Iran Restricts Strait of Hormuz to 'Friendly' Vessels; Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets in Lebanon; UAE Advances Oil Bypass Pipeline

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blamed “contradictory messages” from the US for complicating negotiations even as Tehran asserted control over access to the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi said Iran is not to blame for disruptions in the strait. He stated that Tehran did not initiate the war and is only defending itself.

Araghchi reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is open to vessels of “friendly countries” as long as they coordinate with Iranian officials. The strait is closed to Iran’s “enemies,” he added. China’s Foreign Ministry stated that the Iran conflict is a conflict that never should have started, it is imperative that it does not continue, and the use of force is a dead end.

Separately, Israel’s air force intercepted a suspicious aerial target in the airspace where its military is operating in southern Lebanon. Hours later an Israeli strike hit a motorcycle in the southern Lebanese town of al-Majadel. No immediate casualties were reported from the strike.

Israel has intensified targeted strikes on cars and motorcycles in southern Lebanon and near Beirut in recent days. The strike in al-Majadel fit that pattern of operations aimed at specific vehicles. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex on Thursday.

Qatar stated that Ben-Gvir’s actions and Israeli settler actions restricting access to Al-Aqsa constitute a blatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law. Qatar warned that Ben-Gvir’s actions represent a dangerous attempt to alter the historical and legal status quo in occupied Jerusalem. The UAE will accelerate construction of a new oil pipeline through Fujairah.