QtrendsIran claims closure of the Strait of Hormuz ahead of US-Iran talks in Switzerland, with the US denying the assertion. Israeli strikes kill 32 in Lebanon, complicating diplomacy, while Israel and Hezbollah renew a ceasefire after another deadly flare-up. Russia continues its assault on Ukraine with deadly strikes in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. Trump escalates a public feud with Italian PM Meloni over a G7 photo incident.
Iran announced it has closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing Israeli strikes in Lebanon, as US-Iran talks are set for Sunday in Switzerland. The US has denied Iran's claim and called the situation unconfirmed. The closure threatens a strategic waterway through which about a fifth of global oil supply passes. Talks between Washington and Tehran remain scheduled despite the escalation.
Israeli military strikes have killed 32 people in Lebanon, putting planned US-Iran talks at risk. Among those killed was Al Jazeera cameraman Ahmed Wishah in Gaza and a prominent ecologist at a turtle sanctuary in Lebanon. The escalating violence threatens to derail ceasefire efforts and regional diplomatic initiatives. Casualties include civilians and highlight the widening scope of the conflict.
Russian forces struck an apartment building in Kharkiv, killing one person, while a separate attack in Zaporizhzhia left five dead. The strikes continue Russia's campaign against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and population centers. A related report details how the Five Eyes intelligence alliance confronted Russia about its plans to attack Ukraine.
Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to halt fighting after a deadly flare-up that disrupted the opening of US-Iran talks. Multiple ceasefire agreements have failed to hold, with fighting persisting despite diplomatic efforts. The renewed violence has directly threatened broader regional negotiations, including talks between Washington and Tehran. Analysts question the durability of the latest truce.
Donald Trump has intensified a public dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, insisting she asked for a photo with him at the G7. Meloni has denied the claim, accusing Trump of fabricating the story. Italy's top diplomat subsequently canceled a trip to the US. Meloni, once seen as Trump's closest European ally, now faces a growing rift with the former US president.