A fresh geopolitical standoff is unfolding in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned that all commercial vessels must use routes approved by Tehran while transiting the strategic waterway. The warning comes just days after Oman and international maritime authorities announced a temporary shipping corridor aimed at helping thousands of stranded seafarers and restoring safe navigation through the region. Iran has declared that coordination with the IRGC Navy is mandatory and warned against the use of routes established without its approval.

A new diplomatic rift has emerged between Washington and Israel after US Vice President JD Vance strongly defended the Trump administration's temporary peace agreement with Iran while criticizing Israeli leaders for their reaction. Speaking at a White House briefing, Vance dismissed what he described as the "freakout" in Israel over the US-Iran memorandum. He argued that President Donald Trump remains Israel's strongest international ally and urged critics to "smell the reality" and recognize America's continued commitment to Israeli security. Vance also said that anyone in Israel who believes the US president is their biggest problem "needs to wake up," adding that the criticism stems from mistrust rather than the substance of the agreement. He maintained that the United States has earned the region's trust through its diplomatic efforts. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have continued to express concerns that the US-Iran memorandum does not sufficiently address Tehran's nuclear programme or long-term regional security issues. WATCH