As tensions rise in the Gulf, a Chinese tanker transits Hormuz, Hezbollah rejects disarmament talks, and Qatar warns against “blackmail” over the blocked strait.
Chinese supertanker crosses Hormuz: Chinese crude oil supertanker Yuan Hua Hu was reportedly transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, ship-tracking data showed, passing Iran’s Larak Island while heading out of the Gulf.. Hezbollah rules out disarmament talks: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said his group’s weapons were not part of forthcoming ceasefire negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.. “This is an internal Lebanese matter and not part of negotiations with the enemy,” he said before the
third round of Lebanon-Israel talks scheduled for Thursday and Friday.. Qatar warns over Hormuz pressure: Qatar’s prime minister said Iran should not use the Strait of Hormuz, blocked since early in the war, as a means of “blackmail” against Gulf states.. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani also said a recent visit to Washington was aimed at supporting Pakistan’s mediation efforts to help end the conflict.. Iran defends Hormuz stance: Reporting from Tehran,
Al Jazeera’s Almigdad Alruhaid said Iranian officials reject suggestions they are using the Strait of Hormuz as a weapon, insisting vessels can still move safely through routes coordinated by the IRGC Navy even as Tehran tightens control over the strategic waterway.. Australia joins Gulf mission: Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia will join a “strictly defensive” mission led by France and the United Kingdom to secure shipping through the strait, once it is established, and
contribute a surveillance aircraft to protect the United Arab Emirates from Iranian drone attacks.. Turkiye sees chance for de-escalation: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said he believes both the US and Iran now have “enough will” to stop the conflict, warning that further escalation would deepen global economic instability and regional tensions.. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Fidan urged both sides to pursue a lasting settlement, saying the war’s impact extends far beyond the two countries.
Strait of Hormuz, Hezbollah ceasefire talks, Chinese tanker Yuan Hua Hu, Iran IRGC navy routes, Qatar mediation Washington, Gulf defensive shipping mission