US is weighing new strikes on Iran, and other developments in the Middle East

Key Points:

• The White House indicated President Trump is considering new military strikes on Iran following Tehran’s alleged violations of a recent truce, including attacks on commercial ships and U.S. soldiers.
• Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reported striking two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, while Kuwait intercepted Iranian drones targeting its military facilities, escalating tensions in the region.
• Hamas announced it will begin disarming as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal requiring Israel to end strikes and withdraw from Gaza, though heavy weapons disarmament remains contingent on Palestinian statehood, which Israel opposes.
• Saudi Arabia proposed a 14-country defense alliance to secure maritime routes in the Red Sea amid disruptions caused by the Iran conflict and Houthi blockades, though some Gulf states like Oman and UAE did not endorse the plan.
• In southern Lebanon, Israel destroyed Hezbollah tunnel networks under Beaufort Castle ahead of peace talks, while Lebanon’s president criticized the operation as undermining upcoming negotiations.