Your Daily Middle East Briefing

US and Iran Intensify Threats While Mediators Seek De-escalation

• US and Iranian leaders exchanged fresh threats, with President Trump warning of "1000 Missiles" aimed at Iran if assassination plots proceed, and Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowing "revenge" for his father's death. This comes as US officials demand Iran publicly commit to ceasing attacks in the Strait of Hormuz before Saturday's mediated talks in Oman, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is present.

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• The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, with one Palestinian killed and four injured in an Israeli airstrike on Saturday, contributing to a total of 73,221 deaths and 173,643 injuries since October 7, 2023. Hospitals face severe power cuts due to fuel shortages from an ongoing blockade, and Israel continues to withhold the bodies of over 100 Palestinians who died in custody, despite no Israeli hostages currently being held.

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• The ongoing dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran asserting control and the UN urging rejection of this claim, continues to disrupt global trade and is projected to slow Saudi Arabia's GDP growth to 0.6% in 2026. In a notable development, shipping giant Maersk announced it would resume Middle East-US East Coast services via the Suez Canal, a route previously abandoned due to threats from Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen.

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