The ceasefire between Iran, the US, and Israel holds despite an expiring deadline, as both sides engage in a 'war of blockades' in the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan's efforts to host peace talks remain stalled, with delegations yet to arrive in Islamabad, highlighting the precarious diplomatic landscape following recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Irish police have used pepper spray to clear blockades at Whitegate Refinery, as nationwide protests over high fuel prices continue to severely disrupt supplies and public services across the Republic of Ireland. The government is finalising a support package while urging an end to the blockades.
A leading satellite imagery provider, Planet Labs, has indefinitely restricted access to images of Iran and parts of the Middle East following a request from the US government. This decision has sparked significant concerns among humanitarian organisations and journalists who rely on such imagery for critical analysis and reporting.
High-level negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad are navigating considerable obstacles, including alleged Israeli attempts to disrupt the talks. Key points of contention include Israel's operations against Hezbollah, control of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear programme, its regional influence, and demands for the lifting of international sanctions and the release of frozen assets.
