Middle East crisis live: Iran to hand over enriched uranium or US will ‘take it out’, Hegseth claims

Key Points:

• US Pentagon officials announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, with Iran agreeing to cease uranium enrichment and allow safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, though the US military remains ready to resume attacks if ordered.
• Iran’s enriched uranium will either be handed over to the US or forcibly taken, according to US defense secretary Pete Hegseth, who emphasized the severe damage inflicted on Iran’s military and industrial capabilities during Operation Epic Fury.
• Despite the ceasefire, Israeli strikes continue in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, with Lebanon’s prime minister accusing Israel of killing unarmed civilians and attacking densely populated areas, especially Beirut.
• Shipping experts caution that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will see gradual resumption of vessel traffic due to insurance and security concerns; only a limited number of ships have transited so far, with full flow expected to take weeks to normalize.
• Pakistan is set to host US-Iran talks aimed at resolving the conflict, with both sides confirming participation; international leaders welcomed the ceasefire as a vital step toward regional stability, while urging an end to hostilities in Lebanon.