US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to members of the media before boarding a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III in Kuwait City.
Day 118 | US promises to protect Gulf states' interests in Iran talks
Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised the United States' Gulf allies that Washington would protect their interests as it seeks to hammer out a final settlement of the Middle East war in talks with Iran.
Rubio was on a regional tour to reassure the Gulf states, which were targeted by Tehran's missiles and drones during the conflict and saw their crucial oil and gas shipments effectively cut off by an Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran has emerged emboldened from the war, vowing not to relinquish control of the vital waterway and going so far as to call its initial deal with Washington to stop the fighting "a declaration of America's defeat".
The initial US-Iran deal, which sets out a 60-day negotiating process aimed at reaching a long-term agreement, failed to address Gulf nations' long-standing concerns about Iran's missile programme and regional proxies.
But Rubio insisted Washington was "not going to do anything that undermines the security of our allies".
Tehran, however, has already portrayed the deal as a victory.
Its top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Wednesday that the agreement, reached with the help of Pakistani mediation, was "the result of the resistance and authority of the brave Iranian nation".
"That is why the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding became a declaration of America's defeat," he said.
Both Rubio and Pakistan said that technical talks between the US and Iran were expected to resume in the coming days following a first round in Switzerland.
Rubio also insisted on Wednesday that the US was committed to preserving the pre-war status quo of toll-free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which carries a substantial proportion of global oil and gas shipments.
Thread ended
This live thread has ended. Follow our online coverage of day 119 of the war.
Read more: Day 119 | US says wants deal with Iran, but not “at any price”
Hezbollah says 'Israel' killed 3 civilians in Lebanon
Hezbollah on Thursday accused 'Israel' of a "flagrant" ceasefire breach, saying it launched a drone and killed three civilians in southern Lebanon.
The group said the strike was a "direct attack" on "civilians," while 'Israel' had earlier said it had killed fighters from Hezbollah ranks.
Hezbollah said it was the third "flagrant violation" by Israel "of the ceasefire to which it has committed itself so far".
'Israeli' soldiers injured in clashes near southern Lebanon: Reports
Unconfirmed reports on 'Israeli' media say clashes erupted in southern Lebanon near the 'Israeli' army’s 679 Brigade area of operations in the Beit Yahun sector, with claims of casualties among 'Israeli' forces and an evacuation helicopter landing at Rambam Hospital in Haifa.
Developments remain unverified.
Iran warns ships against using unauthorized Hormuz routes
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) said on Thursday that vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz outside routes designated by the authority would not be covered by safe-passage guarantees or insurance protections.
In a post on X, the PGSA said any ship using routes outside its approved framework would forfeit insurance coverage and related liabilities, warning that the consequences of unauthorized passage would rest solely with the vessel’s owner, operator and commander.
“Any passage through routes outside the framework designated by PGSA will not be covered by safe passage guarantees and will not be entitled to insurance coverage or related liabilities,” the authority said.
The statement came in response to what the authority described as repeated inquiries over navigation through the strategic waterway, which remains at the centre of heightened regional tensions and international concern over maritime security.
The PGSA added that any consequences resulting from passage through non-designated routes would be the responsibility of the shipowner, operator and vessel commander.
Iran fired on cargo ship that tried to pass through Strait of Hormuz, US officials tell Reuters
Iran fired on a cargo ship that had reported earlier on Thursday being hit by a projectile as it attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, two US officials told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The ship reported being struck on its starboard side by a projectile 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Oman's port of Dahit, British navy agency UKMTO said.
'Israel' army says killed Hezbollah operatives in south Lebanon
The 'Israeli' army said it had killed several suspected Hezbollah operatives on Thursday in two separate incidents around the so-called "security zone" its forces have established in southern Lebanon.
In the first case, the military said soldiers "identified five Hezbollah terrorists who posed a threat to them" in Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, while in the second, they "identified an armed Hezbollah terrorist" around the strategic Ali al-Taher Ridge.
"Following the identifications, the Israeli Air Force and the ground forces fired toward the terrorists and eliminated them to remove the threat," it said.
Gulf FMs say Iran proxies, missiles must be addressed for 'lasting' peace
The Gulf's top diplomats said on Thursday that dealing with Iran's proxies and missiles was key to lasting peace, and that any trade and investment with Tehran would be reversible and contingent on it respecting its deal with the US.
"The Ministers further emphasized that lasting regional peace and security requires addressing the full spectrum of Iran’s threats, including its ballistic missiles, drones, and support of proxies in the region," they said in a joint statement following a meeting co-chaired by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"Any trade and investment with Iran is conditional and reversible, contingent on Iran's compliance with the MOU and the final agreement, cessation of its destabilizing behavior, and creation of the conditions necessary for economic engagement," they added.
Iran, Oman advance talks on future administration of Strait of Hormuz
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said he held a productive call with Oman’s Foreign Minister following a recent joint statement in Muscat, stressing continued dialogue between Tehran and Muscat on the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz.
Araghchi said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further discussions aimed at defining how the strategic waterway will be managed going forward, adding that Iran and Oman remain determined to continue consultations in coordination with regional neighbors.
After recent Joint Statement in Muscat, had productive call with @badralbusaidi
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 25, 2026
We re-emphasized that Iran and Oman will conduct dialogue "to define future administration and maritime services in Strait of Hormuz." We're determined and will do so in discussion with our neighbors pic.twitter.com/1ezYYoC4ri
Vessel hit by 'unknown projectile' in Hormuz Strait: maritime agency
A cargo ship was damaged after it was hit by an unknown projectile off the Omani coast in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, a British maritime agency said, reporting no casualties.
"A cargo vessel has been hit on the starboard side by an unknown projectile, causing damage to the bridge. Master has reported no casualties and no environmental impact," said the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), adding the incident occurred 7.5 nautical miles (14 kilometres) southeast of Dahit in Oman.
Strait of Hormuz traffic edging back towards normal, analyses show
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is showing early signs of normalization, according to recent analyses, although uncertainty remains over reported sea mines allegedly laid by Iranian forces in the key waterway.
Data provider Kpler recorded 70 transits on Wednesday, still below pre-conflict levels of more than 100 vessels per day, while Windward said commercial traffic is “approaching functional commercial normalcy,” with more ships now leaving than entering the strait and China emerging as the main destination for oil cargoes.
Despite the gradual recovery, concerns persist after reports of potential mine-laying activity, with some assessments suggesting at least 10 mines may have been deployed, keeping security risks elevated even as shipping begins to stabilize.
Ghalibaf denies claims Iran will use unfrozen assets to buy US goods
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf rejected US claims that unfrozen Iranian assets would be used to buy American agricultural products.
In a post on X, Ghalibaf described the assertion as false and mocked Washington's position on the issue.
“America falsely claims our unfrozen assets will buy their agriculture. Interesting,” Ghalibaf wrote.
He added that the only thing being produced from decades of US-Iran relations is “mistrust,” accusing Washington of making broken promises and engaging in hostile rhetoric.
Rubio says US has not transferred any funds to Iran
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States has not transferred any funds to Iran and has not approved such a move.
His remarks come amid questions about potential financial arrangements involving Tehran following recent regional developments.
Rubio also said there is no support among Gulf states for imposing fees or taxes on the Strait of Hormuz.
He stressed that the United States would not support any measure that could undermine the security of its regional partners.
Speaking after a meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Bahrain, Rubio said his visit was intended to reassure US allies in the Gulf.
He also noted that Washington has not discussed establishing an Iran reconstruction fund with Gulf countries.
Netanyahu approves $12 billion boost to security budget
'Israeli' Defense Minister Israel Katz said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to add the equivalent of $12 billion to the country's security budget over the next 10 years.
Katz said the additional funding is intended to strengthen long-term defense capabilities amid ongoing regional challenges.
The 'Israeli' minister also described the economic campaign against Iran as “one of the important battlefronts” for the security of 'Israel'.
According to Katz, every dollar reaching Iran could ultimately find its way to groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, as well as other Iranian allies in the region.
IRGC warns ‘Israel’ will be forced from Lebanon if it does not withdraw
A commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps's Quds Force said that if ‘Israel’ does not withdraw from Lebanon voluntarily, it will be “forced to flee in defeat.”
The official warned that the continued presence of the ‘Israeli’ army in Lebanese territory would not be accepted and could lead to further confrontation.
Omani FM: Hormuz arrangements will not include transit fees
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said future arrangements concerning navigation through the Strait of Hormuz will not involve the imposition of transit fees.
Albusaidi said the planned measures are aimed at ensuring the continued flow of maritime traffic through one of the world's most important shipping routes.
The minister added that Oman has a special responsibility to support international efforts to safeguard maritime navigation in accordance with international law.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and freedom of navigation in the strategically vital waterway.
Trump says Schumer “has become essentially a Palestinian”
US President Donald Trump made pointed remarks about Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, saying he has “become essentially a Palestinian.”
The comment came during a public appearance, where Trump also referenced what he described as a “beautiful silk outfit” in the Palestinian tradition, saying he would send it to Schumer as a birthday gift.
US reportedly moves 28 refueling aircraft from Ben Gurion Airport
The 'Israeli' Broadcasting Authority reported that the United States has withdrawn 28 aerial refueling aircraft from Ben Gurion Airport.
The US rejects any nation’s claim over Hormuz, says Rubio in Bahrain
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States does not accept that the Strait of Hormuz can be controlled or owned by any one nation state.
He made the remarks while meeting Bahraini leaders in the capital Manama, underscoring Washington’s position on freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.
Rubio also addressed US-Iran relations, saying the United States wants a diplomatic agreement with Tehran but will not pursue it “at any price.”
Rubio says arguments over Hormuz toll fee are ‘semantics’
During his visit to Bahrain, US Secretary of state Rubio said: “You can call it a toll, you can call it a fee, at the end of the day it’s all semantics.”
Arab Gulf states reject ‘new geopolitical facts’ born from aggression: UAE presidential adviser
UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said that “new geopolitical facts” cannot be imposed on Arab Gulf states through what he described as a “treacherous aggression against them.”
In a post on X, Gargash argued that enforcing a “fait accompli from the womb of aggression” would not bring stability but instead deepen future tensions.
Gargash specifically pointed to the Strait of Hormuz, warning that instability in the strategic waterway would have wider regional consequences.
He said such approaches “sow new seeds of discord and conflict for the future,” underscoring the sensitivity of Gulf maritime security.
