Overview
- U.S. Central Command said American forces carried out self‑defence strikes on missile launch sites and boats trying to lay mines in southern Iran, a move Tehran called a breach of the ceasefire and the IRGC said it downed a U.S. drone.
- Negotiators meeting in Doha have reported progress on a limited memorandum of understanding to extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but talks have slowed over precise wording and the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
- President Trump has demanded Iran hand over or destroy its highly enriched uranium, a hard line that Tehran rejects and that negotiators say is the single biggest obstacle to a near‑term deal.
- Markets reacted quickly as oil prices jumped on the strikes, underscoring how continued disruption of Hormuz — which carries about one‑fifth of seaborne oil and LNG — raises global fuel and inflation risks.
- Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan are pressing phased steps such as a 30–60 day framework and staged release of frozen assets (reports cite an initial tranche near $12 billion) but officials warn finalizing language could take days and is not guaranteed.