Iran is demanding a temporary ceasefire and the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, citing severe shortages of food, medicine and cash, and warning of the risk of hunger in parts of the country. The US is prepared to partially ease the naval blockade and release frozen funds, but is conditioning this on guarantees regarding the nuclear issue and the consent of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as well.

According to a New York Times report, Trump is considering whether Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio should be his political heir, and is even weighing a joint ticket for the two in the 2028 Republican presidential race. Meanwhile, both men are increasing their public activity ahead of the midterm elections, amid growing speculation within the Republican Party

"There is still enriched uranium that needs to be removed from Iran, there are still enrichment sites that need to be dismantled, and there is more work to do," the prime minister said. He said Trump told him, "I want to go in there," and added that he believed "it can be done physically."

Against the backdrop of the war in the Middle East, Trump will land in Beijing this week for his first visit to China since 2017. China was indeed affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, but it had been preparing for this scenario for years. As the presidents arrange their cards ahead of the meeting, there are concerns that the interests of partner countries, such as Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, will be sacrificed in exchange for economic understandings.

As Washington awaits an Iranian replay on ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the new supreme leader met with the military top brass. A report submitted to him said: “Any enemy mistake will be met with force.” Meanwhile the UAE has intercepted two Iranian drones.