🔸 U.S. REINFORCES REGION AS CEASEFIRE TALKS ADVANCE AND HOUTHIS THREATEN BAB EL-MANDEB
✈️ U.S. DEPLOYS ADDITIONAL FIGHTER JETS AND REFUELING AIRCRAFT: The United States is deploying additional F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, along with aerial-refueling tankers, to the Middle East, according to CNN.
The South Korean Foreign Ministry called on visitors to immediately leave the Middle East unless they have strong reasons to remain.
🔸 MEDIATORS PROPOSE 10-DAY PAUSE TO REVIVE U.S.-IRAN AGREEMENT: Mediators proposed a 10-day pause in strikes to create an opportunity to revive the interim U.S.-Iran nuclear agreement reached last month, according to a senior Iranian official cited by Reuters.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei previously stated that “negotiations with the US can be continued in accordance with national interests” and confirmed that mediators had conveyed messages to Tehran over recent days.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was “open to a diplomatic solution with Iran.”
Officials close to President Trump are reportedly pressuring him to accept Qatar’s proposal for a 10-day ceasefire.
The United States has not ruled out a ceasefire but is demanding a longer arrangement tied to specific understandings concerning the Strait of Hormuz, according to Channel 12.
A Pakistani Interior Ministry source said Iran’s interior minister was expected to arrive in Pakistan this evening at the head of a delegation of six ministers. A meeting with Pakistan’s army chief was also expected, according to Al-Mayadeen.
⚓ HOUTHIS ANNOUNCE SAUDI NAVAL BLOCKADE AND THREATEN BAB EL-MANDEB: The Houthis announced an immediate naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, citing the Saudi-led blockade of Yemen.
Saudi Arabia has reportedly shifted 75% of its oil exports to the Red Sea to avoid the Strait of Hormuz.
The Houthis, an Iranian proxy, announced that they would close Bab el-Mandeb, placing the region’s other major maritime chokepoint under pressure.
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