Israeli strikes in Gaza kill six, ceasefire holds but violence continues
The live updates focus on the rapidly evolving conflict between the United States and Iran following a fresh round of military strikes that have raised concerns about a wider regional war.U.S.
President Donald Trump stated that Washington had agreed to continue negotiations with Iran, while simultaneously maintaining that the previous ceasefire was effectively over.
Iran, however, denied requesting fresh talks, with its Foreign Ministry clarifying that it had only accepted a visit by Qatari mediators as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.Qatar and Egypt urged both countries to return to the negotiating table and prioritise dialogue over further military action.
The United States also demanded that Iran publicly commit to ending attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and guarantee uninterrupted maritime traffic through the strategically important waterway.
Meanwhile, Iran continued national mourning ceremonies by laying to rest former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Mashhad, several months after he was killed in an airstrike.Elsewhere in the region, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed one person despite an existing truce with Hezbollah.The renewed tensions have also affected global energy markets and trade.
The International Energy Agency warned that continued hostilities could disrupt its forecast of an oil market surplus next year, while China temporarily suspended helium exports to safeguard domestic supplies critical for semiconductor manufacturing.
Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has begun recovering, although governments and shipping companies remain cautious following recent attacks.Russia has also started returning staff to Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant.
Overall, the developments underline that while diplomatic channels remain open through regional mediators, the security situation across West Asia remains fragile and highly unpredictable.