Regional powers seek off-ramp from Iran war, and other Middle East developments

Key Points:

• A tanker was attacked by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire but no reported crew injuries or environmental damage, highlighting ongoing risks in this strategic waterway controlled by Iran.
• Diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iran conflict continue, with Pakistan and Qatar engaging in talks to de-escalate tensions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while US President Trump remains without a set timeline to end the conflict.
• Iran dismissed recent US sanctions as ineffective, criticizing the US coalition with Bahrain and receiving support from China against the sanctions, amid threats of harsh retaliation for expanded measures.
• Israel’s ongoing strikes in Gaza have drawn criticism from the UN peace envoy for undermining the ceasefire and causing civilian casualties, while Israel insists Hamas’ disarmament is a prerequisite for reconstruction.
• Israel ordered the removal of two Dutch diplomats from the Gaza ceasefire coordination center in response to Dutch government actions against Israeli settlement products, a move criticized by the Dutch Foreign Minister as unnecessary and politically motivated.