US and Iran reach tentative deal to end war
The United States and Iran have agreed on a preliminary deal to end the ongoing conflict, with President Trump ordering a halt to the US naval blockade. The agreement includes provisions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping channel. Analysts caution that while the deal marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough, major obstacles remain before a final settlement. BBC's Jeremy Bowen describes the agreement as ending a war that revealed the limits of US global dominance.
Lebanese officials express hope that the US-Iran ceasefire will extend to their country, but uncertainty remains. BBC reports that while Iran and the US have agreed to end the war, Israel says its forces will remain in Lebanon. Fighting has eased following the deal, but displaced residents are being warned against rushing back to their homes amid lingering instability.
Chinese companies hit by sanctions are watching the US-Iran deal closely, with analysts identifying potential openings despite ongoing ambiguity. Falling oil prices add another dimension for China's sanctions-hit firms. In a parallel development, Britain, France, Germany, and Italy announced plans to lift sanctions on Iran, signaling broader Western alignment with the new diplomatic direction.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced legislation that would ban under-16s from all major social media platforms, including TikTok and YouTube. The move represents one of the strictest youth social media restrictions globally. Tech companies have pushed back against the proposal, warning of enforcement challenges and unintended consequences. The legislation signals a significant escalation in the UK's approach to children's online safety.