Iran warns continued US maritime blockade could shut Strait of Hormuz; secretary of Supreme National Security Council says further US escalation would hurt global economy and American voters

Iran says it is working with Oman to establish mechanisms for managing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, warning against third-party interference.

Iran says it is working with Oman to establish mechanisms for managing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, while warning against third-party interference.

Saudi Arabia launches 14-nation maritime defense alliance to protect Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait and Gulf of Aden shipping lanes, following Riyadh meeting attended by 43 countries.

Saudi Arabia announced Thursday the establishment of a multinational maritime defense alliance aimed at protecting shipping lanes in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden, following a high-level meeting in Riyadh attended by military chiefs and representatives from 43 countries and an EU delegation. Fourteen countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt and Somalia, issued a joint declaration supporting the alliance, with Saudi Arabia designated as the founding and leading state.

LebaneseAoun condemns Israeli blasts near Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, calling them a dangerous escalation that threatens the framework deal ahead of Rome talks.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Friday that Israel's massive explosions in southern Lebanon threaten the implementation of the framework agreement and risk undermining diplomatic negotiations ahead of a meeting in Rome. He condemned the explosions near the UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle, which he said generated seismic waves equivalent to a 3.8-magnitude earthquake, calling it a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to the framework agreement.

US will not lead NATO's Ukraine assistance group, Politico reports citing sources. Move deepens transatlantic rift and alarms Kyiv; successor country unknown.

The US will decline to lead a NATO group assisting Ukraine, Politico reports citing sources. Washington's refusal deepens its distancing from European allies and causes alarm in Kyiv; which country will lead the group is unknown.