Middle East news, events & figures

Hormuz traffic reports diverge amid Iran monitoring uncertainty

Reports on the Strait of Hormuz pointed in different directions, with traffic said to be rising even as closure and Iran monitoring claims remained unsettled.

Pence criticizes Trump’s Iran memorandum as too weak

Mike Pence said President Donald Trump’s Iran memorandum falls short of what is needed to end the Iranian threat, sharpening GOP scrutiny of the deal.

U.S. and Iran Look to Next Talks After Preliminary Deal

The United States and Iran are looking toward another round of talks after a preliminary deal expected to be signed Friday.

Netanyahu’s Iran Strategy Faces Scrutiny After U.S.-Iran Framework

A reported U.S.-Iran framework appears to omit key provisions Israel wanted, placing renewed attention on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Iran strategy.

U.S.-Iran Deal Leaves Lebanon Cease-Fire Hopes Uncertain

A new U.S.-Iran agreement has raised hopes of regional de-escalation, but its effect on fighting in Lebanon remains unclear.

Iranian Official Warns Ships in Strait of Hormuz Could Be ‘At Risk

A senior Iranian military official warned that vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz without permission would be “at risk.”.

Japan casts FOIP as bridge to Middle East as security risks grow

Japan is presenting FOIP as a framework for closer Middle East cooperation on sea lanes, resilient supply chains and rules-based security.

Hormuz remains in limbo as Trump weighs Iran offer

The Trump administration is weighing an Iranian offer on the Strait of Hormuz as constrained shipping keeps pressure on oil and gas prices.