US looks to restore freedom of navigation in Gulf, maintain its naval reputation - analysis
The US role in enabling ships to navigate the seas is a legacy of the British Empire's once-dominant role in the world economy and in safeguarding the seas.
Middle East
US clearing out Strait of Hormuz, Trump claims as Iran threatens to attack unauthorized ships
Iraq’s militia state: Shelly Kittleson’s kidnapping exposes who runs Baghdad
US-Iran officials meet in Islamabad as Tehran outlines terms for talks - report
Pakistan Defense Minister deletes anti-Israel post from X after diplomatic backlash
Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif briefly posted a message on X accusing Israel of carrying out “genocide” and using language Israeli officials condemned as inflammatory and offensive.
US-Iran ceasefire pauses war - nuclear, Hormuz, and Lebanon issues remain
Israelis fear danger, Americans are concerned about exit as a tentative ceasefire takes shape.
US to demand freeing of American detainees in Iran as part of Islamabad negotiations - report
The Washington Post reported that it's not clear the grade of importance that the delegation, led by US Vice President JD Vance, will place on this demand.
Voices from the Arab press: Internal Arab fractures amid Iran war
A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.
Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei suffers severe, disfiguring wounds, insiders report
Sources reveal that Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is recovering from severe, disfiguring injuries following an airstrike that killed his father at the start of the war.
US says Iran lost track of mine locations spread in Strait of Hormuz, complicating reopening - NYT
The mines, which were laid by small boats and without a clear record of where they were placed, make the Strait of Hormuz almost impossible to transit.
China plans to deliver air defense systems to Iran in coming weeks, US intelligence reveals - CNN
US intelligence reports that China is preparing to deliver air defense systems to Iran within weeks, using third countries to conceal the shipments, as tensions rise in the region.
US-Iran ceasefire talks to continue through tonight, Lebanese PM will not attend DC negotiations
Iran says it will uphold ceasefire commitments with Lebanon • Sirens sound in Galilee, building damaged from Hezbollah drones • CENTCOM clears underwater mines in Hormuz
Iran retains thousands of missiles, ability to reactivate launchers - report
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had said that Iran's missiles had been "depleted and decimated" during a press conference, with US officials concerned that Iran may use the ceasefire to rearm.
US, Lebanon request Israel pause attacks against Hezbollah prior to talks - report
The report said the request was still under review by Netanyahu, with Lebanon earlier on Friday saying that the US would be mediating the talks.
