James Chater

Iran says it is negotiating with Oman over a temporary arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping but denies that talks with the United States are taking place. Donald Trump insists negotiations are under way and says he postponed planned major strikes on Iran because he believes a deal on the waterway and the nuclear issue is possible. Shipping through Hormuz has slowed sharply, contributing to volatile oil prices, while previous mediated negotiations and a ceasefire have collapsed. Polling indicates declining US support for the conflict, creating political pressure for Trump and Republican allies ahead of the November midterm elections.

Donald Trump says the United States could suspend further attacks on Iran if a deal is reached quickly, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resolving concerns about Iran's nuclear program. Iranian officials deny that Tehran asked Washington to halt military action and warn that threats must be taken seriously. The report describes preparations for possible further U.S. and Israeli strikes, ongoing retaliatory attacks, warnings to Americans in the Middle East, regional concern expressed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and rising oil-price risks. Domestic opposition to the war is also growing in the United States, with Pew Research Center finding that about 60% of Americans disapprove of the conflict ahead of the midterm elections.

George and Amal Clooney evacuated their home in Brignoles, southern France, with their twins as wildfires spread through the Var region. In a letter to Brignoles mayor Didier Brémond, George Clooney expressed concern for the property and pledged that the family would help rebuild the community regardless of the damage. Evacuated residents were later allowed to return, although officials continued to warn about dangerous heat and winds. The fires are part of a wider outbreak across Europe, with major evacuations in France and Greece and several firefighter deaths reported.