BREAKING: Iran demands $1 per barrel on oil transiting the Strait of Hormuz — payment to be made in cryptocurrency.

Source: FT

JD Vance:

I wasn’t even aware that Zelensky had said that he was going to send private soldiers to Orbán’s residence until yesterday.

Viktor actually told me that, and then I went and looked it up.

I almost couldn’t believe it’s true, but it’s true. It’s completely scandalous.

Initial estimates from Israeli strikes in Lebanon indicate around 100 killed and 500 wounded.

Lebanese Prime Minister:

Our friends are called upon to help us stop the Israeli attacks by all means.

INTERESTING: For the first time in history, Europe is set to overtake China in terms of annual births.

📸 Hezbollah's cemetery in Beirut’s Dahieh district after multiple Israeli strikes.

Türkiye plans to expand tax breaks at the Istanbul Financial Center (IFC) to attract global firms—especially those leaving conflict-affected regions—and boost Istanbul as a regional finance hub.

New law will increase incentives for companies at IFC.

Goal: attract firms from Gulf & East Asia amid Middle East instability.

Source: Bloomberg

Pew Poll: Dislike of Americans for Israel & Netanyahu Rising Sharply

A growing share of Americans are turning away from Israel & its leadership, with a new Pew survey revealing a widening backlash - especially among youngsters - as frustration builds over war, leadership, & the direction of U.S. foreign policy.

READ MORE

"Iran Begged for Ceasefire" - Pentagon Claims Total Victory

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says U.S. achieved a “total victory”, with Iran allegedely "begging for a ceasefire". He warned that Washington may seize nuclear material & strike again if Tehran violates terms.

READ MORE

BIG: Iran says it will withdraw from the ceasefire if Israel continues attacks on Lebanon and is preparing potential responses.

A source warned Tehran could retaliate by force if violations persist.

NEW: Oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has reportedly stopped following Israel’s strikes on Lebanon.

Joint statement from IRGC Aerospace and Navy commanders:

They saw today that our hands are on the trigger, and at the slightest mistake by the enemy, we will respond with full force.

Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif:

Violations of ceasefire have been reported at few places across the conflict zone which undermine the spirit of peace process.

I earnestly and sincerely urge all parties to exercise restraint and respect the ceasefire for two weeks, as agreed upon, so that diplomacy can take a lead role towards peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Trump said in-person peace talks with Iran will happen “very soon,” likely in Pakistan.

He noted JD Vance may skip the meeting due to “a question of safety, security.”

Trump added, “We’ll have Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, JD — maybe JD, I don’t know.”

Source: New York Post

Trump on Lebanon:

Because of Hezbollah. They were not included in the deal. That'll get taken care of too. It's alright.

Source: PBS News

NEW: Turkish President Erdogan spoke with Trump about the Iran ceasefire and regional developments.

Erdogan expressed satisfaction with the truce, describing the two-week pause—after 40 difficult days—as a critical opportunity that must be used wisely to secure a lasting peace agreement and prevent any efforts to derail the process.

He also emphasized that Türkiye will continue and expand its support for diplomatic initiatives, working closely with Pakistan and other friendly nations to help advance a sustainable resolution.

French President Macron:

Hezbollah made the strategic mistake of attacking Israel and dragging Lebanon into the regional crisis.

Israel’s strikes and the occupation of southern Lebanon cannot be a long-term solution.

The ceasefire must fully include Lebanon — this is indispensable.

We must strengthen support for the Lebanese Armed Forces so they can fully regain control of their territory.

Türkiye played a key role in keeping Kurdish forces out of the Iran War.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned the U.S. that allowing Kurdish fighters to attack Iran could destabilize not only Iran, but also Türkiye and Syria.

These warnings added pressure on Washington to avoid backing Kurdish forces, contributing to the decision to rule out a Kurdish ground offensive.

Source: Reuters

Market manipulation, again.

Investors placed a huge ~$950 million bet that oil prices would fall just hours before the U.S. and Iran agreed a ceasefire, selling large volumes of Brent and U.S. crude futures ahead of the announcement.

Source: Reuters

Israel was informed late about the U.S.–Iran ceasefire deal and was not happy about the limited consultation.

Trump called Netanyahu shortly before the announcement, and Israel agreed to join, but objected to including Lebanon in the deal.

Israel says the ceasefire applies to Iran only and continues strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Source: WSJ

Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif:

From Tokyo to London, from Casablanca to Kuala Lumpur, television channels and institutions everywhere are speaking about Pakistan.

You have never seen a moment like this before.