Oman and Iran held talks on ensuring safe shipping through the Hormuz Strait, respecting both nations' sovereign rights, with progress made and ongoing technical/political consultations.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko stated Moscow advocates for continued dialogue between Tehran and Washington to prevent negative consequences in the Middle East, following recent US strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation across the region.
The Hong Kong Palace Museum and Uzbekistan's Islamic Civilisation Centre signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Hong Kong, aiming to foster cultural exchange through joint exhibitions, research, and training, following a recent delegation visit.
U.S. forces conducted airstrikes in Iran following the deaths of three service members, including two in Jordan and one in Iraq, amidst ongoing conflict. Iran retaliated with strikes targeting infrastructure in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, while oil prices rose above $90 per barrel.
US diesel prices have again risen above $5 a gallon, with gas nearing $4, returning to pre-June highs. This surge is attributed to renewed US-Iran diplomatic uncertainty, new airstrikes, and unpredictable White House rhetoric, leading to universal cost increases.
Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Ghalibaf warned the US against violating the terms of a memorandum of understanding regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC announced the waterway would be closed to shipping due to alleged US "illegal interventions," following US strikes.
Iran is attempting to control a U.S.-protected shipping lane through Oman's waters, escalating tensions with the U.S. following tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts suggest Iran is losing leverage as the U.S. supports an alternative route, while oil prices have risen amid the conflict.
Disagreements over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy waterway, are at the core of renewed clashes between Iran and the US. Despite a ceasefire memorandum, conflicting interpretations of maritime security arrangements have led to recent attacks and retaliatory strikes, testing the limits of the agreement.
US gas prices surged by five cents to nearly $3.85 per gallon following renewed US attacks on Iran and President Trump's declaration that the ceasefire is "over." This marks the largest single-day increase since May, reversing a month-long trend of decreasing prices.
The US has entered a new phase of bombing Iran, striking 170 targets after Iran attacked commercial vessels. This escalation follows the collapse of a US-Iran memorandum of understanding, rooted in decades of distrust and the fragility of US sanctions relief promises.
The US anticipates a protracted military conflict with Iran, potentially lasting weeks, as tensions escalate following US strikes and Iranian retaliation. The duration hinges on Iran's actions regarding commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. US officials believe they have leverage due to successful oil tanker transits.
Iran's embassy in Moscow stated that the Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the US was founded on a 'commitment for commitment' mechanism, not trust, due to perceived US lack of goodwill and unilateral actions.
US President Trump declared the memorandum of understanding with Iran "over," citing its failure to resolve disputes and prevent attacks on shipping. The 60-day ceasefire, intended for diplomacy, unraveled in under three weeks amid renewed strikes and counter-strikes, raising fears of a return to full hostilities.
The US launched over 80 strikes on Iran in retaliation for attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump declared a memorandum of understanding with Iran "over," sparking fears of renewed war. Markets reacted with oil price surges and stock market falls.
India's Modi government has increasingly used the restoration and conservation of ancient temples and cultural sites abroad as a pillar of its foreign policy and soft power, particularly in Asia. This approach aims to reinforce civilisational links and deepen diplomatic ties with partner countries.
The Trump administration revoked a general license authorizing Iranian oil sales after tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Companies have until July 17 to wind down transactions, with payments to be made into blocked US accounts.
Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara and Singapore's Keppel Electric, Sembcorp Industries, and Singapore Energy Interconnections signed an MOU for a cross-border electricity project. This follows earlier agreements to supply 3.4 GW of low-carbon power to Singapore by 2035.
Islamabad is emerging as the leading venue for the next round of US-Iran technical negotiations, expected on July 11. The talks, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, will focus on Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief, and regional security.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, urged for the swift removal of unilateral sanctions against Iran, expressing hope that Tehran and Washington will continue their dialogue to reach a comprehensive resolution.
Iran's Parliament Speaker warned of war if the US violates a memorandum of understanding (MoU), stating negotiations won't proceed until Washington fulfills commitments. Tehran views recent Persian Gulf events as a violation and will react. Technical talks in Doha focus on MoU implementation, not political negotiations.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani discussed the Persian Gulf situation via phone. They emphasized the necessity for the US and Iran to strictly adhere to their memorandum of understanding on ending military conflict.
Top US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Qatari mediators in Doha regarding Iran negotiations. Both Qatar and Iran confirmed no direct or high-level meetings between US and Iranian officials would occur, contradicting earlier US President Donald Trump's claims. Discussions will focus on implementing a memorandum of understanding, including the release of Iran's frozen assets.
Solana Company has signed an MOU to help develop Alatau City, Kazakhstan's planned digital-first megacity, focusing on blockchain and crypto infrastructure. This partnership deepens Kazakhstan's ties to the Solana ecosystem, following the launch of a Solana Economic Zone and a Solana ETF in the country.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei rejected Donald Trump's claim of imminent US-Iran talks in Doha, stating no negotiations are scheduled. An Iranian expert delegation will visit Doha to follow up on a MoU regarding frozen assets, not for new talks, despite recent military de-escalation.
