Oman Calls for Diplomacy on Strait of Hormuz Amid Shipping Restrictions

Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi called for diplomacy to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid shipping restrictions following the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Albusaidi stated that he discussed the issue with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, describing the talks as positive.

He emphasized the shared responsibility of littoral states to the international community and the urgent humanitarian need to free the seafarers held for far too long.

Iran has loaded the equivalent of 4.6 million barrels of oil at crude export terminals, with an additional four million barrels appearing to have bypassed the U.S. blockade, according to maritime analytics. Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, thanked Pakistani officials for hosting Araghchi's visit.

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir for their efforts toward ending the war and achieving peace.

Traveled to Muscat from Islamabad for talks with Omani officials as part of mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran to end the conflict. Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani discussed de-escalation with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, focusing on enhancing regional security.

Giorgio Cafiero, CEO of Gulf State Analytics, stated that Gulf states want de-escalation and the Strait of Hormuz opened to restore stability. He noted that pre-war relations with Iran have been deeply fractured due to attacks on Gulf infrastructure.

In Israel, former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announced they would merge their parties to form a new one called Together. Lapid said, “We are standing here together for the sake of our children. ” Lebanese health ministry reported that Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed 14 people, including two children and two women, and wounded 37 others.

Israel stated it can act against planned or ongoing attacks, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirming freedom to preempt threats.

A Global Report on Food Crises warned that famine could return to Gaza without sustained aid access and stability. Al Jazeera's Hani Mahmoud reported from Gaza City on signs of improvement but ongoing instability. Palestinians in central Gaza and the occupied West Bank participated in municipal elections, the first local vote since the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict.