Daily brief
Iran is asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz, demanding ships use only Tehran-approved routes and warning against unauthorized crossings, putting it at odds with Oman's proposed alternative corridor. The commander of Iran's Quds Force has separately warned Israel to fully withdraw from Lebanon or face a humiliating defeat.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Bahrain and other Gulf states to build support for ongoing US-Iran negotiations, while President Trump clashed with Senate Republicans over a resolution limiting his authority to use military force against Iran.
President Donald Trump is asking Congress for $87 billion, mostly for what he calls urgent costs related to the Iran war, facing sharp criticism from fellow Republicans over the conflict.
Italy rejected NATO chief Mark Rutte’s praise over an alleged role in US strikes on Iran, and Iran accused NATO of complicity in the war against it.