Al-Monitor

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a regional gathering led by ASEAN. The discussion is expected to focus on a potential September summit between their leaders.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the United States remains willing to negotiate an end to the Iran crisis, but accused Tehran of not being serious about talks. The conflict has disrupted energy chokepoints, including an incident where three Saudi oil tankers reversed course in the Red Sea amid threats from Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis.

Vessel crossings through the Strait of Hormuz decreased to three on Tuesday from four the previous day due to lingering security concerns linked to ongoing attacks by the United States and Iran. The Kaiser exited the strait loaded with cargo, while the H7 Smb8 entered in ballast, according to Kpler data.

The U.S. military ended its 11th consecutive day of strikes on Iran, targeting military operations centers, maritime capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and logistics infrastructure. The strikes aimed to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has attacked over 30 commercial vessels transiting the strait.

Hormuz and other key maritime straits have been central to global trade since the 16th century, fueling geopolitical rivalries. Singapore's naval base allows control of Malacca, a critical route for China's maritime traffic.

The U.S. war in Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, an increase of nearly $8 billion since the last public estimate. Hegseth stated the figure includes certain aspects of the war and anticipated costs through September 30.

Saudi and UAE officials posted similar social media messages affirming their countries' historical ties and leadership, following months of tension between the two Gulf monarchies. The posts by Saudi Minister Salman Al-Dosary and UAE's Abdulla bin Mohammed Alhamed were released simultaneously on X.

Trump authorizes direct US flights to Lebanon after a 40-year halt. Direct flights between the United States and Lebanon have not been operational since 1985.

Iran targeted US radar and air defense installations in the Gulf, warning of potential further attacks. Houthi rebels in Yemen threatened to blockade Saudi ports, prompting a warning from Trump that he would 'take care of' the Houthis if they proceed.

The PJAK co-leader disputes Iran's claim that Turkey caused a US Kurdish-backed plan to fail, asserting that the US and Israel would not abandon a strategic goal like toppling Iran's government due to Turkish objections.

Turkey's opposition leader Ozgur Ozel plans to form a new party to challenge President Tayyip Erdogan. This political splintering could enhance Erdogan's chances of extending his 23-year rule in the next elections.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that interaction with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is increasing daily. Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public since an airstrike killed his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei, at the start of the Iran war.

Turkey's opposition leader Ozgur Ozel will resign from the Republican People's Party (CHP) to form a new party amid a legal crackdown on political opponents of President Tayyip Erdogan. The move challenges the CHP, a century-old party founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Kuwaitis are reducing electricity use, particularly air conditioning, during summer as Iranian attacks on power plants force rationing. The energy-intensive cooling systems are critical in Kuwait's extreme summer heat.

The Houthi militia in Yemen warned shipping companies via email to avoid Saudi Arabian ports, stating such activity could result in targeting 'in any location.' They declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, potentially escalating regional tensions and threatening global energy supplies and trade.

Iran intensified its attacks in the Middle East, with Bahrain and Jordan intercepting two waves of missiles and drones. The United States responded with attacks targeting Iranian military capabilities after three US soldiers died, focusing on threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. forces bombed targets in southern Iran after President Donald Trump vowed retaliation for American soldier deaths. Iran responded by targeting U.S. sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, while a tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis announced plans to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, escalating regional tensions.

Global hunger declined for a third consecutive year in 2025, with 7.8% of the world's population experiencing hunger, down from 8.1% in 2024 and 8.6% in 2022. The United Nations warned that climate shocks and trade disruptions could hinder further progress.

Lebanese army troops deployed in the southern town of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh following Israeli withdrawal. The deployment aligns with a U.S.-brokered plan to confiscate Hezbollah weapons and phase out Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza City killed six family members, including father Firas Al-Masri, his wife Salsabeel, and their four children, according to health officials and medics. The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating it targeted a Hamas militant and is investigating the incident.