Iran’s oil sector faces a major leadership shake-up as Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad steps down amid intensifying US pressure on Tehran’s energy exports. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accepted Paknejad’s resignation and appointed National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) chief Hamid Bovard as acting oil minister. Paknejad had reportedly sought to resign earlier, citing personal reasons, but his request was initially rejected. Pezeshkian had urged the oil minister to remain in office before eventually accepting his repeated decision to step down. The Iranian president also praised Paknejad’s service following his departure from the Oil Ministry. The resignation comes as the confrontation between Washington and Tehran continues to put Iran’s oil exports and energy infrastructure under growing pressure. US measures targeting Iranian oil shipments and ports have intensified concerns over Tehran’s ability to maintain exports and sustain crucial revenue from its energy sector. WATCH

The Israel-Hamas ceasefire is facing fresh pressure after Israel announced the killing of a Hamas commander in Gaza City. The IDF says Ammar Mahmoud Muhammad al-Sharafi, identified as a company commander in Hamas’s military wing, was killed in an airstrike. Israel says he was involved in advancing attacks and restoring Hamas capabilities in violation of the ceasefire. The latest strike comes amid continued reports of violence in Gaza. Palestinian health officials reported additional deaths following Israeli strikes, while the broader ceasefire remains under strain.