord with Israel
Just days after US President Donald Trump announced a deal that would see Hamas completely disarm in Gaza, the plan seems to be unravelling.
Israel says it has expressed concern to Washington about the plan as it steps up its bombing campaign over the enclave.
This comes as far-right ministers put pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to allow international forces to enter Gaza, as approved by the government.
People in Gaza also say Trump's plan is out of touch with the worsening reality on the ground.
US Treasury Secretary says chance of Hormuz deal with Iran by Wednesday
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the United States could reach a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Wednesday, adding that this would stabilize energy prices.
"We are in talks with the Iranians, and I think there is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict," Bessent said Tuesday in an interview with CNBC.
Asked if a deal would allow Iran to charge a toll on shipping using the strait, Bessent said: "I think it would be freedom of movement."
Qatar blames Israel for delayed implementation of Gaza peace plan
Mediator Qatar blamed Israel for delays in implementing a Gaza peace plan, after US President Donald Trump said militant group Hamas had agreed to disarm, as Israel refuses to leave the territory.
"It is clear to the international community who is obstructing the implementation of the agreement," Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari told reporters. "The full responsibility lies on the Israeli side."
An increase in Israeli strikes in Gaza over recent days is "nothing more than an attempt to derail the plan's implementation and block peaceful solutions", he added.
Mediator Qatar says efforts 'ongoing' for Iran-US diplomatic solution
Mediating nation Qatar said that efforts for a diplomatic solution between the United States and Iran were ongoing but that there were no direct talks between the sides planned.
"We can confirm that the efforts are still ongoing with all parties," foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari told reporters at a regular briefing.
He said that negotiations were focused on "a short-term resolution that would help us reignite the talks and go back to the mediation efforts in its totality".
Yemen's Houthis say attacked southern Saudi airport
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis said that they had attacked an airport in Saudi Arabia, as tensions between the two foes brewed after the rebels declared a maritime blockade on Riyadh and struck its ships.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said they "successfully targeted a sensitive target belonging to the Saudi enemy at Najran Airport using a drone," adding that the strike on the southern airport was "in response to the Saudi enemy's violation of airspace over the Saada and Hajjah governorates using drones".
A regional source with knowledge of the matter told reporters that the airport's main radar was hit, affecting operations.
Saudi Arabia has not, so far, issued any comment on the claimed attack.
Iran seeks control over inbound Hormuz route, senior Iranian source says
Iran wants control over inbound shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and visibility over outbound traffic, with the ability to intervene if necessary, under a plan being discussed with Oman to reopen the strategic waterway, a senior Iranian source told Reuters on Tuesday.
The source, who is involved in the talks, said this is "the general idea currently being discussed", and specified that the outbound lane would follow a route between Iran and Oman, with exit clearance granted through Oman after notifying Iran.
"Tehran is unlikely to change its position," the source added.
Hezbollah leader says no objection to meeting with Syrian authorities
Hezbollah's chief said on Tuesday that he had no objection to meeting openly with Syria's leadership, the first time he has expressed such a stance after his Iran-backed group fought for Syria's former authorities.
"There is no impediment to a public meeting between Hezbollah and the Syrian leadership at a time considered appropriate by both sides," Naim Qassem said in a televised address.
He emphasised "the importance and necessity of positive, fraternal, cooperative relations" between Lebanon and Syria.
Dry bulk ship struck by projectile near Strait of Hormuz, maritime sources say
Liberia-flagged dry bulk ship, Minoan Pioneer, was hit by an unknown projectile close to Oman’s coast while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday.
The crew abandoned the vessel and one seafarer is missing, maritime security sources said.
"The projectile reportedly struck the engine room, while a fire broke out in the accommodation area. The crew are fighting the fire and require assistance, while the third engineer is reported missing,"
British maritime risk management group Vanguard said separately. The vessel’s Greece-based operator Modion Maritime Management did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Lebanon's negotiations with Israel bring 'shame and humiliation'
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said on Tuesday that direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel would bring "nothing but shame, humiliation, and successive compromises" for Lebanon, ahead of new talks in Rome.
In a televised address, Qassem said Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun "has not acted as an arbiter, nor as a unifying figure, but has become biased and divisive, which is incompatible with his role and with Lebanon's strength".
Cargo vessel hit by 'unknown projectile' in Strait of Hormuz: maritime agency
A cargo vessel was struck by an "unknown projectile" in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, a British maritime agency said on Tuesday, without giving specifics on damage or injuries.
The vessel, which has not been named, reported being "hit by an unknown projectile" and authorities were investigating, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said, adding the incident occurred 20 nautical miles (37 kilometres) northeast of Al Khasab, Oman.
Yesterday's key developments:
- US President Donald Trump said Sunday he decided to hold off on ordering American forces to carry out new strikes against Iran at the urging of Gulf allies Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
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Israel has conveyed concerns to the United States on a Gaza plan hailed by President Donald Trump after Hamas said it had agreed on disarmament, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Monday.
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Iran's foreign ministry said there were currently no negotiations with the United States, but there were talks with Oman over the management of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
(the broadcaster with AFP, AP, Reuters)
